PRAYAGRAJ: Wearing ‘khadau’ (wooden slipper) seems to be the latest fad among devotees and kalpwasis camping at the Magh Mela campus as many of them have taken a strong liking for it and consider it to be helpful in their pursuit of spiritualism and ‘bhakti’ marg.
Till now, mostly saints and seers were seen wearing ‘khadau’ but the pilgrims and devotees, particularly kalpwasis, wearing them vouch for their numerous advantages and medicinal values too, and the number of such people has been increasing sharply.
Most kalpwasis in the 45-50 year age group and suffering from ailments like blood pressure, diabetes, are inclining towards wooden footwear.
Khadau is made from the wood of various trees, especially Vijaysar, Dhak and Sheesham.
Saints and seers camping in the Mela, however, share that khadau made from Vijaysar wood are considered the best for curing ailments, particularly diabetes.
Pithadhishwar Swami Brahmashram Maharaj, who is also national president of Akhil Bharatiya Dandi Sanyasi Parishad, told TOI, “Most kalpwasis prefer to wear khadau, which are country’s oldest footwear. In earlier times, not very long ago, most people wore khadaus only since wearing leather was not considered auspicious.”
“Khadau are also placed in many temples to signify the deities. Even in Ramayana, Lord Ram’s younger brother Bharat never sat on the throne himself. He went to call back Lord Ram from exile, but on refusal brought his khadau and placed them on the throne,” the Swami added.
Saints, seers and priests have been wearing khadau since ages. It is also said that they help to subdue the longing for sensual pleasures and help in spiritual growth, added a seer at the Mela ground.
Most akharas, ashrams and maths have their professional kasthkars (carpenters) who make khadau for seers and saints.
Now, khadau worn by sadhus, saints, priests, gurus are even made of wood, silver, copper and brass.
“The trend of wearing khadau has been increasing among devotees because of its medicinal values. It is said that acupressure therapy also works on wearing khadau,” said Kumar, a kalpwasi camping in Magh Mela.