Who first offered Ganga water and on which Shivling during the Kanwar Yatra?

Pura Mahadev Temple, BaghpatImage Credit source: PTI

Pura Mahadev Temple Significance: The month of Sawan is considered very special for devotion to Lord Shiva. During this time, lakhs of devotees across the country go on Kanwar Yatra and perform Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva by taking Ganga water from holy rivers. It is believed that by bringing Ganga water and offering it on Shivalinga during Kanwar, Lord Shiva is pleased and fulfills the wishes of the devotees. But do you know how the Kanwar Yatra started and on which Shivalinga is the tradition of offering Ganga water first considered?

Saavan will start from 30th July

According to Drik Panchang, the month of Sawan is going to start from 30th July in the year 2026. The month of Sawan is dedicated to Lord Shiva and during this time a large number of Shiva devotees reach temples and perform Jalabhishek of Bholenath.

On which Shivalinga was Ganga water offered first?

Different religious beliefs and mythological stories are prevalent regarding the beginning of Kanwar Yatra. According to a belief, Lord Parshuram was the first to undertake the Kanwar Yatra. It is said that he performed Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva by bringing Ganga water. According to belief, Lord Parshuram had anointed Lord Shiva with Ganga water in the ancient Pura Mahadev temple located in Pura village of Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh. For this reason, this temple is linked to the ancient tradition of Kanwar Yatra.

There is a special belief associated with Lord Parshuram.

There is a belief about Pura Mahadev Temple that Lord Parashuram had worshiped Lord Shiva here. After which Lord Shiva was happy and gave divine weapons to Parashurama. For this reason, this place is considered to be related to both Lord Shiva and Parashuram. According to belief, the tradition of offering water to Shivalinga by bringing a kanwad got special importance after Lord Parshuram anointed Lord Shiva with Ganga water.

What is the tradition of Kanwar Yatra?

During the Kanwar Yatra, devotees fill the Kanwar vessel with Ganga water and carry it on their shoulders. After this they travel on foot towards their destination. There is also a tradition of avoiding keeping Kanwar on the ground during the journey. Many devotees complete the entire journey on foot, while some people also use different means as per their convenience. After completion of Kanwar Yatra, devotees reach any Shiva temple in their area and offer Ganga water on Shivalinga. This is considered the most important part of Kanwar Yatra.

Why is Shivalinga anointed with Ganga water?

In Hindu religion, river Ganga has been given the status of very sacred and mother. According to religious belief, Ganga came to earth from the locks of Lord Shiva’s hair. For this reason, Ganga water is also considered to be directly related to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva is pleased by anointing Shivalinga with Ganga water. Therefore, the tradition of offering Ganga water in Sawan is considered especially fruitful.

Importance of Sawan Monday in Kanwar Yatra

Monday in Sawan is considered very special for the worship of Lord Shiva. This is the reason why the importance of offering Ganga water on Shivalinga on Sawan Monday during Kanwar Yatra increases even more. Many devotees complete their Kanwar Yatra on Sawan Monday and offer Ganga water on Shivalinga. It is believed that by performing Jalabhishek of Bholenath on Sawan Monday, Lord Shiva bestows special blessings on the devotees.

Also read: Kanwar Yatra is starting from 30th July, if you are going for the first time then do not make these mistakes even by mistake!

Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.

Varun Chauhan

More than a decade of experience in electronic and digital media. After doing a journalism course from Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT) Noida in 2008, I started my journey in media with the idea of ​​doing something different and new. Since the beginning, I have been interested in making those subjects related to Indian culture and religious traditions available to the common people. During his career, he got the opportunity to work in prestigious media organizations like Channel One News, Sahara Samay, A2Z News, News Express, National Voice and Punjab Kesari Digital. While working in these institutions, I got the experience of learning news writing, field reporting, and digital content. At present, in the country’s largest news network TV9 Bharatvarsha, I am fulfilling the responsibility of delivering news related to religion and faith, religious events, astrology, vastu, mythology, temple traditions and fasts and festivals to the readers in simple, easy and factual language. The coverage of Maha Kumbh 2025 is one of the important experiences of my career, where I got the opportunity to write in detail on the faith of crores of devotees, the traditions of the Akharas, the activities of the Sant Samaj and the religious and cultural aspects related to the Kumbh. Apart from this, he has also continuously written on Chardham Yatra, Sawan, Navratri, Diwali, Holi, Chhath Puja, Amarnath Yatra, Ramzan and other major religious events. I have special interest in the study of Indian culture, religious philosophy, astrology, numerology, Vastu Shastra, Puranas and folk beliefs. My endeavor is always to convey religious and spiritual topics to the readers through simple language, so that they can better understand their traditions and cultural heritage.

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