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Thousands of Shiva devotees, carrying Kanwar filled with Gangajal, begins their journey by foot from pilgrimage places:
Kanwar Yatra (Source: Internet)
Haridwar: As soon as the month of Sawan arrives, a wave of devotion and faith runs across the country. In this month, the Kanwar Yatra begins especially performed by the devotees of Lord Shiva, which is famous as a sacred religious ritual.
Thousands of Shiva devotees, carrying Kanwar filled with Gangajal, begins their journey by foot from pilgrimage places such as Haridwar, Gangotri, Gaumukh, Rishikesh etc. and visit their local Shiva temples and perform Jalabhishek on the Shivling.
This journey to get the blessings of Lord Shiva has been described as very virtuous in the scriptures. It is believed that any devotee who undertakes this journey with full devotion and rules, all his sins are destroyed and he gets happiness, peace, prosperity in life.
During this journey, Shiva devotees cover long distances while observing difficult fasts, restraint and penance. By performing Jalabhishek with Gangajal, Lord Shiva is extremely pleased and fulfills all the wishes of the devotees.
It is mentioned in many religious texts that, by doing Kanwar Yatra, one attains virtue equal to that of Ashwamedha Yagna. It is not only a religious ritual but also a path of spiritual advancement of devotees.
Dak Kanwar (Source: Internet)
General Kanwar: In which devotees walk on foot, stopping intermittently and carrying Gangajal.
Dak Kanwar: In which Gangajal is delivered by running at a fast speed without stopping.
Khari Kanwar: In this, the journey is done without keeping the Kanwar on the ground.
Dandi Kanwar: Devotees move forward while doing Dandavat Pranam and do extremely difficult Sadhana.
According to mythology, Lord Parshuram first did the Kanwar Yatra. He brought Gangajal from Garhmukteshwar and anointed Lord Shiva. Since then this tradition has been going on and every year in Sawan, Shiva devotees complete this journey with reverence and devotion.
The month of Sawan is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In this month, Shiva devotees perform special rituals such as fasting, Rudrabhishek and Kanwar Yatra. Kanwar Yatra is the biggest religious activity of this month, in which crores of devotees participate.
State governments also make special arrangements during this time, such as medical camps, security arrangements, and setting up camps for guidance. Along with the administration, voluntary organizations also get involved in the service of Kanwar pilgrims.
