Tapovana

Last updated

Origin of the holy river Ganga Tapovan.jpg
Origin of the holy river Ganga

Tapovana (Sanskrit) comes from the two root words tapas, meaning 'penance' and by extension 'religious mortification' and 'austerity', and more generally 'spiritual practice', and vana, meaning 'forest' or 'thicket'. Tapovana then translates as 'forest of austerities or spiritual practice'. Though pronounced the same in Hindi, tapovana should not be confused with tapovan (from tapovat), which means a person engaged in austerity.

Contents

Traditionally in India, any place where someone has engaged in serious spiritual retreat may become known as a tapovana, even if there is no forest. As well as particular caves and other hermitages where sages and sadhus have dwelt, there are some places, such as the western bank of the northern Ganges river around Rishikesh, that have been so used by hermits that the whole area has become known as a tapovana.

Tapovan (places)

Tapovan from 100 metres above. Alt. 4478 metre ASL. Tapovan from above Aditya Asopa.jpg
Tapovan from 100 metres above. Alt. 4478 metre ASL.

The most well known tapovan in India is the area above the Gangotri Glacier at one of the primary sources of the Ganges, in Uttarakhand, India. At the foot of Shivling peak, a barren area at about 4,463m (14640 feet) elevation, is a seasonal home to several sadhus living in caves, huts, etc. and it has become a trekking destination also. [1] The trekking usually starts from Gomukh and the trek was considered moderate to difficult [1] prior to the destruction of much of the trail from Gangotri to Gaumukh by the 2013 North Indian Floods. The Tapovan area is base camp for several mountaineering expeditions including Shivling peak, Bhagirathi peak etc. The Tapovan area is full of meadows, streams and flowering plants and the meadows are considered one of the best high altitude meadows in India. In Tapovan, a stream named Amrit Ganga – the nectar of the Ganges – flows into the glacier. [1] There is also a place named Nandanvan near Tapovan, and Nandanvan is also trekked by trekkers and pilgrims. [1] Nandanvan is also a spacious meadow located at the base of Bhagirathi massif. [2]

There is a place bearing a similar name at Joshimath in Chamoli District, which has a sulphur spring known as the Tapovan Hot Springs. It is a part of the Sapta Badri Tapovan PDF.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gangotri Glacier</span> Glacier in India

Gangotri is located in Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand, India in a region bordering Tibet. This glacier, one of the primary sources of the Ganges, has a volume of over 27 cubic kilometers. The glacier is about 30 kilometres long and 2 to 4 km wide. Around the glacier are the peaks of the Gangotri Group, including several peaks notable for extremely challenging climbing routes, such as Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Meru, and Bhagirathi III. It flows roughly northwest, originating in a cirque below Chaukhamba, the highest peak of the group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gangotri National Park</span> Indian national park

Gangotri National Park is a national park in Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand in India, covering about 2,390 km2 (920 sq mi). Its habitat consists of coniferous forests, alpine meadows and glaciers. Gaumukh at Gangotri glacier, the origin of river Ganga, is located inside the park. Gangotri National Park was established in 1989.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uttarkashi</span> Town in Uttarakhand, India

Uttarkashi, meaning Kashi of the north, is a town located in Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, India. Uttarkashi town is headquarters of the district. Uttarkashi is also known as Somya Kashi. Uttarkashi is a religious place for spiritual and adventurous tourism. Uttarkashi town is also called as Shivnagri. The town has number of temples and ashrams. Uttarkashi is known for its religious people, weather, education.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shivling (mountain)</span>

Shivling is a mountain at tapovan in the Gangotri Group of peaks in the western Garhwal Himalaya, near the snout of the Gangotri Glacier, one of the biggest glaciers in the Himalayas, and Tapovan, a beautiful lush meadows, both being also popular pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. It lies in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, 6 kilometres (4 mi) south of the Hindu holy site of Gaumukh. Its name refers to its status as a sacred symbol -Shiva Linga. It was called "Matterhorn Peak" by early European visitors because of its similarity in appearance to that Alpine peak. While not of locally great elevation, it is a dramatic rock peak, and the most visually striking peak as seen from Gaumukh; that and the difficulty of the climb make it a famed prize for mountaineers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kedartal</span> Body of water

Kedartal is a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 4,750 metres (15,580 ft) in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas in India. The lake is fed by the snowfall over Thalay Sagar, Meru, Bhrigupanth and other surrounding peaks, and is the source of Kedar Ganga, which in Hindu mythology is considered to be Shiva's contribution to Bhagirathi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Swami Sundaranand</span> Indian environmentalist (1926–2020)

Swami Sundaranand was an Indian Yogi, photographer, author and mountaineer who lectured widely in India on threats to the Ganges River and the loss of Himalayan glaciers due to global warming.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gomukh</span>

Gomukh, also known as "Gaumukh" or "Gomukhi", is the terminus or pout of the Gangotri Glacier and the source of the Bhagirathi River, one of the primary headstreams of the Ganga River. The word Gomukh/Gaumukh literally means "Mouth of a Cow."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhagirathi Massif</span>

Bhagirathi Massif or Bhagirathi Group is a mountain range of Garhwal Himalaya in Gangotri Glacier Uttarakhand India, It has four peaks between 6856 meter and 6193 meter. The Bhagirathi I summits is 6856 meter or 22493 feet. It was first climbed by A Japanese team in 1980. It is surrounded by Glaciers on four side on the eastern side of the Massif is Vasuki Glacier, on the western side its Gangotri Glacier the main glacier in this area, northern side is surrounded by Chaturangi Glacier and southern side guarded by Swachhhand Glacier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vasuki Parbat</span>

Vasuki Parbat or Vasuki Parvat is a mountain range of Garhwal Himalaya in Vasuki Glacier Uttarakhand, India. It has a subsidiary peak, Vasuki south. Vasuki Parbat stands majestically at 6792 meter and the south peak 6702 at meter. Its the 35th highest located entirely within the uttrakhand India. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Janhukut</span>

Janhukut is a mountain of Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand India. Janhukut standing majestically at 6805 meter. It's the 31st highest located entirely within the uttrakhand India. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category. Janhukut is the 473rd highest peak in the world.

Chaturbhuj is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand, India. The elevation of Chaturbhuj is 6,654 metres (21,831 ft) and its prominence is 357 metres (1,171 ft). It is 52nd highest located entirely within the Uttrakhand. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category. Chaturbhuj lies between the Matri 6,721 metres (22,051 ft) and Shwetvarn 6,340 metres (20,801 ft). Its nearest higher neighbor Yogeshwar lies 2.7 km east. It is located 5.9 km NW of chirbas Parbat 6,529 metres (21,421 ft) and 8.5 km east lies Sri Kailash 6,932 metres (22,743 ft).

Pilapani Parbat is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand India. The elevation of Pilapani Parbat is 6,796 metres (22,297 ft) and its prominence is 599 metres (1,965 ft). It is 33rd highest located entirely within Uttarakhand. Nanda Devi is the highest mountain in this category, and 488th highest in the world. Pilapani Parbat lies between the Sri Kailash6,932 metres (22,743 ft) and Mana Parbat III 6,730 metres (22,080 ft). Its nearest higher neighbor Sri Kailash lies 6.5 km NNW. It is located 9.5 km SE of Yogeshwar 6,678 metres (21,909 ft) and 11.7 km SW lies Bhagirathi Parbat II 6,512 metres (21,365 ft).

Satopanth South West also called P. 6770 is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand, India. The elevation of Satopanth south west is 6,770 metres (22,211 ft) and its prominence is 195 metres (640 ft). It is 40th highest located entirely within the Uttrakhand. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category. It lies in the same connecting ridge that joins Satopanth and Bhagirathi Parbat I. It lies 1.8 km SW of Satopanth. Its nearest higher neighbor Satopanth 7,075 metres (23,212 ft). It is located 3.4 km SE of Vasuki South 6,702 metres (21,988 ft) and 5.2 km NNW lies Bhagirathi I 6,856 metres (22,493 ft).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jogin I</span> Mountain in Uttarakhand, India

Jogin I is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand India.The elevation of Jogin I is 6,465 metres (21,211 ft) and its prominence is 843 metres (2,766 ft). It is 94th highest located entirely within the Uttrakhand. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category. It lies 5.4 km east of Gangotri III and 7.4 km west of Bhrigupanth 6,772 metres (22,218 ft). It lies 2.2 km South of Jogin II. Its nearest higher neighbor is Gangotri III 6,577 metres (21,578 ft). It is located 6.9 km NW of Thalaysagar 6,904 metres (22,651 ft) and 8.8 km NW lies Gangotri I 6,682 metres (21,923 ft).

Jogin II is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand India.The elevation of Jogin II is 6,342 metres (20,807 ft) and its prominence is 259 metres (850 ft). It is 110th highest located entirely within the Uttrakhand. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category. It lies 6.2 km east of Gangotri III and 7 km west of Bhrigupanth 6,772 metres (22,218 ft). It lies 2.2 km north of Jogin I. Its nearest higher neighbor is Jogin I 6,465 metres (21,211 ft). It is located 7.2 km NW of Thalay Sagar 6,904 metres (22,651 ft) and 8.5 km NW lies Gangotri I 6,682 metres (21,923 ft).

Jogin III is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand, India. The elevation of Jogin III is 6,116 metres (20,066 ft). It is 155th highest located entirely within the Uttrakhand. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category.

Manda II is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand India also called Manda south. The elevation of Manda II is 6,568 metres (21,549 ft) and its prominence is 583 metres (1,913 ft). It is joint 71st highest located entirely within the Uttrakhand. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category. It lies 1.6 km (0.99 mi) south of Manda I 6,511 metres (21,362 ft) and 2.4 km (1.5 mi) north of Manda III 6,529 metres (21,421 ft). It lies 7.1 km (4.4 mi) NE of Jogin II 6,342 metres (20,807 ft). Its nearest higher neighbor is Bhrigupanth 6,772 metres (22,218 ft). It is located 8.1 km (5.0 mi) NW of Shivling (mountain) 6,543 metres (21,467 ft) and 14.6 km (9.1 mi) west lies Gangotri I 6,682 metres (21,923 ft).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manda I</span> Mountain in Uttarakhand, India

Manda I is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand India also called Manda. The elevation of Manda I is 6,510 metres (21,358 ft) and its prominence is 226 metres (741 ft). It is joint 86th highest located entirely within the Uttarakhand. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category. It lies 1.6 km (0.99 mi) north of Manda II 6,568 metres (21,549 ft) and 3.9 km (2.4 mi) north of Manda III 6,529 metres (21,421 ft). It lies 7.8 km (4.8 mi) NE of Jogin II 6,342 metres (20,807 ft). It is located 6.6 km (4.1 mi) north of Bhrigupanth 6,772 metres (22,218 ft) and 9.6 km (6.0 mi) SW lies Jogin I 6,465 metres (21,211 ft).

Vasuki Parbat South is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand, India. The elevation of Vasuki Parbat South is 6,702 metres (21,988 ft) and its prominence is 280 metres (919 ft). It is 49th highest located entirely within the Uttrakhand. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category. It lies 1.6 km south of Vasuki Parbat its nearest higher neighbor 6,792 metres (22,283 ft) and 2.7 km east of Bhagirathi Parbat I 6,856 metres (22,493 ft). It is located 4.6 km SE of Bhagirathi Parbat II 6,512 metres (21,365 ft) and 4.1 km SE lies Satopanth 7,075 metres (23,212 ft).

Shwetvarna is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand India.The elevation of Shwetvarna is 6,340 metres (20,801 ft) and its prominence is 240 metres (787 ft). It is 111th joint highest located entirely within the Uttrakhand. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category. It lies 1.2 km SSE of Chaturbhuj 6,654 metres (21,831 ft) its nearest higher neighbor and it is 1.2 km SSW of Sudarshan Parbat 6,507 metres (21,348 ft). It lies 3 km NW of Shyamvarn 6,135 metres (20,128 ft).

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Gomukh Tapovan Trek" (PDF). Tourmyindia.com. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
  2. ↑ "The Source of the Ganges Trek". the exotic himalayas.com. Retrieved 27 June 2013.

Coordinates: 30°54′37″N79°04′50″E / 30.91028°N 79.08056°E / 30.91028; 79.08056

AUM symbol, the primary (highest) name of the God as per the Vedas.svg

This Hinduism-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.