Tapovan Kuti

Situated near the bank of Bhageerathi, Tapovan Kuti is a majestic place lying 5,800 ft above sea level. It is surrounded by a mountain range called Varanavata. The tributaries of the Bhageerathi River flow around the mountain as though two hands were hugging the plains. At the central point in the plain, like the lap of the mountain tract, is Ujeli. It is here that Tapovan Kuti lies: the home of Swami Tapovan Maharaj. Later, some of his devotees built it in 1936.

Attraction

The holy river Bhageerathi flows at the foot of the mountain, creating a soothing sound that Tapovan Kuti can hear. The sound is so peaceful and relaxing that you will certainly admit that it is a blessing to the ear. It was a very small one-room hut with a cattle shed. Today, the ‘kutia’ is exactly how Swamiji left it. The mud-walled and traditional dung-floor hut contains his cot, ‘kamandalu’ (water pot), and a few things. But the little ‘verandah’ outside the hut (where the Swamiji would sit and give Vedantic discourses) has now been converted into a shrine.
The monks in the Himalayas referred to ‘Swami Tapovanam’ himself as the ‘Spiritual Bird of Sowmya Kashi’ – a bird possessed of the ‘freedom’ and ‘strength needed to reach great heights.’

Tapovan Kuti is now a famous site for spiritual camps or retreats (organized by the Mission Acharyas). Students taking their studies are dauntlessly deepened by the divine vibrations all about them.

History

Tapivan Kuti is the place where a great saint ‘Tapovanji Maharat‘ stayed in his fag end life. He is the same saint who gave Deeksha to Swami Chinmayananda for seven long years at the feet of his teacher. He was a saint of the top order, a strict teacher, a compassionate mentor, and a poet. He was a symbol of awareness, a sage of unsurpassed wisdom and tranquillity. Swami Chinmayananda once said of his Guru, “He was a God without a temple, a Veda without language.” Later on, it was built in 1936 by some of his devotees. Devotees speak in hushed tones of their profound experiences while meditating. Recently, the capacity of Tapovan Kuti increased. A three-story building, Tapovan Chinmayam, was inaugurated on 15 March 2005 by Swami Tejomayananda.

Inside/Outside Views

The Tapovan Kuti is a three-storey building. It has twenty-four rooms with balconies, all of which have breathtaking views. Today, the ashram can house around 130 people. The satsang hall (on the ground floor of Tapovan Chinmayam) can comfortably seat around 300 people. On either side, a large white marble murti of Lord Jagadeeshwara, Goddess Saraswati, and Lord Ganesha graces the stage. Portraits of Swami Tapovanji Maharaj are also visible. There is a foyer dedicated to a ‘pictorial life sketch’ of Swami Tapovanji Maharaj.
Tapavan Kuti is a divine place where Swami Tapovanji Maharaj himself lived. The whole ashram is carrying the old structure. It is also on the banks of the Ganges—a peaceful and serene place with unbelievable surroundings. The simple yet divine aura can be felt everywhere in the ashram. Anyone can feel divine vibrations that help them meditate more peacefully.

How to Reach

By Road: Tapovan is situated near Gangotri road, which is a 20-km trekking distance. Both local buses and taxis are available from major cities of Uttarakhand, such as Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, etc., to Uttarkashi. Local buses or taxis are also available in Gangotri from Uttarkashi.

By Train: The nearest Station from Tapiban Kuti is Dehradun. The distance between Dehradun and Gangotri is 240 km. Local buses or taxis are available on this route.

By Air: Jolky Grant Airport is the nearest airport, 266km away from Gangotri. Taxi services are available here.

FAQ

Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: Yes, it is safe to visit Tapavan Kutir.

Que-02: Is photography allowed inside Tapavan Kutir?

Ans: Yes, but with due permission.

Que-03: What is Tapovan famous for?

Ans: It is a sacred place 14,640 ft above sea level, surrounded by forestry, rocky terrain, huge mountains, and small streams. Tapavan is also hugged by the sacred river Gangotri. Everything on your plate becomes holy, which gives you a heart-thumping adventure. It has a divine aura that attracts people more than anything.

Que-04: When is Tapovan Kuti open?

Ans: Tapovan Kuti is open: Sun – Sat (12:00 AM – 11:59 PM)

Que-05: How do I join the Chinmaya mission?

Ans: Volunteering opportunities at Chinmaya Mission are available at the local Centres. You can also volunteer at various projects or even the Headquarters (in Mumbai, India). There are other ways of contributing to Chinmaya Mission’s activities, and that depends on how much time you can devote to the organization.