Explore the history of Kanwar Yatra, a unique Hindu pilgrimage. Explore its origins, the rules and regulations followed by devotees, and the cultural significance of this spiritual journey.
HARIDWAR: ‘Kanwariyas’ (devotees of Lord Shiva) on their way home after fetching water from river Ganges on the first Monday of the holy month of ‘Shravan’ in Haridwar on Monday, July 22, 2024. (PTI photo)
Mumbai: An important annual event for Hindus, the month of Sawan dedicated to Lord Shiva marks the beginning of the revered Kanwar Yatra. A spiritual journey marked by faith and rituals, thousands of pilgrims set out on a sacred pilgrimage in honour of Lord Shiva.
During Sawan, devotees called Kanwariyas take part in the Kanwar Yatra, carrying traditional Kanwars to collect holy water, which is then used for the ritual bathing ritual called Jalabhishek, which is offered to Lord Bholenath. A major highlight of the period is the collection of Ganges water from famous ghats across the country and offering it to Lord Shiva. One of the most auspicious customs is the performance of Jalabhishek using Ganges water from Brahmakund at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar. This ritual is believed to have the power to fulfill the wishes of devotees.
This year, Sawan Shivaratri, the most auspicious day to worship Lord Shiva, falls on August 2, 2024. On this day, which falls on a Friday, devotees will devote themselves to performing the Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva. It is traditionally believed that performing this ritual on Shivaratri will bring the blessings of Lord Shiva and fulfill the wishes of devotees.
Kanwar Yatra Rules and Regulations
Participants of the Kanwar Yatra will have to follow strict rules during the pilgrimage.
- Devotees must travel on foot.
- During the journey, consume only pure, sattvic food.
- During rest periods, the Kanwar is not placed on the ground but hung from a tree, and if the Kanwar touches the ground, the devotee must refill it with water from the Ganges and resume his journey.
- Devotees must go barefoot throughout the pilgrimage.
- One should touch the Kanwar only after taking a bath. If one touches the Kanwar without taking a bath, the journey will be incomplete.
Kanwar Yatra: Historical and Religious Significance
The tradition of Kanwar Yatra has ancient roots in Hinduism. The ritual, held in the month of Sawan, involves drawing water from the sacred river Ganges and offering it to Lord Shiva. The ritual is said to have originated from Lord Parshurama, who first performed Jalabhishek at Garhmukteshwar. Another legend has it that Lord Shiva drank poison while the sea was churning, which caused a burning sensation on his body. Jalabhishek was enacted to alleviate this discomfort and symbolizes relief and devotion.
As the Kanwar Yatra unfolds, it becomes an expression of deep faith and devotion for countless devotees and continues to embody a timeless tradition of spiritual journey and ritual practice.
