An Unshakeable Deluge of Faith in the Shravani Mela; The Moment the Kanwar is Placed on the Shoulder, Boundless Energy and Joy Awaken from Within, Shiva Devotees Share Their Experiences
Bhagalpur/Sultanganj, Office Correspondent: During the sacred month of Sawan, as thousands of Shiva devotees don saffron attire and commence their journey from the holy coast of the Uttarvahini Ganga in Sultanganj—often referred to as a land of divinity—the entire atmosphere resonates with chants of "Bol Bom" and "Har Har Mahadev." The enthusiasm witnessed among pilgrims regarding this pedestrian kanwar journey, considered one of the most unique and arduous in the world, is difficult to put into words. Amidst all this, regarding the spiritual impact left on the minds and hearts of the kanwarias, Shiva devotees clearly state, "The moment the kanwar filled with holy Ganga water is placed on the shoulder, all physical fatigue vanishes, and an otherworldly joy and immense flow of energy begin to awaken from within." This experience belongs not to just one individual, but to every single kanwaria moving forward holding the thread of faith in this grand congregation.
Physical and Mental State Transforms the Moment the Kanwar is Lifted
After collecting water from the Ajgabinath Ghat in Sultanganj and resting the kanwars upon their shoulders, a new and spiritual chapter of the pilgrims' lives begins:
Not a Burden on the Shoulder, But the Blessing of God: On ordinary days, lifting weight can be exhausting, but on the kanwar journey, the kanwar placed on the shoulder is no burden for the devotees; rather, it is the blessing of Mahadev, the lord of lords. Throughout this arduous pedestrian journey of approximately 105 kilometers up to Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Jharkhand, even if the kanwarias' steps falter due to blisters, their inner enthusiasm never diminishes.
The Experience of Supernatural Energy: Several experienced kanwarias shared during conversations that until they lift the kanwar, they might harbor slight doubts or physical weakness regarding the long journey; however, the moment the kanwar adorns their shoulder, an unknown strength and energy awakens within them, inspiring them to press forward continuously without stopping.
In the Words of Shiva Devotees: What Do the Travelling Kanwarias Say?
Kanwarias hailing from various districts of Bihar as well as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and other corners of the country shared their experiences, stating that every single moment of this journey is unique for them:
Rahul Kumar, a young kanwaria who arrived from Rohtas, Bihar, shared, "This is my third kanwar journey. When I lifted water from the Sultanganj Ghat this time and placed the kanwar on my shoulder, it felt as though a new soul or energy had entered me. Feet ache along the way and path hardships arise, but the kanwar resting on the shoulder and the chant of 'Bol Bom' emerging from the mouth brings back all the energy."
Anant Jha, an elderly Shiva devotee from Dumka, Jharkhand, said emotionally, "Due to advancing age, I felt I might perhaps not be able to complete such a long foot march this time. But when I filled the Ganga water and bore the kanwar on my shoulder, Baba Bholenath's grace was such that a tremendous agility surged through my body. The joy and happiness being experienced from within cannot be bound in words."
Arduous Routes and Smoothing Paths: The Miracle of Faith
To complete the journey from Sultanganj to Deoghar, kanwarias must face various geographical challenges and the onslaught of weather:
The Struggle of Sun, Shade, and Rain: In the month of Sawan, scorching sunlight alternating with torrential rain makes the path difficult for kanwarias. Dirt tracks, pebbles, and foot blisters can break anyone's courage.
Obstacles Vanquish Through the Power of Faith: Despite all these hardships, an extraordinary radiance and contentment appear on the kanwarias' faces instead of sadness. They believe this is not merely their physical capacity, but the holiness of the sacred kanwar resting on their shoulder and the Ganga water within it, which grants them the strength to fight every difficulty.
The Path to Mental Peace and Inner Joy
Psychologists and spiritual gurus also believe that such collective and devoted religious pilgrimages exert a positive impact on an individual's mental health:
Liberation from Stress: Far away from the modern, fast-paced life and mental stress, when a person completely immerses themselves in the devotion of Lord Shiva, their mind grows tranquil.
Flow of Positive Energy: When a kanwaria moves forward in a disciplined manner with the resolve of 'Bol Bom,' negativity within them dissipates and a fresh flow of positive energy is triggered, granting them a deep sense of inner joy.
The boundless joy and energy generated from within the moment the kanwar is placed on the shoulder serve as living proof that human faith possesses the power to make the impossible possible. This journey, commencing from Sultanganj and extending to Deoghar, is not merely a religious ritual, but a sacred festival of human resilience, devotion, and inner resolve. That kanwar resting on the shoulder becomes for devotees not just a vessel of water, but the ultimate medium to make their lives energetic and joyful, providing enduring support to every kanwaria for a lifetime.
