Yatras, or spiritual pilgrimages, hold immense importance in Hindu Dharma. In addition to customary visits to sacred shrines, Hindus embark on yearly Yatras devoted to their chosen Bhagwan. These holy journeys follow specific timings as per the Hindu calendar, ensuring a profound and meaningful experience for devotees.
Discovering the divine through these Yatras allows Hindus to connect with their faith or Śrāddhā profoundly and spiritually, fostering a deeper connection with their chosen deity.
Faith or Śrāddhā flourishes when our minds embrace a profound truth that resonates within our hearts. These heartfelt actions transport us beyond the ordinary realm of thoughts and emotions, anchoring us in life’s essential principles. Embracing faith provides us with a sense of purpose, optimism, and unwavering strength in the face of challenges.
The Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage stands as a prime example of Śrāddhā, or faith, among devotees.
What Is Kanwar Yatra?
The Kanwar Yatra is a spiritual journey that takes place annually in the month of Shravan or Saavan, primarily in North India. Devotees, known as Kanwariya, embark on this pilgrimage to collect the sacred Ganga water for Abhishek, a religious ceremony.
They carry pitchers filled with Gangajal and travel to holy sites in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri, as well as Bihar’s Sultanganj. With utmost devotion, the Kanwariyas walk barefoot and balance the pitchers on their shoulders using a sturdy bamboo pole, known as Kanwar, from which they derive their name.
Rules to be followed by Kanwariyas
Kanwariyas are devotees who follow a set of rules and traditions during their journey. They must live like a sage, walk barefoot, avoid non-vegetarian food, speak respectfully, and refrain from sitting on furniture.
They collect Ganga water in two pots carried on a decorated bamboo stick. It is important to keep the pots from touching the ground or getting dusty, as the water is considered sacred. Despite the challenging journey across difficult terrains and drastic climates, these devotees are driven solely by their unwavering Śrāddhā.
Śrāddhā in Bhagavad Gītā
The Bhagavad Gītā expounds on the significance of faith, offering a valuable perspective. In the initial verses of its 17th chapter, Krishna reveals that unwavering convictions spawn faith. When our thoughts are pure, faith emerges effortlessly, as we detach ourselves from personal gains. The way we live our lives is a reflection of our Śrāddhā.
Kanwar Yatra, for instance, is an act of faith that stems from the heart. Śrāddhā acts as a nurturing force, similar to the love and protection provided by a mother. Just like how a mother supports and helps us grow, Śrāddhā provides us with a sense of rest and nourishment.
Śrāddhā & Dharma
Your Śrāddhā is the deep feeling that defines you as an individual. It is reflected in your virtues and values, shaping your character and determining your destiny. When these values are violated, you may react strongly.
Your deepest values illuminate your dharma, which is your inherent purpose in life, supporting your faith. This purpose may not necessarily be your livelihood, but it is present in your life in some way.
The key to finding ultimate satisfaction and inner peace lies in fully embracing your dharma. By dedicating more time to living in alignment with your true purpose, you’ll discover a profound sense of fulfillment and belonging within yourself.
