Mumbai: In Hinduism, the arrival of the Sawan month signifies not just the monsoon season but also the start of the Kanwar Yatra, a revered pilgrimage that ignites immense enthusiasm among Shiva devotees. Each year, millions of Kanwariyas, as these pilgrims are called, embark on a journey to Haridwar to collect water from the holy Ganges. This sacred water is then carried back to Shiva temples in their hometowns to perform the ritual of Jalabhishek on the Shivling.
Significance of Kanwar Yatra
The Kanwar Yatra is more than just a ritual; it is a deeply spiritual experience. It is believed that those who complete this journey receive special blessings from Lord Shiva. The pilgrimage attracts lakhs of devotees, who traverse long distances on foot, carrying Kanwars to offer water to the deity. This year, the Kanwar Yatra will commence on July 22, 2024, and conclude on August 2, 2024, coinciding with Sawan Shivratri. The anticipation for this event builds throughout the year, making it a significant religious and cultural event.
How is Kanwar Yatra Performed?
During Sawan, devotees fill Kalash with Ganges water and secure them on their shoulders using a Kanwar. They then make their way to local Shiva temples, where the water is ceremoniously poured over the Shivling. According to ancient scriptures, Lord Parashuram was the first to undertake this journey. He brought Ganges water from Garhmukteshwar Dham to perform Abhishek at ‘Pura Mahadev’ near Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh. This tradition has been faithfully followed ever since.
Rules of Kanwar Yatra
Undertaking the Kanwar Yatra involves adhering to several important rules, as prescribed by the scriptures. Here are some of the key guidelines that Kanwariyas must follow:
Travel on Foot: All devotees must travel on foot throughout the journey. Using any form of transport is not allowed.
Sattvic Diet: Devotees are required to consume a pure, vegetarian (sattvic) diet during the pilgrimage. Intoxicants, meat, and tamasic foods are strictly prohibited.
Handling the Kanwar: The Kanwar must never be placed on the ground while resting. Instead, it should be hung on a stand or a branch. If it accidentally touches the ground, the water must be replaced with fresh holy water.
Touching the Kanwar: Devotees should touch the Kanwar only after bathing and should avoid contact with leather during the journey.
Group Travel: It is essential for Kanwariyas to travel in groups, maintaining unity and support throughout the journey.
Chanting Mantras: Throughout the journey, devotees should continuously chant Bam Bam Bhole or Jai Jai Shiv Shankar to maintain a spiritual atmosphere.
By adhering to these rules, devotees ensure the sanctity of their pilgrimage, earning the blessings of Lord Shiva. The Kanwar Yatra is a testament to the devotion and faith of Shiva’s followers, who undertake this arduous journey with immense reverence and dedication.
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