Every year, the holy month of Sawan is celebrated by millions of devotees of Lord Shiva. The devotees go ahead to spend this month with complete devotion and discipline towards Lord Shiva. During this month, a spiritual journey takes place, which is called the Kanwar Yatra.
In Kavad Yatra, devotees who are known as kavadiyas carry the sacred water of the river Ganga and walk miles to offer it to Lord Shiva. This journey requires a lot of dedication and devotion towards Shiv Ji. Throughout the month, an endless number of devotees in India undertake the Kanwar Yatra, demonstrating their faith in God.
Similar to other years, even in 2025, the Kanwar Yatra is expected to be done by a vast number of people. The Kanwar Yatra 2025 is known to have a considerable number of devotees from all around the country participating in this and showing their devotion towards Mahadev.
What Is Kanwar Yatra?
Many individuals are unaware of the Kanwar yatra's meaning. The Kanwar Yatra has a profound and spiritual meaning in Hinduism. The word Kanwar means bamboo structure, which the devotees carry on their shoulders. In this structure, the two pots are tied on both ends, in which the Gangajal is filled, i.e, Holy water from the river Ganga—the devotees collected from the Ghats of various places in India, like Haridwar or Gangotri.
Once they fill up the water, they then carry it back by walking on foot for miles, and then it is finally poured over the shivling at any local Temple near their home. This whole journey is known as the Kanwar Yatra. The ultimate aim of this journey is to get blessings from Lord Shiva.
Reason behind the Offering of Ganga Jal to Shivling
Many individuals wonder why Ganga Jal is offered to the Shivling. According to our Hindu holy books and Hindu mythology, it is believed that Ganga Ji has descended from heaven to the earth through Lord Shiva. Therefore, Gangajal has a deep spiritual meaning, and it is used at the time of worship of Lord Shiva.
Here are the things which is believed about offering Ganga jal or Holy Water of Ganga to Shivling-
- It washes away the sins and eliminates past sins.
- It purifies the heart and soul of individuals.
- Furthermore, it is also believed that it fulfills our desires, which we pray to Lord Shiva.
- This act also brings us inner peace and strengthens the bond of a devotee with Lord Shiva.
- This whole act is considered very important and sacred in the Sawan Lord Shiva puja rituals.
About the Kawariyas
Individuals who participate in the Kanwariya Yatra have to be very disciplined and devoted to Lord Shiva. Many devotees fast during this time and walk barefoot, chanting the mantras of Lord Shiva throughout their journey. Additionally, they face numerous challenges throughout this period, including sleeping on the floor and adapting to changing situations.
During this journey, they often walk in groups, singing the songs and hymns of Lord Shiva. The atmosphere of the Kanwar Yatra is very vibrant, and it shows the devotion of devotees towards Mahadev.
Due to the long walks and extensive distances covered, the kawariyas endure considerable pain. However, they still believe that every step they take will bring them closer to the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Rituals during Kanwar Yatra and the month of Sawan
During the month of Sawan, many devotees complete the journey of the Kanwar Yatra. However, others also performed a few rituals that are done to get the blessings of Lord Shiva.
These rituals are as follows-
Abhishekam - Abhishekam is the ritual that includes pouring of liquids like milk or water on the Shivling.
- Offering other things which Lord Shiva is fond of to the shivling, like belpatra, curd, and honey.
- Chanting the mantras of Lord Shiva, like Om Namah Shivaya.
- Lightening the diyas or other Shiv Puja items like incense sticks near the idol of Lord Shiva or Shivling.
- The devotees perform these rituals not only in their nearby temples but also at their homes and show their devotion towards Lord Shiva.
Must-Have Pooja Essentials for Shiv Puja at Home
Not all individuals can participate in the Kanwar Yatra. Such devotees offer prayer to Lord Shiva at the home itself. One can perform all the critical Pooja rituals by keeping certain essential Pooja items at home.
These include the following-
- Shivling
- Belpatra leaves and fresh flowers
- Gangajal or holy water
- Incense sticks
- Small diyas
- Shiv Hindu holy books
The use of a Brass Shivling in the home is considered very auspicious, as it not only looks exquisite but also radiates spiritual and sacred vibes, inviting positivity to the house.
Kanwar Yatra is more than just about carrying the holy water of the Ganga. This whole journey is about love and devotion towards Lord Shiva. Whether one wants to participate in the Kanwar Yatra or indulge in the pooja rituals by completing the rituals at their home temple by placing the brass Shivling at home, all these acts will open doors to the divine blessings of Lord Shiva.
