After all, why is there a tradition of offering Kanwar to Bholenath?

August 18, 2026 Shubham

The month of Sawan is currently underway, and you will encounter many devotees of Lord Shiva along the way, carrying *kanwars* on their shoulders.

Their sole objective is to perform *Jalabhishek* (ritual bathing with water) of Lord Shiva using the water carried in the *kanwar*. To achieve this, devotees walk for miles with the *kanwar* on their shoulders to reach the Shiva temple.

Astrologer Navratna Vats says that in such a situation, it is natural for everyone to question what is the significance of the Kanwar that devotees endure hardships to bring water in the Kanwar to perform the Abhisheka of Lord Shiva.

The answer to this question is found in the Puranas. The Puranas state that –

‘dhoopaidipaistatha punyai naivedyai vividhairapi.

nah tushyati tatha shambhuryatha kamar varini..

That is, as much as Lord Shiva is happy by offering Ganga water from Shankar Kanwar, he is not as happy by offering incense, lamp, naivedya or flowers. Regarding Kanwar and Shiv Bhakti, it has also been said that –

‘Skandhe cha kamaram dhritva bam-bam projya kshane-kshane, pade-pade ashwamedhasta akshaya punyam sute.

That is, by walking with a Kanwar on the shoulder and chanting the slogan of Bol Bam, one attains the virtue of performing an Ashved Yagya with every step.

The tradition of carrying water in a *Kanwar* to perform the ritual bathing (*Abhishek*) of Lord Shiva has existed for centuries.
According to the scriptures, only three types of *Kanwars* are described—*Baithi* (seated), *Jhoola* (swinging), and *Khadi* (standing)—with absolutely no mention of any other variety.

Carrying a *Kanwar* to offer water to Lord Shiva is a form of penance, and every act of penance entails certain rules.

Astrologer Shri Navratna states that the scriptures prescribe certain rules for Kanwariyas as well. The scriptures dictate that Kanwariyas should consume *sattvic* and pure food.

Never place the Kanwar directly on the bare ground; you may place it down after spreading a clean cloth on the earth.
Maintain purity in your conduct and thoughts. Refrain from criticism and avoid using harsh words. During the Kanwar Yatra, guard against lust and anger, and remain focused on meditating upon Lord Shiva.

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