Nag Panchami: Let dissolve all the fears

Nag Panchami is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of snakes, particularly the serpent gods or Nagas. Celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month of Shravan (July/August), this festival is observed with great reverence and devotion, especially in rural areas where snake worship is prevalent. Snakes hold a significant place in Hindu mythology and are associated with various deities, particularly Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

In Hinduism, the snake is symbolic of protection, strength, and potency. It is believed that snakes protect human beings and provide them strength to eradicate the odds from life. Blessings of the snake ensure no difficulty in bearing a child or complications in fertility are eliminated by the serpent veneration. Snake is assumed to safeguard the hidden treasure of the Orb and is identified as a protector who will protect human beings also from all the threats to life. Snakes are assumed to be a resource of positivity and prosperity and, therefore have been venerated for ages. Snakes are worshipped on two days Nag Panchami and Naga Chaturthi.

History of Nag Panchami

Nag Panchami has a rich historical and mythological background. The worship of snakes dates back to ancient times when snakes were revered as powerful and mystical creatures. In Hinduism, snakes are considered sacred and are often associated with gods and goddesses. Several legends and myths are associated with this festival:

1. The Legend of Krishna and Kaliya:

One of the most popular legends associated with Nag Panchami is the story of Lord Krishna and the serpent Kaliya. According to the Bhagavata Purana, Kaliya, a venomous serpent, inhabited the Yamuna River, poisoning its waters and causing havoc. Young Krishna, to save the villagers and purify the river, fought Kaliya and subdued him. Krishna's dance on Kaliya's multiple hoods is a famous depiction in art and literature, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

2. The Legend of Vasuki and Samudra Manthan:

In the myth of Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean), Vasuki, the king of serpents, was used as a rope by gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) to churn the ocean for nectar of immortality (Amrit). This story highlights the significance of snakes in Hindu mythology and their role in cosmic events.

3. The Legend of Astika:

Another legend is the story of Astika, a young Brahmin boy, who saved the serpent race from extinction. The king Janamejaya, seeking revenge for his father’s death caused by a snake bite, performed a snake sacrifice (Sarpa Satra) to eliminate all serpents. Astika intervened and stopped the sacrifice, saving the serpents. This day of intervention is celebrated as Nag Panchami.

4. The Connection with Lord Shiva:

Snakes are closely associated with Lord Shiva, who is often depicted with a snake around his neck. The snake, symbolizing power and protection, is revered and worshipped as part of Shiva’s divine form.

Mythical snakes in Indian Mythology

Astika

Astika was the son of Jaratkaru and serpant Goddess Manasa, the sister of the great Vasuki. In Mahabharata, Astika saved serpent king Takshaka from a snake sacrifice known as Sarpa Satra. King Janamejaya conducted this sacrifice to avenge his father, Parikshit, who died of a snake bite. That day denoted as Shukla Paksha Panchami in the Shravan month, is celebrated as Naag Panchami. 

Adishesha

Adishesha/ Sheshanaga is the king of the Nagas. As per the Puranas, he holds all the planets and the universe on his hoods and sings the glories of Lord Vishnu, who is often depicted as resting on Shesha.

Supposedly, Shesha supports Kurma (the giant tortoise). When Kurma moved, Shesha yawned, and this supposedly caused earthquakes. Shesha in Sanskrit means ‘remainder’. When the entire world is destroyed at the end of Kalpa, Shesha alone remains as he is. Shesha was the eldest of Kashayapa’s sons.

Being a devotee of Lord Vishnu, Sheshnaag has been in many human forms. 

1. Laxman: Lord Rama’s brother.

2. Balaram: Lord Krishna’s brother.

Vasuki

The snake lying coiled around Lord Shiva’s neck is Vasuki. Shiva supposedly blessed Vasuki and wore him like an ornament. He is the king of Nagas and carries a precious gem called Nagamani on his head. Both the Ramayana and Mahabharata mention him. Vasuki acted as the churning rope during ‘Samudra Manthan’.

Kaliya

Kaliya was a poisonous snake who lived in the Yamuna river in Vrindavan. The water boiled and bubbled due to his poison for 4 leagues, and no humans, animals, or birds could go anywhere near the river. Kaliya used to live on Ramanaka Dwipa but shifted to Vrindavan as he was afraid of Garuda, the enemy of serpents. A yogi had cursed Garuda that he could not enter Vrindavan.

Once, Lord Krishna and his friends were playing on the banks of the river. The ball fell into the river. When Krishna jumped into the river to retrieve the ball, Kaliya rose up with his 110 hoods vomiting poison. After a fight, Krishna emerged from the bottom of the river, dancing on Kaliya’s head. This is called ‘Kaliya Nartana’.

Takshaka

A Naga king, he was also the friend of Lord Indra. He belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty and was Lord Rama’s descendant. Takshaka resided in the Khandav forest, where the Nagas lived along with other tribes like the Pisachas, Rakshasas, Daityas, and Danavas (Asura clans).

Arjuna burned the forest at Agni’s behest. Takshaka was not there at the time. But Aswasena, his son, was there. Arjuna killed Takshaka's wife and the mother of Aswasena. Aswasena escaped, and to avenge his mother’s death, he attacked Arjuna during the Kurukshetra War while he was fighting Karna.

Ulupi

Ulupi was one of the four wives of Arjuna. She was the daughter of Kauravya- the King of Nagas. It said that Ulupi married Arjuna when he was in exile. Ulupi is described as half-maiden and half-serpent.

Pooja Vidhi (Rituals) for Nag Panchami

The rituals and puja vidhi of Nag Panchami are performed with great devotion and involve various traditional practices:

1. Preparation:

• Cleaning and Decoration: Homes are cleaned and decorated. The entrance and courtyards are adorned with colorful rangoli and images of snakes.

• Offering Milk: One of the primary offerings to snakes is milk. Small bowls of milk are kept near snake holes or anthills, as it is believed that snakes drink this milk.

2. Puja Process:

• Drawing Snake Images: Images of snakes are drawn on wooden boards or walls using turmeric or sandalwood paste. In some places, snake idols made of clay or silver are also used.

• Offering Flowers and Sweets: Flowers, sweets, and other offerings like rice, vermilion, and turmeric are placed before the snake images or idols.

• Reciting Mantras: Devotees recite specific mantras and prayers dedicated to the serpent gods. These mantras are believed to invoke the blessings of the Nagas and protect against snake bites.

• Reading or Listening to Nag Panchami Katha: Stories and legends related to Nag Panchami, such as the tales of Krishna and Kaliya or the Samudra Manthan, are narrated or read during the puja.

3. Visiting Temples:

• Devotees visit temples dedicated to snakes or major temples where special pujas are conducted for the occasion. Offerings are made, and special rituals are performed by priests.

4. Feeding Brahmins:

• In many regions, it is customary to feed Brahmins and offer them gifts. This act is believed to bring blessings and ward off evil.

Temples Dedicated to Nagas in India and Abroad

Several temples in India and abroad are dedicated to serpent worship or have special significance during Nag Panchami. Some of the prominent temples include:

1. Mannarasala Temple, Kerala:

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is one of the most famous serpent temples in India, located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Nagaraja (the serpent king) and his consort, Nagayakshi. It is believed that the temple has about 30,000 images of snakes along the paths and among the trees. Devotees visit this temple during Nag Panchami to offer prayers and seek blessings.

2. Nagchandreshwar Temple, Ujjain:

Located in the Mahakaleshwar temple complex in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, the Nagchandreshwar temple is unique as it opens only once a year on Nag Panchami. The temple houses an idol of Lord Shiva with a coiled snake and is visited by thousands of devotees on this day.

3. Bhujang Naga Temple, Maharashtra:

Situated in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, Bhujang Naga temple is another significant shrine where devotees throng to offer prayers during Nag Panchami. The temple is known for its unique rituals and celebrations dedicated to the serpent god.

4. Kukke Subramanya Temple, Karnataka:

Located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Kukke Subramanya Temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya, who is worshipped in the form of a snake. The temple is a major pilgrimage site, especially during Nag Panchami when special rituals and celebrations take place.

5. Batu Caves, Malaysia:

Batu Caves in Malaysia is a famous Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is often associated with serpent worship. The caves attract numerous devotees, particularly during festivals like Nag Panchami and Thaipusam.

6. Snake Temples in Nepal:

In Nepal, Nag Panchami is widely celebrated, and several temples dedicated to snakes, such as Nag Pokhari in Kathmandu, witness grand celebrations. Devotees offer milk, rice, and flowers to snake idols and images.

Mantras for Nag Panchami

Chanting mantras during Nag Panchami is believed to invoke the blessings of serpent gods and protect against snake-related dangers. Some of the commonly recited mantras include:

1. Nag Panchami Mantra:

सर्पाणां वदनं दृष्ट्वा येन तुष्टाः शिवादयः।स सर्पः सर्वदा तुष्टो मम सुखाय भूयात्॥

(Sarpaanaam vadanam drishtva yena tushtaah Shivaadayah,Sa sarpah sarvada tushto mama sukhaaya bhooyaat.)

Meaning: Seeing the snake's face, which pleased Lord Shiva and others, may the serpent always remain pleased and bestow happiness upon me.

2. Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra:

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥

(Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam,Urvarukamiva Bandhanan-Mrityor-Mukshiya Maamritat.)

Meaning: We worship the three-eyed One (Lord Shiva), who permeates and nourishes all like a fragrance. May He liberate us from the bondage of worldly attachments and death, bestowing us the nectar of immortality.

3. Naga Gayatri Mantra:

ॐ नागराजाय विद्महे शेषनागाय धीमहि।तन्नो सर्पः प्रचोदयात्॥

(Om Nagarajaya Vidmahe Sheshanagaya Dhimahi,Tanno Sarpa Prachodayat.)

Meaning: We meditate upon the great serpent king, Shesha. May that divine serpent inspire and enlighten us.

Lord Shiva Mantra

• त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
  उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥ -  

• ॐ नमो भगवते रुद्राय नमः 

• ॐ नमः शिवाय

• ॐ साम्ब सदा शिवाय नम:

• ओम तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे, महादेवाय धीमहि, तन्नो रुद्र: प्रचोदयात्

• नागेंद्रहाराय त्रिलोचनाय भस्मांग रागाय महेश्वराय
  नित्याय शुद्धाय दिगंबराय तस्मे न काराय नम: शिवाय:

• कर्पूर गौरं करुणावतारं, संसार सारं भुजगेंद्र हरं, सदा वसंतं हृदयारविंदे, भवं भवानी सहितं नमामि।

• ऊँ महादेवाय नम:

  Dos and Don'ts for Nag Panchami

Dos:

1. Fasting and Pujas: Observe fast and perform pujas with devotion. Offer milk, flowers, and other traditional items to snake idols or images.

2. Respect for Nature: Show respect towards nature and wildlife, especially snakes. Protect snake habitats and avoid causing harm to them.

3. Cleanliness: Maintain cleanliness and decorate homes with rangoli and flowers. Clean and purify the puja area before starting the rituals.

4. Charity: Engage in acts of charity and feed Brahmins or donate to the needy. This is believed to bring blessings and prosperity.

5. Recite Mantras: Chant mantras dedicated to serpent gods to invoke their blessings and protection.

Don'ts:

1. Harming Snakes: Avoid harming or killing snakes. Nag Panchami promotes respect and reverence for these creatures.

2. Neglecting Rituals: Do not neglect the traditional rituals and practices associated with the festival. Participate actively and with sincerity.

3. Negative Thoughts: Maintain a positive and respectful attitude throughout the day. Avoid negative thoughts and actions.

   These materials are used to honour the idol of Lord Naga. Correct Worship Procedure

   Bath the idol with milk. Offer turmeric, rice, and flowers to the idol. Chant mahanag dev and Vishnu mantras and prayers to seek blessings.

   Kalasarpa Dosha Pooja For those affected by Kalasarpa Dosha, Nag Panchami is an auspicious day to perform the Kalasarpa Dosha Pooja. This ritual is believed to mitigate the negative effects associated with this dosha and bring peace and prosperity.
   
   Environmental Considerations Planting trees as an offering to Lord Naga is encouraged, preferably in secluded areas. Avoid digging the soil on this day to protect snake habitats. Avoid using iron-cast vessels on this auspicious day.

   Additional Rituals Offering a red rose to Lord Shiva on this day is considered very auspicious. Donating puffed rice in religious places is an age-old ritual that should be performed, although it has been forgotten in today’s practices.

   By following these rituals, devotees can honor Nag Panchami in a way that aligns with traditional Vedic teachings and promotes the well-being of both the community and the natural world.