Sawan is here!! Sawan is synonymous with Lord Shiva and his worshippers, also known as Kanwariyas in Kanwar Yatra, they travel to places like Haridwar, Allahabad, Gaumukh, and Gangotri in Uttarakhan and Sultanganj in Bihar at the time of Kanwar Yatra to get Gangajal, i.e. the holy water from the river Ganga, to offer to Lord Shiva.

IMP. TIPS: Kanwar Yatra: Significance and Rituals, Origin of Kanwar Yatra

The Kanwar Yatra is not only about pleasing Lord Shiva, but is also to improve one’s personality. Undertaking this Kanwar Yatra makes the devotees confident and more focused as individuals. One understands and feels the inner power and strength. Each year, during Kanwar Yatra many devotees take Gangajal from far way places to other places and offer the holy water on the Lord Shiva Lingams in Shiva Temples.

Here are some must know facts about this practice of Kanwar Yatra:

·         ·         The total distance between Sultanganj and Deoghar is 115 kms and the total journey takes around 4 to 5 days to complete. The devotees get holy water or Gangajal from Sultanganj and then take a bare-footed journey to the famous Baba Baidyanath Dham at Deoghar to offer it to Lord Shiva.

·         ·         The word “kanwar” actually refers to the small bamboo pole on which two earthern pots are hung on either end for carrying the Gangajal on both their shoulders. During the journey of Kanwar Yatra, the Kanvarias get the earthen pots filled with holy water for pouring on Lord Shiva’s temple by balancing them on their shoulders. This pole is carried by the devotees of Lord Shiva on their shoulders till they reach Baidyanath Dham in the course of Kanwar Yatra.

·         ·         The Kanwar Yatra is an acknowledgement to the great Samudra Manthan or the churning of the sea, which is one of the most important events of Hindu mythology. A dangerous poison, Halahala, came out of the sea during the churning and it threatened to destroy the universe. This Kanwar Yatra is a testament to the greatness of Lord Shiva, who swallowed this dangerous poison and saved the universe.

·        ·         The Kanwar Yatra is an acknowledgement to the great Samudra Manthan or the churning of the sea, which is one of the most important events of Hindu mythology. A dangerous poison, Halahala, came out of the sea during the churning and it threatened to destroy the universe. This Kanwar Yatra is a testament to the greatness of Lord Shiva, who swallowed this dangerous poison and saved the universe.

The impact of this poison was so strong that Lord Shiva had to wear a crescent moon of his head and all the Devatas or Gods started offering him the holy water from the river Ganges, so that poison is tamed. 

The tradition of offering gangajal in Kanwar Yatra to Lord Shiva during the holy month of Shravan has been going on ever since.

·        ·         According to Hindu mythology, Ravana (who was a great Lord Shiva devotee) had poured Holy water on his lingam dring Kanwar Yatra at Baidyanath Temple to reduce the negative effects of the poison.

·         ·         It can be said that all the devotees who pour Ganagajal at the time of Kanwar Yatra on the Lord Shiva Lingam, appease the Lord. Lord Shiva, in return, cares for his devotees and blesses them with happiness.

·         ·         The River Ganga at Sultanganj in Bihar is the only place where it takes a north turn. This is a miracle of Lord Shiva, from whose locks the river Ganga descends on earth.

·      ·         The kanwariyas renounce themselves of all worldly pleasures during this Kanwar Yatra. They are forbidden to use even a bed for sleeping or for relaxing. They also have to stay away from any articles made of leather.

·        ·         During Kanwar Yatra, they are also prohibited from consumption of alcohol and non vegetarian food. They follow a strict vegetarian diet during this entire time of the Kanwar Yatra.

·         During the Kanwar Yatra, the kanwariyas continuously chant ‘’Bol Bam’’and also sing bhajans or hymns in praise of Lord Shiva.