Why in News?
The Supreme Court directed eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their licenses and registration details as mandated by law. It emphasized pilgrims’ freedom to choose food and addressed concerns over food habits and vendor transparency.
Description:
- An annual Hindu pilgrimage undertaken by devotees of Lord Shiva, known as Kanvarias or Bhole.
- Timing: Takes place during the month of Sawan (Shravan), typically in July–August according to the Hindu calendar.
- Meaning of ‘Kanwar’: The word ‘Kanwar’ refers to a bamboo pole used to carry containers of Ganga jal (holy water) at either end.
Pilgrimage Route & Rituals:
- Source of Water: Devotees collect holy Ganga water from places like:
- Haridwar, Gangotri, Gaumukh (Uttarakhand)
- Sultanganj (Bihar)
- Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh)
- Destination & Offering:
- Water is carried back and offered to Shiva temples as part of the Jal Abhishek ritual.
- Major temples include:
- Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi)
- Baba Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar, Jharkhand)
- Pura Mahadev Mandir and Augharnath Temple (Uttar Pradesh)
- The 12 Jyotirlingas across India
- Mode of Travel:
- Many walk barefoot, some even complete the yatra by lying flat on the ground (called Dandavat yatra).
- Saffron clothing is commonly worn by Kanvarias.
Beliefs & Practices:
- Respect for Holy Water:
- Once the pot is filled with Ganga water, it must not touch the ground.
- Spiritual Observance:
- Many observe fasts, with restricted consumption of food, water, and salt.
- Final Offering:
- Some carry the water back to local Shiva temples in their own towns/villages.
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