The Distortion of Shiv Bhakti and the Perils of Fake Devotion
The Kanwar Yatra, rooted in profound spiritual significance, has been increasingly overshadowed by criminal behavior and administrative negligence, raising questions about the true essence of Shiv Bhakti and the role of political complicity.
The Kanwar Yatra 2024: A Sacred Pilgrimage Marred by Violence and Misconduct
Shiv Bhakti stands for love, sacrifice, and justice. At its core, it embodies a universal affection for all beings, devoid of any violence. However, recent events during the Kanwar Yatra have starkly contrasted with these principles, revealing a troubling distortion of what it means to be a true devotee of Lord Shiva.
As the monsoon season heralds the start of the holy month of Shravan, Kanwariyas—devotees undertaking the pilgrimage to collect sacred water—flood the streets. Unfortunately, this spiritual journey has been marred by numerous incidents of violence and vandalism. Videos circulating on social media show so-called devotees attacking innocent people and damaging vehicles, actions that are utterly incompatible with the teachings of Shiva.
The Dark Underbelly of Kanwar Yatra
Several years ago, I had a revealing conversation in Delhi’s Karol Bagh market. Over a morning tea, two shopkeepers remarked that life was “sorted” for few days because the market’s usual troublemakers—thieves, pickpockets, and drug addicts—were off on the Kanwar Yatra. This disturbing reality exposes how the pilgrimage has become a refuge for those with criminal backgrounds, exploiting the journey for free food, shelter, and a chance to evade law enforcement.
The benefits for these individuals are clear:
- Free sustenance and lodging: For many, the Yatra provides an opportunity to avoid work and live off the generosity of others.
- Crowded environments: These create ideal conditions for pickpocketing and theft.
- Evading arrest: Criminals can join the Yatra to avoid being apprehended by the police.
The Disconnect Between True Devotion and Violent Behavior
A recent incident in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, highlights the severity of this issue. A private vehicle, marked with a police sticker, was overturned and vandalized by Kanwariyas after it entered a lane reserved for their pilgrimage. The vehicle, belonging to the vigilance department, had slightly touched the Kanwariyas without breaking their sacred pots. This overreaction sparked a heated debate on social media, with many condemning the Kanwariyas’ behavior and criticizing the Uttar Pradesh administration’s inadequate response.
This violent behavior is a far cry from the principles of Shiv Bhakti. Shiva’s teachings emphasize sacrifice, love, and justice—values completely at odds with the aggression displayed by these so-called devotees.
Historical Incidents of Violence and Vandalism
The issue of violence during the Kanwar Yatra is not new. In 2018, there were multiple incidents of violence and vandalism associated with the Yatra in the National Capital Region and Uttar Pradesh. The Supreme Court of India issued harsh remarks on these incidents. In 2020, the Yatra was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2021, Uttarakhand suspended the Yatra due to the second wave of COVID-19, while Uttar Pradesh decided to proceed, prompting the Supreme Court to take a suo moto case on the matter. Every year, numerous such cases are reported, reflecting a pattern of recurring issues.
Background of Kanwar Yatra
The Kanwar Yatra has deep roots in Hindu mythology, specifically related to the churning of the ocean of milk, as described in the Puranas. When poison emerged before the amrita (nectar of immortality) during the churning, its heat threatened to destroy the world. Shiva, in his infinite compassion, inhaled the poison to save the universe. However, the poison’s negative energy caused Shiva immense suffering. In Treta Yuga, Shiva’s devout follower Ravana brought holy water from the Ganges using a kanwar (a single-pole structure) and poured it on Shiva’s temple in Puramahadev, thus relieving Shiva from the poison’s effects. A true Kanwariya, therefore, is someone who understands and honors this profound act of devotion and sacrifice.
The Growth of Kanwar Yatra
The Kanwar Yatra used to be a small affair undertaken by a few saints and older devotees until the late 1980s, when it started gaining popularity. Today, the Kanwar pilgrimage to Haridwar has grown to be India’s largest annual religious gathering, with an estimated 12 million participants in the 2010 and 2011 events. Devotees come from surrounding states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Bihar, and some from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh. The government undertakes heavy security measures, and traffic on the Delhi-Haridwar national highway (NH-58) is diverted during this period.
The Complicity of Authorities
The police, politicians, and administrators are well aware of these issues. Yet, their response remains woefully inadequate, largely due to the political ramifications of addressing these problems. Any stringent action against the Yatra risks offending religious sentiments, which could lead to a significant loss of votes. This fear of backlash has rendered authorities impotent, allowing fake devotees to tarnish the sanctity of a revered tradition.
Proposed Solutions
To preserve the sanctity of the Kanwar Yatra and ensure the safety of genuine devotees, the government must implement stricter regulations:
- Pre-registration and Background Checks: Require pilgrims to fill out a Yatra Form in advance, subject to background checks and criminal history reviews.
- Unique Identification Codes: Assign a unique code to each registered devotee to track their journey and ensure their safety.
- Enhanced Communication: Use the collected data to send important updates and information directly to pilgrims.
- Feedback and Complaint Mechanisms: Provide a platform for devotees to share their experiences and report any unlawful activities.
Conclusion
Implementing these measures is neither difficult nor unreasonable. It is a necessary step to protect the integrity of the Kanwar Yatra and ensure it remains a true reflection of Shiv Bhakti. However, the reluctance of corrupt and self-serving politicians to confront these issues head-on continues to allow fake Hindutva elements to flourish. If this trend persists, it will inevitably undermine the faith and practices of genuine devotees, casting a long shadow over the sanctity of Shiv Bhakti.
In the end, it is imperative that we, as a society, demand accountability and integrity from our leaders and ensure that religious traditions are not hijacked by those with ulterior motives. Only then can we preserve the true essence of Shiv Bhakti—love, sacrifice, and justice.
