Why is Kanwar not kept on the ground? If kept by mistake, does the journey get disrupted?

kanwar yatra 2026Image Credit source: PTI

Kanwar Yatra Rules: The month of Sawan is considered very special for the devotion of Lord Shiva. During this period, lakhs of Shiva devotees from across the country go on Kanwar Yatra. Kanwariyas fill Ganga water from holy rivers and keep it in Kanwar and travel on foot to reach their destination. After this, Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva is performed on the day of Sawan Shivratri. Kanwar Yatra is going to start from 30th July in the year 2026.

Kanwar Yatra There are many rules during this period, which the devotees follow with full devotion. One of these important rules is that Kanwar is not kept on the ground. Many people have a question in their mind that why is it prohibited to keep Kanwar on the ground, if this happens then what should the Kanwariya do? Let us know about this religious belief related to Kanwar Yatra.

Why is Kanwar not kept on the ground?

According to religious beliefs, Ganga water kept in Kanwar is very sacred. Kanwariyas start the journey by taking water from the holy river and offering it to Lord Shiva. Therefore, until this water is offered to the Shivalinga, it is avoided to keep it on the ground. It is believed that if Kanwar is kept on the ground, the holy water kept in it can become impure or unholy.

For this reason, Kanwariyas carry it on their shoulders during the journey. When they have to rest, instead of keeping the Kanwar on the ground, they are kept at a high place or on a special Kanwar stand. This rule is considered very important in Kanwar Yatra. This is the reason why special Kanwar stands and resting places are made for the Kanwariyas at various places on the way, so that they do not have to keep the Kanwar on the ground.

If Kanwar is placed on the ground, does the journey break?

According to religious belief, if the Ganga water filled in Kanwar touches the ground, then it is considered an obstacle in the resolution of Kanwar Yatra. In such a situation, it is believed in many traditions that that water should not be offered to Lord Shiva and the Kanwariya should start her journey again by filling water from the holy river.

What to do if Kanwar is accidentally placed on the ground?

If a Kanwariya unknowingly places Kanwar on the ground, then according to religious beliefs, one should first seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva. After this, Om Namah Shivay mantra can be chanted while sitting at a holy place. Many devotees who follow the rules of Kanwar Yatra decide to take Ganga water again in such a situation. It is believed that for this the journey can be started again by filling water from Haridwar, Gangotri or any other holy river.

Also read: Haridwar, Gangotri or Gaumukh? Know from where bringing water is considered most auspicious during Kanwar Yatra!

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 topics 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. 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 Akharas, the activities of Sant Samaj and the religious and cultural aspects related to 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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