Spirituality and Nature

Tapobhumi is a place of Penance and in general a place for performing Sadhana. Many Taopbhumis are built by ascetics inside forests for performing Sadhana in the Silence of Nature and away from the distractions of worldly life. Generally these Tapobhumis will be unknown to general people and may be located in inaccessible locations.

Ashrama is a Hermitage built by a Sage or a Saint. Many Ashramas are built by Sages or Saints inside forests for performing Sadhana and also imparting Spiritual Education to the Disciples. These Ashramas then act as Gurukulas. The Silent surroundings of Nature creates a congenial environment to imbibe the values of life and perform Spiritual disciplines.

Devasthana is a Temple which is an abode of God. Many Temples are built inside forests where worship of the Deity is performed in the midst of Nature. Many of these Devasthanas can be open or semi-open and Nature plays a dominant role in shaping the surroundings of the Devasthana.

Panchavati is a group of five Trees (Ashwattha, Vata, Bilva etc.) planted in specific directions to create a sacred environment for Sadhana. These five core Trees can be surrounded by other Trees to create a Vana (Grove or Light Forest).

Panchavati is a group of five Trees (Ashwattha, Vata, Bilva etc.) planted in specific directions to create a sacred environment for Sadhana. These five core Trees can be surrounded by other Trees to create a Vana (Grove or Light Forest). In this case a Deity Shrine is built inside a Panchavati surrounded by other Trees to create a Vana (Grove or Light Forest).

This is a case where an ascetic performs Sadhana under a Tree. The Sadhana can be a form of Meditation under the Tree.

This is a minimal setting where a small Shrine of a Deity is placed beneath a huge Tree like Peepal or Vata. The Tree itself is sometimes decorated with haldi, kumkum and cloth to enhance the Spiritual environment.