As the month of Sawan arrives, a religious atmosphere pervades throughout North India. Every year, lakhs of Shiva devotees embark on journeys to offer water to the Shivalingam. This entire process is known as the Kanwar Yatra, which is not just a religious custom but a confluence of faith, discipline, and penance. In Sawan 2025, devotees from different parts of the country will once again undertake the Kanwar Yatra in their own unique ways, heading towards the abodes of Lord Shiva.
What is the Kanwar Yatra and why is it performed?
The Kanwar Yatra is a special spiritual practice dedicated to the devotion of Lord Shiva. In this, devotees collect water from the Ganga or any other holy river and carry it in a Kanwar to Shiva temples, where it is offered to the Shivalingam. This journey is usually undertaken on foot and is performed during the month of Sawan, as this month is considered the most sacred for Shiva devotees.
During the journey, devotees chant slogans like "Bol Bam" and "Har Har Mahadev" and adopt a sattvic lifestyle. This Yatra is not just a religious ritual, but also involves devotees embodying the spirit of self-control, service, and dedication.
Major Types of Kanwar Yatra
Sadharan Kanwar (Ordinary Kanwar)
This is the most common and widely practiced type of Yatra. In this, devotees walk on foot carrying the water and also take breaks in between. While faith is paramount in this journey, there's also flexibility to balance physical fatigue. Partial assistance from vehicles is sometimes taken during this Yatra.
Dak Kanwar
Discipline and time are of special importance in this Yatra. Devotees, after collecting the water, reach the Shiva temple by running continuously without stopping anywhere or taking any breaks. This Yatra is completed swiftly, and vehicles are not used at all. The Dak Kanwar is considered one of the most energetic and challenging journeys.
Khadi Kanwar (Standing Kanwar)
This Yatra has a special rule that the Kanwar cannot be placed on the ground. During the journey, devotees alternately carry the Kanwar on their shoulders, and the Kanwar should remain in the air until the water is offered to the Shivalingam. This Yatra demands extreme discipline and is highly respected among the Kanwariyas (devotees of the Kanwar Yatra).
Dandi Kanwar
The Dandi Kanwar is considered the most difficult type of Yatra. In this, devotees progress throughout the journey in a prostrate posture. This type of Yatra takes a very long time and tests physical endurance. Although it was traditionally less popular, its popularity has rapidly increased among young devotees in recent years.
Major Rules of the Kanwar Yatra
Adopting a Sattvic Diet and Lifestyle
During the Yatra, non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and intoxicants are strictly prohibited. Devotees are expected to practice celibacy and remain pure in mind, speech, and body.
Not Placing the Kanwar on the Ground
This rule is most important, especially in the Khadi Kanwar. But even in ordinary Kanwar Yatras, devotees make every effort not to place the Kanwar on the ground. For this, wooden stands or other means are used to keep the Kanwar on the way.
Offering Water Pure and on Time is Essential
The water brought in the Kanwar Yatra is considered sacred. Therefore, it should not be allowed to get dirty and should be offered to the Shivalingam as soon as possible. Especially in the Dak Kanwar, it is very important to deliver the water on time because this Yatra is performed at a fast pace.
Chanting Religious Slogans and Mantras Continuously
During the Yatra, devotees chant slogans like "Bol Bam" and "Har Har Mahadev." This is not just a way of expressing religious sentiments but also a means of maintaining mental focus. These collectively chanted slogans completely transform the atmosphere of the Yatra into one of devotion.
These Pilgrimage Sites Mark the Beginning of the Yatras
In North India, the Kanwar Yatra mainly starts from pilgrimage sites like Haridwar, Gangotri, Deoghar, Varanasi, Garhmukteshwar, Jhajjar, and Kurukshetra. From here, devotees collect water and journey towards the major Shiva temples in their respective areas.
This Yatra is a Confluence of Faith and Discipline
In Sawan 2025, the Kanwar Yatra will once again exemplify devotion to Lord Shiva. When the Kanwar Yatras from all directions reach the Shivdhams, not only water is offered, but the devotees also dedicate their mind, soul, and body to Lord Shiva. This is the true spirit of this Yatra: a celebration of dedication, service, and faith.
