Meerut.  Kanwar Yatra History: Be it the Delhi-Dehradun highway or the Gang Canal track, Kanwariyas are moving towards Shivalis. The chanting of Bam Bhole in the saffron waves flowing in the joy of faith and discipline is also touching the sky. This Kanwar is transformed into devotion and faith only when the Ganga water is confluenced with Vedic rituals.

Parshuram had started the Kanwar

There are many mythological beliefs about the Kanwar Yatra. Dr. Pankaj Jha of Sadar Bileshwar Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya said that the most popular story is that of Parashuram. According to the story, Lord Parashuram established a temple in Pura Mahadev (Bagpat district) for regular worship of his beloved god Shiva.

Parshuram started the Kavad tradition by bringing Ganga water in Kavad and worshipping it. Currently, Kavad Yatra is quite popular across the country. According to the story, Lord Parshuram, who started the Kavad tradition, should also be worshipped in the month of Shravan. Parshuram used to worship Lord Shiva by bringing water in Kavad every Monday of Shravan month.

Lord Ram and Ravan also brought Kanwad

Dr. Jha told that according to the second story, the first Kanwadia was Ravana, the king of Lanka, who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Ravana also used to bring Ganga water in a Kanwad to please Lord Shiva and perform Jalabhishek. Maryada Purushottam Ram also brought a Kawad and performed Ganga water Abhishek along with worshipping Lord Shiva. Many other stories are also popular about Kanwad.

There are four types of Kavad: Normal Kavad

The Kanwariyas who carry Ganga water from Haridwar and Gangotri complete the journey according to their faith. Four types of Kanwar have been determined.

General Convair

Shiv bhakts who carry this type of Kaanvad can stop and rest wherever they want during their journey. During rest, the Kaanvad is kept on a stand. During this time, the Kaanvad is kept away from the ground. It is also called swinging Kaanvad.

Postal Kavad

In the Dak Kavad Yatra, the devotee has to keep moving continuously. After starting the journey, he stops only after performing Jalabhishek. This journey has to be completed within a certain time. At present, Shiva devotees undertake this journey in groups. At present, the number of Dak Kavad is increasing significantly.

Vertical Kavad

A large number of Shiva devotees walk with standing Kaavad. During this time, an assistant also goes with them to help them. During the journey, Kaavad can be carried only on the shoulder. This is considered a very difficult journey.

Dandi Kavad

The most difficult is the Dandi Kanwad. Devotees complete the journey from the river bank to Shivdham by doing dand. According to the dand, the distance of the Kanwad Yatra is measured by lying down with the length of their body. This journey, which is completed in several days, ends with reaching the Shiva temple and offering water to Bholenath.