Chittaura Jheel

About

Chittaura Jheel, also known as Ashtwarka jheel) is a lake in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is situated about 8 km from Bahraich city, on Gonda road, near Jittora or Chittaura village. Many migratory birds are also found here during August–October (late monsoon period). A small river, Teri/Tedhi Nadi, originates from this lake. This river goes beyond Gonda and merges with the Saryu river. It is mentioned in the mythological texts as Kutila river. Chittaura Jheel is a Hindu pilgrimage site. According to local legends, Ashtwarka Muni, the Guru of Maharaja Janak had become crooked from eight places of his body after being cursed. He had built an ashram on the banks of the Tedhi river and used to live here. By bathing in the river here every day, his crooked body was rejuvenated, due to which the crookedness of his body was over.

Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.