Nag Panchami is an important festival in Hinduism, dedicated to the worship of Naga deities (snakes). It is celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Shravan (July-August). On this day, snakes are worshiped and reverence is expressed towards them and their blessings are sought. Nag Panchami is especially celebrated in different ways in different parts of India.
Significance of Nag Panchami
Respect for snakes: The festival of Nag Panchami is a symbol of respect and reverence for snakes. This day gives us an opportunity to understand the importance of nature and animals.
Safety and Protection: Worshiping snakes pleases them and protects them from their bite. On this day, people wish for the safety of their family and home.
Agriculture and Rain: Nag Panchami is also related to agriculture and rain. It is seen as the arrival of the rainy season and prayers are offered for a good harvest.
Nag Panchami Puja Vidhi
Bath and purification: Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes.
Statue or picture of the snake deity: Install the idol or picture of the snake deity. In some places, an idol of a snake made of clay is used.
Preparation for worship: Keep incense, lamp, sandalwood, flowers, milk, durva (durva grass), turmeric, kumkum and naivedya in the puja plate.
Abhishek of the snake deity: Abhishek the idol of the snake deity with milk, curd, honey, Ganga water and rose water.
Puja and Aarti: Worship the snake deity and perform his aarti. Chant the special mantras of Nag Panchami.
Offering of milk and food: Offer milk, food and other food items to the snake deity.
Making of idols of snakes: In some places, women make idols of snakes from cow dung and worship them.
Worship of Sarpagandha tree: In some places, Sarpagandha (Sarp Sanjivani) tree is also worshipped.
Story of Nag Panchami
There are many stories associated with Nag Panchami, one of the major stories is as follows:
Janamejaya and Sarpayagya
According to Mahabharata, Janamejaya, son of King Parikshit, organized a huge Sarpayagya to avenge his father's death from the descendants of snakes. In this yajna, all the snakes were being burnt in the fire. Then the queen of snakes, Nagmata Mansa Devi, sent her sister Jaratkaru to protect the snakes. Jaratkaru sent his son Astik to the yajna site.
Aastik reached the yajna site and impressed Janamejaya with his knowledge and devotion. Astik prayed to Janamejaya to stop the killing of snakes. Janamejaya accepted Astik's prayer and stopped the yajna. Thus the snakes were saved and this day started being celebrated as Nag Panchami.
Naag Panchami teaches us the importance of respect and reverence towards nature and animals. The worship and fasting on this day brings the blessings of the snake god and paves the way for peace, happiness and prosperity in life. The festival of Nag Panchami is a symbol of reverence and devotion towards snakes. On this day, worship the snake deities and seek their blessings and pray for the safety of your family and home.
