2,100 ‘dandavat pranams’ a day for 7 years: 60-year-old embarks on 321 km yatra to khatu shyam-News18

Last Updated:March 24, 2025, 21:03 is

A 60-year-old saint from Rajasthan is on a 7-year ‘Dandavat Yatra’ to Khatu Shyam temple, performing 2,100 prostrations daily to promote Sanatan Dharma and social causes.

A 60-year-old saint from Rajasthan’s Roopwas town has embarked on an extraordinary spiritual journey that is capturing the devotion and admiration of many. Sant Kedar Katara, a follower of Sanatan Dharma, set out on Dandavat yatraa pilgrimage marked by prostrating every few metres, all the way to the revered temple of Khatu Shyam in Sikar. This arduous journey, which began on October 24, 2023, is set to continue for seven years, ending in October 2030.

Covering an estimated 321 kilometres through relentless prostrations, Sant Kedar moves forward by 300-400 metres each day, performing an astonishing 2,100 dandavat pranams (prostrations) daily. By the time he reaches his destination, he will have completed a staggering 17,65,551 dandavat pranams.

So far, the saint has covered approximately 132 kilometres, reaching Manpur Chauraha on the Jaipur-Agra National Highway, where he was greeted with a grand welcome by scores of devotees of Khatu Shyam. Having already completed 7,51,000 dandavatshe still faces six more years of relentless dedication to cover the remaining 156 kilometres, requiring another 8,81,000 dandavats.

For Sant Kedar Katara, this journey is not merely an act of devotion but a mission to promote the values of Sanatan Dharma, Hindu deities, and the cultural heritage. He emphasises spreading awareness about national service, forest and cow protection, world peace, human welfare, women’s empowerment, health consciousness, cleanliness, and universal brotherhood.

The 13th Kanak dandavat yatra

This is not Sant Kedar’s first such pilgrimage – this marks his 13th Kanak dandavat yatra to Khatu Shyam. With each journey, his belief strengthens, affirming his faith that the Hindu diety, Baba Khatu Shyam, listens to every devotee and fulfills their wishes.

In a unique adaptation to his nomadic devotion, Sant Kedar has transformed a motorcycle into a mobile chariot, which carries an eternal flame dedicated to Khatu Shyam. This chariot serves as his shelter, where he rests after a full day of arduous prostrations.

Sant Kedar’s incredible journey has inspired unwavering support from devotees. As he progresses toward Khatu Shyam, believers from Bharatpur to Sikar have stepped forward to provide him with food, water, and essential supplies, ensuring his journey continues without hindrance.

Location :

Rajasthan, India, India