Incredible importance of sandalwood in Chitrakoot, devotees take sandalwood as Prasad from the penance place of Tulsidas, know its secret. Last Updated: 11 December 2025, 19:42 IST story of Ramraj: Religious city of Chitrakoot is famous in the country and abroad for its mythological history, belief and divine spiritual atmosphere. Thousands of devotees come here every day for darshan and worship. There is a special tradition of the devotees coming to Chitrakoot and taking sandalwood prasad form from here. Because of the legends associated with Tulsidas and Lord Shri Ram, sandalwood has become a unique symbol of faith here. Chitrakoot: Chitrakoot in UP is considered as the holy place of Lord Shri Ram. Sandalwood is easily available at every shop from Ramghat to the surrounding streets. Devotees consider sandalwood not as a common commodity but as Prasad as a form of God’s grace. Devotees believe that sandalwood taken from Chitrakoot brings peace, happiness and spiritual energy to the home. For this reason, most of the travelers who come here return only with sandalwood. When Tulsidas administered Tilak by rubbing sandalwood: According to the stories, Goswami Tulsidas administered Tilak from Lord Shri Ram by rubbing sandalwood at Ramghat in Chitrakoot. At that moment Lord Shri Ram arrived to give him direct darshan. This wonderful phenomenon does not allow sandalwood to remain just a fragrant wood, but turns it into a medium of devotion. For this reason, the sandalwood of Chitrakoot has attained the status of Prasad. Sandalwood became a symbol of devotion, religious belief increased its importance. Priest Mohit Das says just as the Raj of Mathura-Vrindavan is revered and rice has special significance in Jagannath Puri, sandalwood is also considered the best Prasad in Chitrakoot. Even in Sanatan Dharma, sandalwood is a symbol of purity, peace and devotion. The sandalwood that Tulsidas applied to the Lord on the ghats here further strengthens the faith of the devotees. Sandalwood is made from the sacred soil of Chitrakoot, which is called ‘Ramraj’. According to local belief, the land of Chitrakoot is called ‘Ramraj’ because it is the same land where Lord Shri Ram himself walked barefoot. As the soil here is considered sacred, many shopkeepers use it to make sandalwood. Devotees keep this sandalwood in their place of worship and experience increased spiritual energy in their life. Faith of the devotees, devotion like Tulsidas and striving for love of God. Devotees believe that the nature of devotion resides in the sandalwood, which can enable Tulsidas ji to see the Lord. Therefore, devotees take sandalwood with the feeling in their minds that they can also get the same devotion, love and faith. Many people take this sandalwood home and offer it to God and pray for peace and happiness in the family. Sandalwood has become part of faith and tradition. Sandalwood is not just an item to buy but has become an integral part of Chitrakoot Yatra. Every devotee takes sandalwood with him, so that the divinity of Chitrakoot and the blessings of Lord Shri Ram remain in the house. This tradition has been going on for generations and is still followed with the same devotion today. Location: Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh First Published: 11 December 2025, 19:42 IST homeuttar-pradesh Incredible importance of sandalwood in Chitrakoot, devotees take sandalwood as Prasad.