ALLAHABAD: Driven by devotion and desire to offer prayers to Lord Shiva at Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, a large number of women Kanwariyas are joining hands with their male counterparts in walking the extra mile.
Dressed in saffron attire, the number of women carrying the decorated pot has increased manifold at Dashashwamedh Ghat and Sangam. Here the Kanwariyas collect water from Ganga before heading to Varanasi. Most of these women kanwariyas hail from rural area and are in the age group of 25-40 years.
After collecting water from Ganga, these women walk bare foot to offer jalabhishek to Lord Shiva. The start of Shrawan month has already filled Sangam city’s streets with saffron-clad Kanwariyas carrying decorated ‘kanwars’ structure on their shoulders.
“It’s a matter of devotion. Women are making a mark in all fields like education, engineering and medical. They are also strong enough to follow the custom and practice (taking kanwar on their shoulders) as men do” said Savita, a woman kanwariya from Soraon. She added “The number of women kanwariyas has increased in the last two to three years. Earlier, they preferred offering ‘puja’ to the deity at local temples.”
Besides, even families are supporting and encouraging the women in their desire to perform jalabhishek of Lord Shiva at Kashi Vishwanath.
Most of the women kanwariyas hailing from rural areas strictly adhere to the rituals as the act is supposed to fulfill their wishes and endear them to Lord Shiva.
Another woman kanwariya Kanti said, “Nothing is impossible for us. All the pains and harsh weather is overcome by devotion and determination. Fulfilling the ritual by overcoming all difficulties gives a feeling of contentment,” she added.
Interestingly, all women kanwariyas are well aware of the mythological significance of offering Ganjajal to Lord Shiva, a process known as Jalabhishek, during Shrawan. This is the second trip for Sushila. “Owing to safety reasons, I accompanied male kanwariyas from my village on my first trip. This time I am going along with five other women of the village.”
Asked as to how she would keep her spirit upbeat during the long and arduous journey, she replied: “We chant bhajans and recite stories path related to Lord Shiva. This makes the journey easy.”