July 5, 2023
I am writing of Kawad Yatra for my work. There is something beautiful about Kawadiyas offering water to Shiva, the god who holds halahal (a poison so potent it could destroy the universe in his throat. They know their little Ganga Jal won't make halahal significantly more bearable. Yet, the pilgrim makes arduous journey (it is truly arduous and must need true devotion as it involves carrying pots of water for several kilometer) for a symbolic gesture. Who cares what their other motivations maybe.
Or maybe they know it would. After all, Shiva drank halahal to save universe and sacrifices are made more bearable by signs of gratitude.
This act of a humble mortal doing his or her little for the Cosmic being is beautiful because it is insignificant; because it shows Shiva too can need help and that carrying just a little water can help. The beauty of Hinduism that I can appreciate even as an atheist is its poetry. So much to love in the very characters lie Shiva, Krishna and Karana. And the fact that in in it the most powerful Gods often need the help of mortal.
Only a poet could imagine such unequal yet balanced relationship.
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