Context: Recently, the Kanwar Yatra was observed during Hindu month of Shravan.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About Kanwar Yatra.
What is the Kanwar Yatra?
- The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage undertaken by devotees of Lord Shiva, mostly during the Hindu month of Shravan (Saavan).
- Pilgrims, called Kanwariyas, carry water from the holy river Ganga in decorated slings called kanwars, walking to offer it at Shiva temples.
Mythological Roots: Why Ganga Water?
- During the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), a deadly poison (halahal) emerged.
- To protect the universe, Lord Shiva drank the poison, which turned his throat blue, hence the name Neelkantha. To soothe the burning poison, Ganga water was offered to Shiva.
- Since, this event occurred in the month of Shravan, offering Ganga water to Shiva during this month is considered highly auspicious.
Despite its mythological links, the Kanwar Yatra in its current mass form is relatively recent. It is not mentioned in major ancient texts or British-era records.
Scholarly analysis suggests that it originated in 1700s Bihar (Sultanganj) and gradually spread across North India.
Where do Pilgrims go?
- Sources of Ganga water: Haridwar, Gangotri, Gaumukh (Uttarakhand), Sultanganj (Bihar), Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya.
- Shiva temples: Offerings can be made at any local Shiva temple, though famous destinations include:
- 12 Jyotirlingas
- Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar)
- Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi)
- Pura Mahadev (Baghpat)
- Augharnath Temple (Meerut)
Why the Rapid Growth?
The popularity of the Yatra received a major boost in the 1980s. Scholars have linked it to following factors:
- Improved connectivity and infrastructure made long pilgrimages easier.
- Hindu Identity Assertion
- Rising Incomes in North India
Sociological Significance: The Kanwar Yatra helps blur rigid caste boundaries by fostering shared religious participation and community bonding across social hierarchies.