07/02/2024
Kavad: The epitome of preserving Faith!
How Kavad links to Ramayan, and the struggle of Ram Temple.
According to the legend, Shravan was a young boy accidentally killed by Raja Dashrath (Sri Ram's father), while carrying his blind parents in a 'kaawadi' on his shoulders.
In his final moments, Shravan requested Raja Dashratha to bring the shrine to his parents so they could continue worshipping the Gods.
This poignant tale served as the inspiration for the concept and art of storytelling through Kavad.
Another legend of Kavad has been, when Mughal emperors like Iltutmish, Khaliji, Babur, Aurangzeb, and others started to demolish local faith and deities.
It met with a soft resistance called 'Kavad', a unique form of art and storytelling emerged to preserve Hindu faith and traditions during Mughal invasion.
In 12th century emperors like Jahangir ordered the desecration of revered deities and temples, and Aurangzeb's general Taj Khan destroyed numerous temples and villages in and around Udaipur. Temples associated with imperial enemies were also targeted.
During these tumultuous times, people were fearful of going out to worship, as many temples in the vicinity had been destroyed.
In response to this crisis, the ancestors of Kavad artists began to create portable shrines.
These , known as Kavads, featured intricate narratives of Gods, Goddesses, local heroes, and saints on their panels.
They played a pivotal role in preserving and passing on the of Hindu mythology and traditions.
Wandering priests, known as kavadiya bhatt, played a crucial role in narrating the stories depicted on the Kavads.
These priests travelled to the homes of jajmans (listeners) with their Kavads, unfolding the panels of their shrine to recount the stories.
How have played role in saving our and despite invasions! These traditional crafts are testimony to that!
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