Tapovan is a province which was blessed by the touch of Lord Rama’s feet during His exile. It was later used by the monks and sages for their spiritual advancement and welfare of the public in general. Tapovan literally means jungle for meditation and penance.
[ Idols of Lord Rama, Laxman and Goddess Sita at Tapovan ]
[ The beautiful setting of the river and the rocks amidst greenery ]
Set amidst lush greenery, this place is nice, tranquil and a scenic spot with its soft flowing streams, and rocks. I love to sit on the rocks and spend some quiet time here.
[ The confluence of rivers Kapila and Godavari at Tapovan ]
There is a Kapila Tirth where the sage is believed to have meditated.
[ Kapila Tirth ]
There are 3 kunds which, according to the guide, are known as Brahmatirth, Shivtirth and Vishnutirth. They are linked to each other at the bottom by narrow paths. There is another kund known as Agnitirth which he said is very deep and is the place where Lord Rama had hidden the real Sita while keeping the shadow Sita with Him who was later abducted by Ravana from the Sita Gumpha, seen in the earlier post.
[ Various kunds - Brahmatirth, Shivtirth, Vishnutirth and Agnitirth ]
Just across Tapovan is Parnkuti believed to be Lord Rama’s Cottage.
[ The Parnkuti Temple ]
A few paces ahead you will come across the only temple belonging to Lord Rama’s brother Laxman in the country.
[ The Temple of Lord Laxman ]
Laxman meditated here for 12 years to kill the son of Ravana, Meghnad, which is how the place got its name, Tapovan. This is also the place where he is said to have cut the nose of Ravana’s sister Suparnakha and threw it on the other side of the River Godavari. Thus the city got its name Nashik, meaning nose.
There is also a swayambhu (self manifested) idol of Lord Hanuman and a temple of snake Sheshnag, the seat of Lord Vishnu who incarnated as Laxman nearby.
[ Lord Hanuman idol ]
[ Sheshnag Temple ]
To read about some other Temples in Nashik go to the following links:-
To read about Kalaram Temple, Goraram Temple and Panchvati - Click Here
To read about Sundernarayan Temple, Muktidham Temple and other temples in Nashik - Click Here
23 Comments
nice pictues... to have temples amidst greenery is good. temples are small, but they have a lot of history within them... amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteQuite a place to spend some time quietly indeed. The photos and narration help take the viewer to the spot. Very good post Arti..
ReplyDeleteNice informative post and nice pics
ReplyDeleteThis is terrific, it's like travelling with a tourist Guide and never leaving home, well done Arti!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. And the photos are great.
ReplyDeletebeautiful pics of tapowan and temples with short info.
ReplyDeleteInteresting images, they bring the feel of warm and exotic latitudes.;) So nice to see when we are in the depths of winter in my part of the world.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your recent visit and comment,
xoxo
Hi Arti -- some of that story was quite scary! We have Native American myths that frighten me too ;>)... I believe this would be a beautiful place to meditate. Not sure about the penance thing -- don't think I'm so much into that.
ReplyDeleteI scrolled down as far as I could to catch up on the beautiful temples and architecture. As always thank you for sharing your lovely pictures and the bits of history. I always learn something from my visits.
Very pretty and inspiring again - i love especially the Temple of Lord Laxman with it's beautiful paint. Many greetings from white, foggy germany ;)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful place loved the second photo!
ReplyDeleteUS Masala
Great pictures and description. Very nice blog.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing land of contrasts! Love the lushness (but not the cut off nose so much)... Great shots - great atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful place and the photos are stunning, Arti.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day :-)
WHAT a wonderful TOUR you gave with this great Imagines and explanations of a "far, far away world", fascinating and so colourfull!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your visit in my tuscany!!
( I've been in Bombay many time and didn't have the time unfortunately to visit more of India....perhaps one day...!!)
ciao ciao and a wonderful, sunny weekend!!
elvira
Wonderful blog Arti and I love the way you provide the details in such an engaging manner!
ReplyDeleteArti, nice to browse through historical and religious places through your post. Nasik many a times i have been during the late 90's but never took much interest, except Pandav Leni.
ReplyDeleteWonderful information and beautiful shots of the place.
ReplyDeleteWow!! very peaceful place to meditate :)
ReplyDeleteNice pics arti :)
awesome!!
ReplyDeleteall in one master piece :) wow!!!
ReplyDeletebeautiful post & picturesque narration
ReplyDeleteexcellent description!!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful plea Arti...I am certainly going there next time :)
ReplyDeleteDelighted you stopped by... Your suggestions, feedback are really appreciated. Thanks a lot :) Hope you visit again!
If you have asked a question, please give me at least 2 days to reply back. Thank you :)