Kankhal Snan is the holy bath performed in the sacred waters
of the Ganga River at Kankhal, a revered locality in Haridwar, Uttarakhand.
This ritual bath is observed on Ashadha Purnima, the full moon day in the month
of Ashadha (June-July), according to the Hindu calendar. The practice is deeply
embedded in Hindu tradition and spirituality, attracting numerous devotees
seeking purification and spiritual merit.
Significance of Kankhal
Kankhal holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and
religious practices, primarily due to its association with the Daksha Mahadev
Temple and several mythological events. The Daksha Mahadev Temple is dedicated
to Lord Shiva and is named after King Daksha Prajapati, a prominent figure in
Hindu lore. The temple marks the site of the legendary Daksha Yajna, a grand
sacrificial ritual organized by Daksha.
Mythological Background
The mythology of Kankhal is intricately linked with the
story of Goddess Sati, Lord Shiva's first wife. According to legend, Sati
self-immolated in protest against her father Daksha's insult to her husband
Shiva. Daksha had organized a yajna (sacrificial ritual) and deliberately did
not invite Shiva. Despite this, Sati attended the yajna, where she was
subjected to further humiliation. Unable to bear the disrespect shown to her
husband, she immolated herself in the sacrificial fire. Enraged by Sati's death,
Shiva and his fierce followers, the ganas, descended upon the yajna, destroyed
it, and killed Daksha. Later, Daksha was resurrected with the head of a goat
and repented for his actions.
The Ritual of Kankhal Snan
The Kankhal Snan involves devotees taking a ritualistic bath
in the holy Ganga River. This act of bathing is believed to cleanse one's sins
and bestow spiritual blessings. On Ashadha Purnima, thousands of pilgrims
converge at Kankhal to immerse themselves in the river, performing various
religious rites and seeking divine grace. The confluence of spiritual
significance and the purifying power of the Ganga makes this ritual
particularly auspicious.
Merits of Kankhal Snan
Bathing in the Ganga during Kankhal Snan is considered
highly meritorious for several reasons:
- Spiritual Purification: The Ganga is believed to have purifying properties, washing away sins and bestowing spiritual cleanliness.
- Connection to Mythology: Participating in the snan at a location tied to profound mythological events deepens the spiritual experience.
- Auspicious Timing: The full moon day of Ashadha Purnima is considered highly auspicious, magnifying the benefits of the ritual bath.
Kankhal Snan is not just a ritualistic bath; it is a
confluence of faith, mythology, and spirituality. The event underscores the
deep reverence Hindus have for the Ganga River and the mythological
significance of Kankhal. By participating in this annual ritual, devotees aim
to attain spiritual merit, cleanse their sins, and connect with the divine
essence embodied in the sacred waters of the Ganga.