The Kanwar Yatra symbolizes an act of offering water to Lord Shiva.
In this yatra, devotees of Lord Shiva, known as Kanwariyas, embark on a pilgrimage to Jyotirlingas.
The month of Sawan, dedicated to the mighty Lord Shiva, is scheduled to begin on July 22 and end on August 2, 2024. During the month of Sawan, which marks the beginning of the monsoon season, the Kanwar Yatra also begins. This yatra sees devotees of Lord Shiva, known as Kanwariyas, embark on a pilgrimage to Jyotirlingas, including the Mahakal Temple of Ujjain. They walk barefoot carrying Kanwads filled with holy water from rivers like the Ganges and Yamuna to perform Jalabhishek, anointing Lord Shiva for the entire month. The significance of Sawan lies in the legend of Lord Shiva's act of consuming poison during the Samudra Manthan or the great churning of the ocean. This poison threatened to engulf the world, but Lord Shiva swallowed it to protect humanity. As a result, his throat turned blue, earning him the name Neelkanth. To relieve the burning sensation caused by the poison, the gods offered water to Lord Shiva. The Kanwar Yatra symbolises this act of offering water to Lord Shiva during the month of Sawan, demonstrating devotion and seeking his blessings.
Kanwar Yatra is believed to be a sure way to please Lord Shiva and get his blessings. It is believed that all the sins and curses of the devotee who wears Kanwar in the holy month of Sawan are destroyed. The blessings of the Lord shower upon those who pour water on Kanwar and anoint the Shivling throughout the year. One gets freedom from sorrow, faults and poverty.
During the Kanwar Yatra, devotees undertake their journey on foot, following specific rituals and practices. They consume sattvic food, which is pure and conducive to spiritual practices. When resting, it is customary to hang the Kanwar (the vessel with holy water) on a tree instead of placing it on the ground. If the Kanwar touches the ground, it is believed that devotees should refill it with Gangajal and restart their journey. Many participants in the Kanwar Yatra walk barefoot as a sign of reverence and penance. The Kanwar, filled with Gangajal, is handled only after the devotees have taken a bath.
