Embark on a transformative journey where ancient legends and unwavering devotion converge, as millions of Kanwarias traverse sacred paths to honour Lord Shiva! Anushka Singh weaves a fascinating tale of the Kanwarias walking barefoot, abstain from consuming alcohol and meat, and maintain a state of purity and celibacy – a journey marked by communal harmony and a vibrant display of devotion.
The Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage of immense spiritual significance, traces its roots back to ancient traditions and legends. Devotees, known as Kanwarias, undertake this arduous journey to fetch holy water from the sacred river Ganga and offer it to Shiva temples, most notably the Jyotirlingas. This religious expedition is not merely a physical journey but a profound expression of faith and devotion, deeply intertwined with India’s ancient cultural heritage. The narrative of the Kanwar Yatra is enriched by its historical origins, the legends that surround it, and the significance of the temples visited by the Kanwarias.
The origins of the Kanwar Yatra are spotted with references found in Hindu scriptures and folklore. The most widely accepted legend attributes the ritual to the celestial episode of ‘Samudra Manthan’—the churning of the ocean. It is believed that during this cosmic event, a deadly poison emerged, before the ‘amrit’ or the nectar churned out, threatening to destroy the universe.
To save the cosmos, Lord Shiva consumed the poison, holding it in his throat, which turned blue, earning him the epithet Neelkanth. The nectar, on the other hand, was distributed amongst the gods. To alleviate the heat generated by the poison in the throat, the gods and the devotees began offering and pouring Ganga water to Lord Shiva.
The Samudra Manthan is one of the most significant events described in the Hindu Puranas. The event united the gods or the devas and the demons or the asuras. The churning of the ocean followed a curse by Sage Durvasa who was furious over Indra and cursed the devas to lose their power and kingdom. Everything changed such as Goddess Lakshmi parted ways with Vishnu and left Devlok which made the devas lose all their riches, Chandra disappeared, Indra lost his vahana, etc.
Worried, the devas approached Lord Vishnu who told them to churn the ocean, Kshir Sagar, to get the amrit or the immortality nectar which will return the power and the glory to the devas. The asuras or the demons also wanted the elixir so joined forces and used Mandara Parvat and Shiva’s garland which is the serpent king Vasuki for the manthan.
Another legend narrates the tale of Ravana, the king of Lanka, who was a devout follower of Shiva. According to this legend, Ravana would carry water from the Ganga to offer it to his deity, thus marking the origin of the Kanwar Yatra. He brought the Ganga water using Kanwar and offered it to his lord in Shiva’s temple in Puramahadev. The journey symbolises a devotee’s surrender to the divine, mirroring the devotion and penance of Ravana himself. And today, Shiva’s devotees continue the tradition of pouring water from the holy river on the shivalingas every year in the auspicious month of Shravan.
The journey
The Kanwar Yatra typically takes place during the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August), a period considered highly auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva. The pilgrimage begins with devotees visiting holy places along the Ganga, such as Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri. They collect water from these sacred sites in specially designed pitchers called ‘kanwars,’ which they carry on their shoulders throughout the journey.
The Kanwarias follow a strict code of conduct, often observed with great reverence. They walk barefoot, abstain from consuming alcohol and meat, and maintain a state of purity and celibacy. The journey is marked by communal harmony and a vibrant display of devotion, with temporary camps set up along the routes offering free food, medical aid, and other necessities.
During this journey, the devotees visit many temples as well. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh, situated amidst the serene surroundings of the Pauri Garhwal district, holds immense significance in the Kanwar Yatra. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is believed to have consumed the ‘vish’ or the poison from the Samudra manthan here.
Another important temple visited during this time is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a prime destination for Kanwarias. Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, resonates with the chants of devotees, creating a mystical aura. Known as Baba Dham, the Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar, is another major pilgrimage site visited during the Kanwar Yatra. It is believed that offering Ganga water here grants devotees’ wishes, making it a pivotal stop for the Kanwarias.
The Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik, Maharashtra is situated near the Brahmagiri mountain, and is another significant Jyotirlinga and an ancient Hindu pilgrimage town. The Jyotirlinga here is unique as it features a three-faced Linga representing the Tridev — Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. The temple is not only a religious hub but also a marvel of ancient Indian architecture. The holy river Godavari, the longest in peninsular India, which is considered sacred by the Hindus originates here near Trimbak.
The current Trimbakeshwar temple, erected by the third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao, stands on the site of an ancient temple. The temple is designed with entry gates on all four cardinal directions: East, West, South, and North. According to beliefs, the East signifies the beginning, the West – maturity, the South – fulfilment and the North symbolises revelation.
Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the most sacred Jyotirlingas, is another revered destination of the Kanwarias. The temple’s sanctity is heightened during the Kanwar Yatra, with devotees flocking to offer their collected Ganga water. This temple is situated along the holy river of Shipra. One of the most interesting things here is the shivalinga is believed to be Swayambhu.
Cultural impact
The Kanwar Yatra is more than a pilgrimage; it is a cultural phenomenon that brings together millions of devotees from diverse backgrounds. The journey exemplifies the resilience and unwavering faith of the Kanwarias, who endure physical hardships to fulfil their vows. The vibrant atmosphere, marked by devotional songs, chants, and a sea of saffron-clad devotees, transforms the yatra into a moving mural of India’s spiritual diversity.
The Yatra also plays a crucial role in reinforcing community bonds. The collective effort in organising the pilgrimage, providing amenities, and ensuring the safety of the pilgrims highlights the spirit of unity and cooperation. Moreover, the pilgrimage significantly impacts local economies, with markets bustling with religious paraphernalia, food stalls, and accommodations catering to the needs of the Kanwarias.
The Kanwar Yatra is a testament to the enduring faith and devotion that form the bedrock of Indian culture. It is a journey that transcends mere physical movement, offering a path to spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. The legends, rituals, and temples associated with the yatra create a rich heritage of tradition and devotion, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of the devotees. As the Kanwarias return home, their journey becomes a symbol of spiritual fulfilment and a reaffirmation of their unwavering faith in the divine.
Presently, the legendary pilgrimage is also one of India’s largest religious congregations where millions of devotees and saints traverse through the country to reach their destinations. The Kanwarias often chant `Bam Bam Bholey’, ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and bhajans and religious songs during their journey signifying their devotion for Shiva.
The journey is an experience in itself for the participants and for the spectators when millions of Kanwarias from Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh make their way to meet their god!