The Sitabani Temple is in the Sitabani Forest Reserve, and it’s a great place for tourists. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, making it interesting for people from all over the world. In the temple area, you can see jackals, wild boars, barking deer, leopards, tigers, elephants, and king cobras. Because of this variety of wildlife, the temple is recognized and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
This temple is devoted to Goddess Sita and is unique because it has idols of Luv and Kush along with a Shivling on the other side. It’s located in Sitabani zone of the Jim Corbett National Park, and being in the Mailani range, it gives visitors a stunning view of the hills and forests around. The temple has water flowing through three channels and a beautiful pond as part of its special design, making it a must-visit place for people who love nature and history.
History of Sitabani Temple
In the old stories, people say that Mother Sita came to the Sitabani forest with her sons Luv and Kush and stayed for a while. To remember this, a temple was built in the Corbett Tiger Reserve, and that’s why the place is called ‘Sitabani,’ meaning Goddess Sita’s Forest. The temple is very old and is quite isolated. A solitary priest resides within the heart of the dense forest and wildlife surroundings. Moreover, the temple features a dedicated water source that dispenses warm water.
Entry fee & Timings
Because this area is a forest zone, hence it is imperative to inquire about the operating hours directly from the forest department. Additionally, obtaining an entry pass for your vehicle or arranging for a gypsy is necessary, and the associated formalities can be facilitated through the latter option.
Why this temple famous among peoples?
Sitabani Temple is famous for its history and unique design. People value it for its spiritual importance because it’s dedicated to Goddess Sita, who is said to have stayed there during her exile before the Agnipariksha. The temple is located where Maharishi Valmiki had his hermitage.
You can find old things like amlaka stones, a Ganesha sculpture without a head, a doorjamb, and carved slabs near the current temple, showing how old the place is. But it’s important to know that the temple standing now was built later, not in the ancient times. These are the reasons why this temple is renowned among both locals and tourists alike.
What one can see in Sitabani Temple?
These are the interesting things which one can discover in Sitabani Temple.
Amlaka Stones: Find old amlaka stones, giving a peek into the history of the temple.
Headless Ganesha Sculpture: See a special sculpture of Lord Ganesha without a head. It shows how skilled the artists were.
Doorjamb: Look at the doorjamb, a part of the temple that adds to its cultural and historical importance.
Carved Slabs: Enjoy the beauty of carefully carved slabs, showing the art from the past.
Vibes of Divine: Feel the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere in the temple. It’s a special place where you can connect with the divine energy.
Nearyby attractions
You can discover some amazing places near Sitabani Temple.
Garjiya Temple (37 KM): Go on an adventure to Garjiya Devi Temple, which is 37 kilometers away. This special place offers a spiritual experience with its cultural and beautiful architecture.
Shri Hanuman Dham Temple Choi (29 KM): Experience the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere at Shri Hanuman Dham Temple Choi, just 29 kilometers from Sitabani Temple. It’s a well-known temple where you can feel a sense of serenity and devotion.
Corbett Waterfalls (31 KM): Enjoy a scenic 31-kilometer drive to reach the stunning Corbett Waterfalls. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and calming sounds of the flowing water in this picturesque spot.
Jim Corbett Museum (33 KM): Dive into the history and wildlife heritage at the Jim Corbett Museum, located 33 kilometers away. Explore exhibits that tell stories about the fascinating plants and animals in the region.
How to reach Sitabani Temple
Address – Sitabani Temple, Mailani Range, Uttarakhand 263159, India.
Latitude- 29.40°N, Longitude-79.12°E
Sitabani Temple is located within the premises of Jim Corbett National Park, and convenient access is available through multiple modes of transportation, including buses, private cars, trains, and flights.
The closest bus stand and railway station are in Ramnagar, with Sitabani Temple situated approximately 24 kilometers away from the town. For air travel, Pant Nagar Airport serves as the nearest airport to reach Jim Corbett National Park.
FAQ about Sitabani Temple
Sitabani Temple is situated in the Sitabani Forest Reserve, known for its beautiful architecture and diverse wildlife. Dedicated to Goddess Sita, it holds idols of Luv, Kush, and a Shivling. The temple, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is located in the Mailani range, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills and forests.
According to ancient tales, Mother Sita, along with her sons Luv and Kush, spent time in the Sitabani forest. To commemorate this, a temple was built in the Corbett Tiger Reserve, leading to the name ‘Sitabani,’ meaning Goddess Sita’s Forest.
Notable features include amlaka stones, a headless Ganesha sculpture, a doorjamb, and intricately carved slabs, Pond, offering insights into the temple’s rich history. Additionally, visitors can experience a divine ambiance within the temple premises.
As it is a forest zone, it is crucial to inquire about the operating hours from the forest department. Entry passes for vehicles or arrangements for a gypsy can be obtained, with formalities facilitated through the latter option.
Sitabani Temple is renowned for its historical significance, unique design, and spiritual importance. Dedicated to Goddess Sita, the temple’s cultural and architectural richness attracts both locals and tourists.
The Temple, located within Jim Corbett National Park, is accessible by bus, private car, train, and flight. The nearest bus stand and railway station are in Ramnagar, approximately 24 kilometers away. Pant Nagar Airport is the nearest airport for air travel.
Nearby attractions include Garjiya Temple (37 KM), Shri Hanuman Dham Temple Choi (29 KM), Corbett Waterfalls (31 KM), and Jim Corbett Museum (33 KM). Each offers a unique experience, blending spirituality, nature, and history.
