The holy month of Sawan is considered the most auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva. In 2026, Sawan will last until August 28th. Throughout this month, millions of Shiva devotees from across the country travel on foot to Shiva temples, carrying water from holy rivers, and perform Jalabhishek on the Shivalinga.
This religious tradition is called the Kanwar Yatra. According to religious beliefs, the Kanwar Yatra is not only a symbol of faith but also a path of restraint, discipline, and penance. Therefore, it is considered essential to follow certain rules during the journey.
It is a religious belief that devotees who complete the Kanwar Yatra with devotion, discipline, and discipline receive the special blessings of Lord Shiva. It is believed that performing the ritual of anointing the Shivalinga with Ganga water fulfils desires, absolves sins, and brings happiness and prosperity to life. Therefore, following the rules during the Kanwar Yatra is considered as important as the ritual of performing the anointment itself.
1. Do not place the Kanwar on the ground
The water of the Ganges River filled in the Kanwar is considered extremely sacred. Therefore, the Kanwar should not be placed directly on the ground during the pilgrimage. If it needs to rest, hang it on a stand, a wooden plank, or some other elevated position. It is believed that if the Kanwar is placed on the ground, it may have to be refilled with water from the holy river.
2. Adopt a Satvik lifestyle
From the beginning of the Kanwar Yatra until the completion of the Jalabhishek, one should maintain completely pure conduct. During this period, one should abstain from consuming meat, alcohol, tobacco, intoxicants, garlic, and onions. Maintaining purity of thought, speech, and action is also considered essential.
3. Take special care of hygiene
It is considered essential to purify yourself before touching the Kanwar. Touch the Kanwar only after bathing or washing your hands and feet. Wear clean clothes and maintain proper personal hygiene during the journey.
4. Avoid anger and harsh words
It is advisable to maintain restraint during the Kanwar Yatra. Avoid arguments, abusive language, or slandering others. It is considered auspicious to chant “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole” while remembering Lord Shiva along the route.
5. Do not use leather items
According to religious belief, leather items such as belts, purses, shoes, or slippers should not be used during the Kanwar Yatra. This is why most Kanwariyas complete the entire journey barefoot.
6. Maintain cleanliness before meals
One should wash hands and feet thoroughly before eating or resting. Many devotees bathe before eating. This maintains both physical and religious purity.
7. Maintain the sanctity of Kanwar
Always carry the Kanwar with respect on your shoulder and avoid contact with impure places or the lower parts of your body. Considering it to be extremely sacred, it should be handled with utmost reverence.
