Tapovan (sanskrit) comes from the two root words Tapasya - meaning specifically austerity, and more generally spiritual practice, and Vana, meaning forest, or wilderness. Tapovan then translates as forest of spiritual practice, wild place for practicing austerities, etc.
Traditionally in India, any place where someone has engaged in serious spiritual retreat may become known as Tapovan. 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 Tapovan. The most well known Tapovan in India currently is the area above the Gangotri Glacier at the source of the Ganges. At the foot of Shivling, a barren area at about 4400m elevation, is a seasonal home to various sadhus living in caves, etc.
Where is Tapovan in Uttarakhand ?
