Devotees Begin Kanwar Yatra and Celebrate Sawan with Holy Dips in Ganga
With the arrival of monsoon showers, devotees across India have officially started their Kanwar Yatra on the first Monday of ‘Sawan’. This sacred month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and many devotees visit temples to offer their prayers. Some also take a holy dip in the Ganga to mark the occasion.
Pilgrims began arriving in Haridwar two days ago to collect Gangajal and offer it to Lord Shiva. Temples like Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Kali Paltan in Meerut, and Jharkhandi Mahadev in Gorakhpur saw a large number of devotees.
Haridwar experienced a significant influx of pilgrims, leading to enhanced security measures. The area has been divided into 14 superzones, 35 zones, and 132 sectors for better management. In addition to the Uttarakhand Police, five thousand security personnel, including paramilitary forces, have been deployed.
The month of Sawan, typically falling between July and August, is revered by Hindus for its spiritual significance. It marks a period of worship, fasting, and pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva, the deity of destruction and transformation. Sawan is believed to be the month when Lord Shiva consumed poison from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) to save the universe.
During Sawan, devotees observe fasts on Mondays, known as Shravan Somvar, which are considered auspicious. Many abstain from consuming grains, eating only fruits, milk, and specific foods permissible during fasting. Common practices include chanting Shiva mantras, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and performing Rudrabhishek (ceremonial bathing of Shiva Lingam with holy substances).
Doubts Revealed
Kanwar Yatra -: Kanwar Yatra is a religious journey where devotees of Lord Shiva carry water from the Ganga River to offer at Shiva temples. It is a popular pilgrimage in India.
Sawan -: Sawan is a holy month in the Hindu calendar dedicated to Lord Shiva. It usually falls in July-August and is marked by fasting, prayers, and special rituals.
Ganga -: The Ganga, also known as the Ganges, is a sacred river in India. Hindus believe that taking a dip in the Ganga can purify one’s sins.
Mahakaleshwar -: Mahakaleshwar is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered very sacred.
Kashi Vishwanath -: Kashi Vishwanath is a renowned temple of Lord Shiva situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
Haridwar -: Haridwar is a city in Uttarakhand, India, known for its religious significance. It is a major pilgrimage site where the Ganga River flows.
Lord Shiva -: Lord Shiva is one of the principal deities in Hinduism. He is known as the destroyer and transformer within the Hindu trinity.
consuming poison -: According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva drank poison during the churning of the ocean to save the universe. This act is commemorated during the month of Sawan.
