Types of Kanwar Yatra - Know what are their rules
In Hinduism, the Kanwar Yatra is an annual holy and religious pilgrimage. This is done by the devotees of Lord Shiva, especially in the month of Sawan (Shravan). In this journey, devotees are called "Kanwariya". Fill water from the Ganges River or other holy water sources and travel on foot to Shiva temples through Kanwar (a wooden stick with water vessels hanging on both ends). Offer that water to the Shivalinga.
The purpose of this journey is to please Lord Shiva, atone for sins, and achieve self-purification. In the Kanwar Yatra, devotees adopt a pure and satvik lifestyle. Shouts like "Har Har Mahadev" and "Bol Bam" should be successful. Follow celibacy, restraint, and a service spirit. This journey starts from pilgrimage sites like Haridwar, Gangotri, Garhmukteshwar, Varanasi, and Deoghar in different parts of North India and reaches major Shiva Dhams and has become a symbol of faith for millions of devotees. We will learn about the Kanwar Yatra from astrologer Chirag Daruwala.
Types of Kanwar Yatra
The Kanwar Yatra is an important spiritual journey undertaken by devotees of Lord Shiva, especially during the Hindu month of Shravan (JulyтАУAugust). Usually on foot, devotees transport holy water from revered rivers like the Ganges to Shiva temples. There are many types of Kanwar Yatras, each with its customs, difficulty level, and spiritual discipline.
Simple Kanwar
This is the most common type of Kanwar Yatra. In this, devotees fill water from the holy river and slowly walk to their destination (usually a Shiva temple). In this journey, they also take rest in between and can use limited vehicles if needed. This Kanwar Yatra is mainly popular among villagers and families.
Dak Kanwar
This is a difficult journey. After taking water in the Dak Kanwar, the journey is completed by running without stopping and without rest. In this journey, special attention is paid to time, and it is considered a symbol of extreme devotion and energy. The use of vehicles is completely prohibited in this.
Khadi Kanwar
Not keeping the Kanwar on the ground is one of the primary guidelines for this Kanwar Yatra. Devotees have to lift the Kanwar on their shoulders one by one until the water is poured on the Shivling. This yatra is regarded as one of the most challenging and requires a great deal of commitment and discipline.
Dandi Kanwar
The Dandi Kanwar Yatra is considered to be the most difficult. In this, devotees travel by doing a dand baithak. This journey is time-consuming. Because it requires covering long distances continuously in the dand baithak position. Although this yatra is becoming popular among young devotees. Still, some traditional people consider it to be less associated with devotion.
Kanwar Yatra Rules
Kanwar Yatra is an extremely sacred religious ritual, so while performing it, devotees have to follow certain special rules and disciplines. The purpose of these regulations is to guarantee mental, spiritual, and bodily cleanliness. Below are the main rules of the Kanwar Yatra.
Follow a satvik lifestyle
During the journey, devotees should eat only pure and satvik food. Consumption of non-vegetarian food, garlic, onion, tobacco, alcohol, and any kind of intoxicant is completely prohibited.
Follow celibacy
During the journey, following celibacy (restrained life) is mandatory. Devotees should stay away from disorders like lust, anger, greed, and attachment.
Do not keep the Kanwar on the ground
Especially in the standing Kanwar, this rule is strictly applicable that the Kanwar should not be kept on the ground until water is offered. At the time of rest, it is kept on a stand or at some height.
Vehicle use is prohibited (especially in Dak Kanwad)
Vehicles are not used after taking water in Dak Kanwad. The journey has to be done entirely on foot or by running.
Serve and respect others
One should behave politely and cooperatively with other Kanwadis and travelers met during the journey. In the service camps, humility and thankfulness are also crucial.
Stay away from impure objects
Ganga water is considered extremely sacred, so while carrying it, one should stay away from any impure object, impure thoughts, or impure places.
Chant "Bol Bam" and Shiva's name
During the journey, one should chant the name of Lord Shiva continuously, such as "Bol Bam", "Har Har Mahadev", "Om Namah Shivay", etc. This keeps the mind concentrated, and the atmosphere remains devotional.
Avoid disputes or fights
Kanwad Yatra is a symbol of peace and devotion. Therefore, travelers should avoid anger, quarrels, or any kind of dispute.
Take care of cleanliness
Wherever Kanwariyas stop, maintain cleanliness there. Do not dirty any public place and protect the environment.
Start the adventure by taking a pledge to the policies
Before starting the Kanwar Yatra, take a pledge in your mind that you will complete the journey with full devotion and discipline. Traveling half-heartedly or for show-off is considered inappropriate.
Conclusion
The kavad yatra, seen as a holy voyage dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an illustration of dedication, religion, and self-discipline. This journey is done in different forms, each of which has its special significance and rules. Devotees choose the type of journey according to their faith, ability, and resolve. It is mandatory to follow some basic rules during this journey. The purpose of these rules is to purify the devotee physically and mentally, so that he can receive the blessings of Lord Shiva. Ultimately, the Kanwar Yatra is not only a religious ritual but also a spiritual practice and an exercise of self-restraint, which deepens the sense of devotion, service, and dedication. If you want to know more about the Kanwar Yatra, then talk to astrologers.
