Kanwar Yatra Rituals: Kanwar Yatra is not just about offering Ganga water. Know 5 important tasks and religious importance to be done during the journey. About which most people do not know.
Kanwar Yatra Rituals: Every year in the month of Sawan, lakhs of Shiva devotees come out with Ganga water to anoint Lord Shiva. This is called Kanwar Yatra. But many people feel that just bringing Ganga water and offering it on Shivalinga is the biggest objective of Kanwar Yatra. Whereas according to religious beliefs, Kanwar Yatra is not just a journey on foot, but also a journey of restraint, service, devotion and following the rules.
If these rules are not followed, the spiritual importance of the journey remains incomplete. Let us know those 5 important things which must be done during Kanwar Yatra.
1. Bring Ganga water with full devotion and anoint Shivlinga.
The most important purpose of Kanwar Yatra is to offer Ganga water to Lord Shiva. It is believed that when Lord Shiva drank poison during the churning of the ocean, the gods reduced the heat inside him by offering him Ganga water. Even today, devotees offer Ganga water in memory of the same tradition. Devotees bring water from Haridwar, Gangotri, Gaumukh, Sultanganj or other holy places and perform Abhishek in the Shiva temple of their area.
2. Follow rules and restraint during travel
Kanwar Yatra is considered not only a test of walking but also a test of mind and behavior. Devotees generally follow these things during the journey-
- eating satvik food
- stay away from drugs
- avoid abuse or quarrel
- maintain celibacy and pure conduct
- staying away from lies and deceit
A journey undertaken without restraint does not yield spiritual benefits.
3. Do chant and worship the name of Shiva.
Many people just walk on foot, but chanting the name of Lord Shiva during the journey is considered equally important. Devotees chant these mantras the most during Kanwar Yatra…
Om Namah Shivay. “Om Namah Shivay” is said to be the Panchakshari mantra of Shiva, which is most commonly chanted during the Kanwar Yatra. Har Har Mahadev – Bol Bam
Example: Stopping at Shiva temples on the way to offer water, light a lamp or meditate for a few minutes is also an important part of the journey.
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4. Have a spirit of service and charity
There is also a big message service for Kanwar Yatra. Thousands of people make arrangements for bhandaras, medical camps, water and rest along the way. Devotees can also serve as per their capacity. Service does not just mean giving money. Giving water, showing the way or helping a tired traveler is also considered an act of virtue.
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5. Respect Kanwar and Ganga water
Kanwar is not kept directly on the ground. For this, a special stand or wooden support is used. Ganga water is also considered sacred. Therefore, efforts are made to prevent water from spilling or becoming impure during the journey. Example: Most of the Kanwariyas keep the Kanwar on the stand even during rest time and take special care of cleanliness around it.
What is the real message of Kanwar Yatra?
Kanwar Yatra is not just a religious event. It teaches us-
- be patient
- serving others
- respecting nature and water
- surrender to god
That is to say, the real fruit of the journey is considered not only in reaching the temple, but in bringing changes in one’s behavior during the entire journey.