India, Aug. 3 -- By Dr. Ranganath Tripathi, Head, Department of Vedas, Shri Gorakshnath Sanskrit Vidyapeeth Postgraduate College, Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur

During the month of Sawan, when groups of Kanwariyas across not only Uttar Pradesh but the entire northern India move towards their destinations carrying Gangajal on their shoulders while immersing themselves in Shivtatva, it is a direct manifestation of that eternal stream of Sanatan tradition which has flowed through the consciousness of India since ancient times. This month is the holiest period dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. According to Puranic belief, it was during this time that Lord Shiva held the Halahal poison that emerged from the Samudra Manthan in His throat, ...