Why in News?
A truck carrying Kanwar Yatra pilgrims overturned in Tehri district, Uttarakhand, killing 3 and injuring 18. The pilgrims were from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. Rescue teams responded swiftly, and the Chief Minister directed officials to aid the injured.
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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