Sitabari Pilgrimage Complex

Sitabari is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage complex located near Kelwara village in Baran district, Rajasthan. Associated with the Ramayana, it is believed to be where Goddess Sita lived during her exile and gave birth to Luv and Kush under Maharishi Valmiki's guidance. The site features ancient temples dedicated to Sita, Lakshman, and Valmiki, along with seven holy water tanks (kunds). It hosts the annual Sahariya tribal fair and serves as both a religious destination and popular picnic spot.

Visitors can explore a peaceful forest-surrounded temple complex featuring ancient shrines dedicated to Sita, Lakshman, and Valmiki. The site includes seven sacred kunds (water tanks) such as Sita Kund, Lakshman Kund, Surya Kund, and Luv-Kush Kund, where devotees take holy dips. The complex offers serene surroundings with dense mango groves, traditional temple architecture, and mythological sites including Sita Kuti (a cottage-like structure). Visitors can witness spiritual practices, observe pilgrims performing rituals, and experience the tranquil natural setting.

According to Hindu mythology, Sitabari served as the forest refuge for Goddess Sita after she left Ayodhya. It is believed to have been part of Maharishi Valmiki's ashram where Sita gave birth to her twin sons Luv and Kush. The site contains ancient ruins estimated to date back to the 12th-13th century. The complex has long-standing association with the Sahariya tribal community, who consider it their Kumbh pilgrimage site.

Sitabari holds immense religious importance as a Ramayana-associated pilgrimage site. It is considered the Kumbh of the Sahariya tribe, hosting one of Rajasthan's largest tribal religious gatherings annually during Jyeshtha Amavasya (May-June). The site represents centuries-old traditions of tribal worship, cattle trading, and community gathering. The sacred kunds are believed to possess curative powers, and devotees perform rituals including holy dips and ancestral rites.