By Admin 
Kanwar Yatra 2026: In the holy month of Sawan, lakhs of devotees from all over the country fill Ganga water from holy places like Haridwar, Gaumukh and Sultanganj and set out on foot for the Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva. According to religious beliefs, Kanwar Yatra is not just about bringing water and offering it, it is a test of purity, devotion and adherence to rules.
It is mentioned in the scriptures that it is very important to take certain precautions right from the water of Kanwar to the process of Jalabhishek. Let us know to which God and in what method the water of Kanwar is offered.
To whom is the water of Kanwar offered?
The main objective of Kanwar Yatra is to perform Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva (Mahadev).
It is believed that when Lord Shiva drank poison (Halahal) during the churning of the ocean, an extreme burning sensation occurred in his body. To calm this jealousy, Devraj Indra and other gods brought water from holy rivers and offered it to Mahadev. Following this tradition, devotees of Shiva bring Ganga water in the month of Sawan and anoint Lord Shiva.
Correct method of offering Kanwar water
Instead of being hasty while offering water to Shivalinga, one should follow the scriptural method:
Physical and mental purity: Wash your hands and feet before entering the temple premises. Continue chanting ‘Om Namah Shivay’ or ‘Bam Bam Bhole’ in your mind.
Take care of direction: While performing Jalabhishek, always sit or stand facing north. North direction is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati.
Order of offering water:
- Ganesh ji and Kartikeya ji: First of all, offer a few drops of water on the right (Ganesh ji) and left (Kartikeya ji) parts of the water reservoir of Shivling.
- Mother Ashok Sundari: After this, offer some water on the central part of the Jaladhari (Ashok Sundari place).
- Main Abhishekam on Shivalinga: Finally, offer Ganga water directly on Shivalinga with a slow stream.
- Law of rotation: After Jalabhishek, only half parikrama of Shivalinga is done (Jaladhari/Somasutra should never be crossed).
These mistakes can spoil your journey
Violation of even one rule during Kanwar Yatra makes the Yatra incomplete or broken. It is mandatory to follow these major rules during the journey:
Not allowing Kanwar to touch the ground: Kanwar is never kept directly on the ground. While resting, it is mandatory to hang it on a stand or a tree branch. If a Kanwar filled with water touches the ground, that water is considered impure and the water has to be filled again.
Prohibition of leather goods: Use of leather items like belt, shoes, purse etc. is completely prohibited during the journey.
Distance from vindictive food and drugs: Until the completion of the Yatra, it is necessary to follow virtuous eating habits, celibacy and complete abstinence from any kind of intoxicant (alcohol, cigarette, gutkha).
Bathing again after defecation: After defecation or rest on the journey route, Kanwar is not touched without taking bath.
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