Kanwar Yatra Kab Se Hai: The month of Sawan is considered to be a special time for devotion and worship of Lord Shiva. Devotees of Bholenath eagerly wait for this holy month, because this time is the best for worshiping Shiva, fasting, and Rudrabhishek. During Sawan, every Shiva temple is crowded with devotees, and the echo of “Har Har Mahadev” is heard everywhere. It is believed that in this month, all the wishes of the devotee who worships Shiva with a true heart are fulfilled.
The biggest feature of Sawan is the Kanwar Yatra, in which devotees bring Ganga water from pilgrimage places like Haridwar, Gaumukh, or Gangotri and anoint the Shivling. This journey continues till Shivratri and especially on the day of Sawan Shivratri, offering water is considered very virtuous. It is said that the Kanwar Yatra was started by Lord Parshuram. Today this journey has become a symbol of faith, devotion, and loyalty, in which lakhs of devotees participate.
When will Sawan start
According to the Panchang, in the year 2025, the month of Sawan will start from 2.06 am on July 11 and it will end on August 9. This time Sawan will be for a full 30 days. Since the Kanwar Yatra starts from the first day of Sawan, the Kanwar Yatra 2025 will also be considered to start from July 11. The Kanwar Yatra continues till Sawan Shivratri, which will fall in early August this time. During this time, devotees take Ganga water and perform Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Bholenath is very happy with this journey and fulfills the wishes of the devotees.
When is Sawan Shivratri?
In the year 2025, Sawan month’s Shivratri will be celebrated on July 23. This festival comes every year on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Sawan month. According to the Panchang, Chaturdashi Tithi will start on July 23 at 4:39 am and will end on July 24 at 2:28 am.
Therefore, Shiva devotees will observe the fast of Sawan Shivratri on July 23 and will fast and worship throughout the day and will perform Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva at night. This day is considered especially auspicious to please Bholenath and fulfill their wishes. That is why the Kanwar Yatra will start on July 23.
Types of Kanwar Yatra
Kanwar Yatra is done in four different types, which are according to the faith, ability, and rules of the devotees.
General Kanwar Yatra – In this, devotees take Ganga water and anoint Lord Shiva while stopping at their convenience. This is the most common and easy form.
Khari Kanwar Yatra – The rules are very strict in this. After bringing water, the Kanwar is not kept on the ground during the entire journey. Two or more devotees together take turns to carry it on their shoulders.
Dandi Kanwar Yatra – In this journey, devotees do Dandavat Pranam every few distances. It is considered to be the most difficult journey because in this devotees move by lying down on the ground.
Dak Kanwar Yatra – This is the fastest and running journey. In this, devotees carry Ganga water and move towards Shivdham rapidly without stopping, just like a “Dak” i.e. messenger runs.
Rules of Kanwar Yatra
Before setting out on the Kanwar Yatra, devotees have to follow many rules. First of all, they should adopt a Satvik lifestyle.
A few weeks before the journey, one has to give up the consumption of non-vegetarian and tamasic food like onion, garlic, etc.
Apart from this, one has to completely stay away from things like alcohol, cigarettes, and tobacco.
Devotees also have to keep their thoughts pure during the journey.
Anger, hatred, or any bad thought should not come into the mind.
The entire journey is completed with devotion, restraint, and discipline, due to which Bholenath is pleased and bestows his blessings.
PC Social media
