Subodh Jha
The tradition of filling water from Uttarwahini Ganga and offering it to Bholenath by walking has been going on since ancient times. There are many beliefs regarding the commencement of Kanwar Yatra. In this context, some people say that Lankadhipati Ravana is the architect of the Kanwar-Yatra, who used to go from Lanka to Gangotri every day and fill water and offer it in Kailash to persuade Shiva to take him to Lanka. It is believed that Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram also brought water from Uttarwahini Ganga and offered it to Baba Baidyanath. Some people associate the beginning of Kanwar Yatra with Parshuram. Some people say that Shravan Kumar started the Kanwar tradition.
In the beginning of the Bhakti period, this tradition was carried out by a hermit monk who was kept in the category of hatha yoga. Why not, this journey was completed while crossing the inaccessible forests, rivers and streams, mountains and mountains. Some people even fell prey to wild animals in this sequence. No place to stay and no place to eat. Hathayogi used to set out on the difficult path to offer water to Lord Bholenath with a kanwar on his shoulder with the chants of “Har Shiv”. Gradually this tradition started among the householders as well, the credit goes to the people of Mithilanchal. There is a detailed description of the Kanwar Yatra in the poetry scriptures of the great poet Vidyapati, who himself was a great devotee of Shiva. It was said that Bholenath was so pleased with Vidyapati’s devotion that he used to live with him in the form of a sprout.
The incomparable contribution of the pilgrimage priests of Baidyanath Dham
There is an incomparable contribution of the pilgrimage priests of Baidyanath Dham in making the Kanwar Yatra more effective and even today this tradition is being followed by them. Today Kanwar Yatra has taken a wide form and people of all age groups go on Kanwar Yatra in the month of Shravan and other months. With the course of development, the number of devotees in Kanwar Yatra is increasing progressively and in the month of Shravan, thousands of people offer Gangajal to Bhole Baba every day and become a part of Akshaya Punya. In the Puranas, it has been said that by offering water while walking, you will get results equal to performing Ashwamedha Yagya.
no drugs
Kanwar Yatra is completely a pure religious ritual in which consumption of any kind of intoxicant is prohibited. Purity is its cover and devotion to Bholenath is its aim. Basically there are two types of Kanwar Baikunthi and Khada Kanwar. In recent times, the tradition of Dak Kanwar has started, which has no classical mention. But due to some economic reasons, due to some time constraints, people were attracted, which is now decreasing due to lack of any special facility. In general, people should take a pledge to visit Baikunthi Kanwar only.
Special rules for Kanwariyas
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Ganga water filled in Kanwar with resolution chanting.
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Chant mantras and bow down before keeping and lifting the Kanwar.
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Always keep Kanwar at a higher place than him and sit at a distance from him. Don’t cross the Kanwar over the forehead.
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Smoking at a distance of at least 12 hands from Kanwar, small doubts at a distance of 24 hands and defecation at a distance of hundreds of hands.
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After resting, eating, defecating etc., only after taking bath, pick up the Kanwar again.
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Do not use oil-soap, leather goods, footwear and glass items.
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Protect Kanwar and yourself from the touch of the dog.
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Follow the religion of celibacy and stay far away from luxury.
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Maintain interest in religious sentiments and keep chanting Bol Bam with body, mind and wealth. Stay absorbed in God.
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Maintain a sense of mutual charity and cooperation. Be truthful and soft-spoken and don’t let deceit and deceit get you close.