Tapovan in Nashik is not just another green patch, it is a living remnant of the forest where Mata Sita, Prabhu Shriram, and Lakshman lived during their exile.
Even long before the Ramayana era, the same region along the banks of the Godavari, was the sacred home of rishis performing tapasya.
Nashik News: As soon as I heard the recent news about the proposed tree felling at Tapovan, I decided to visit the place. Saddened at the news and curious to see the place in its true form, I set out on 27 November 2025 to explore the area myself.
The forested stretch begins just beyond the Tapovan bus depot, unfolding quietly along the banks of the Godavari. Spread across tens of acres, this ancient forest still carries the atmosphere of an untouched cultural preserve.
Tap means meditation and Van means forest – hence Tapovan (the Forest of Meditation)
Even today, when we walk through the dense cover, hear birds chirping, and watch light filter through the trees, we can sense the spiritual energy that countless devotees have spoken about for generations.
And yet, this ancient forest spread across many acres near Panchavati is now proposed to be cleared for a permanent Sadhugram and a massive convention/exhibition centre in the name of preparations for Kumbh Mela Nashik.
For many Nashik citizens, this development feels like an irreversible loss.
Also read – Sita Gufa: the cave temple where Ma Sita worshipped Shivji during exile
The Plan: Clearing 1,800 Trees for Sadhugram Construction
The Maharashtra government has proposed to cut approx. 1800 trees inside Tapovan forest to build a permanent Sadhugram for accommodating sadhus during the Nashik Kumbh, along with modern concrete infrastructure.
But as many locals have pointed out, Sadhugram has always been a temporary encampment, set up safely on open land during Kumbh Mela. Over decades, there has been no necessity to destroy old forests for this.
Many citizens fear that “Sadhugram” is only the pretext, and the real aim is to free up prime land for real-estate-driven construction projects.
The disappointment becomes even sharper because the ruling dispensation often identifies itself with Hindutva – and yet is willing to destroy land associated directly with Ramayana heritage.
Also read – Kalaram Mandir Nashik: one of the most ancient temples in our country dedicated to Shri Ram
A Forest with a Soul: What Makes Tapovan Irreplaceable
Tapovan is one of the few forested landscapes inside Nashik city limits. But beyond ecological value, it carries emotional and cultural depth:
- It is believed that Sita-Ram lived here for years during their exile.
- The region was once filled with ashrams of sages, giving Tapovan its name – the forest of tapas.
- Even today, the serenity of the place allows visitors to imagine how our ancestors lived, prayed, and meditated.
When I visited the place on 27 November 2025, that same stillness – birds calling out, tall trees swaying, filtered sunlight – made it impossible to imagine this sacred space being replaced by concrete buildings.
Local Protests Have Begun – Nashik Citizens Speak
While only a handful of concerned citizens were initially gathering at the site, the last few days have seen a rise in awareness and protests:
- Environmental groups in Nashik have raised their voice
- Local residents are visiting Tapovan to show support
- Veteran actor Sayaji Shinde recently visited the forest and extended strong support for the movement
For many, this is not just an environmental issue – it is about protecting Nashik’s Ramayana heritage.
Also read – Ramkund: the ghat on the banks of the Godavari where Shriram used to bath while living in Panchavati
There Are So Many Other Places to Build a Convention Centre
Nashik is a large city with multiple open, non-forest areas suitable for building a convention or exhibition centre. Experts and citizens have repeatedly pointed out that:
- No sacred forest needs to be sacrificed
- No Ramayana-linked landscape should be destroyed
- No ancient trees should be cut
- Sadhugram can easily be set up temporarily, like every previous Kumbh Mela
Tapovan-Panchavati Must Be Declared a Protected Cultural Zone
If there is one idea that deserves to be strongly voiced today, it is this:
Tapovan and Panchavati must be preserved as a protected cultural space – a living heritage zone linked directly to Ma Sita and Shriram.
Across the world, nations protect their sacred natural landscapes. From Japan’s Shinto forests to Greece’s ancient groves, places connected with myth, meditation, and divine presence are preserved exactly as they are – not because they generate revenue, but because they carry the cultural soul of a civilisation.
Tapovan deserves the same dignity.
This is the forest where Mata Sita walked barefoot, where Prabhu Shriram meditated, where Lakshman guarded the hut in silence, and where rishi-munis performed tapasya even before the Ramayana era.
The greatest “development” we can offer pilgrims is not a concrete complex, but a space where they can sit peacefully under ancient trees, feel the gentle forest breeze, listen to birds, and simply absorb the profound emotion of being where Sita-Ram once lived.
Imagine a Tapovan that is preserved lovingly:
- A sacred green zone, untouched by construction
- Simple stone paths guiding devotees through the forest
- Benches under old trees where visitors can sit and meditate
- Informational boards explaining the Ramayana history of the region
- Sounds of Nature and calmness
Nothing more is needed. Nothing extravagant. Just let the place remain as it is with only some pathways and benches added.
Just a humble, devotional environment that allows pilgrims whether from Nashik or from across the world to close their eyes and feel connected to the footsteps of Sita-Ram.
This kind of preservation would be a true achievement, a cultural victory far greater than any exhibition centre or permanent Sadhugram. It would show the world that Maharashtra can honour its past while caring for its present.
If Tapovan can survive, untouched, it will continue to be the same forest that inspires devotion, memory, and identity in generations to come.
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