As per a popular legend, Lord Shiva had consumed the Halahal (poison) that came out of the ocean during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). As Lord Shiva did that to save the world, his devotees perform Puja as rendition to the Lord who always protects his followers from all dangers and diseases and bestows good health and fortune.
It is believed that Lord Shiva held the venom in his throat, turning it blue, and thus, is also referred to as Neelkantha.
People go on Kanwar Yatra during the holy month of Sawan. They fetch water from the holy rivers and carry Kanwars on their shoulders to offer it to Shivlinga of their nearest temples.
Every year lakhs of devotees undertake this pilgrimage with utmost sincerity. Once the Kanwar is filled with the Holy water, it must not be kept on the floor or at any surface until it is offered to Lord Shiva. This is when the pilgrimage comes to an end.
People also perform Shivarchan at their homes and pray to the Almighty for his blessings.
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