Nag Panchami is a day dedicated to the traditional worship of the snakes or the Nagas throughout India and some neighboring Hindu adherent countries such Nepal. As a part of the ritual, a Naga deity made of stone, silver, wood or a painting of a snake is given a reverential bath with milk and their blessings are taken for the welfare of the family. Live snakes, especially cobras, are also worshipped on this day, especially with offerings of milk and generally with the assistance of a snake charmer. In 2021, Nag Panchami falls on 13 August.
Significance of Nag Panchami
It is depicted in the Sarpa Satra that once Takshak, the king of snakes, stalked King Janamejaya’s father Parikshit and killed him. To avenge his death, King Janamejaya conducted a powerful Yagya before he went out to kill and destroy the entire Nag clan. The Nagas were very disappointed with such news and helplessly approached Lord Manasadevi for help. Lord Mansadevi then sent her son Astika to resolve the issue. Astika then went to the site of Yagya and impressed Janamejaya with his knowledge of all the Sastras who granted him to seek a boon. It was then that Astika requested Janamejeya to stop the Sarpa Satra. As promised, King Janamejaya granted the boon and stopped the Yagya. Since then, that day is celebrated as Nag Panchami and snakes are worshipped on this day because the lives of all the Nagas were spared by Janamejaya on that day.
Another legend states that there was a harmful snake named Kalia who was poisoning the Yamuna river, making it very difficult for the Brijwasis to drink water. Lord Krishna stepped in, fought and defeated the snake. This forced Kalia to take back all the poison from the river. In return, Lord Krishna gave him a blessing that anyone who offers milk and prayers to the snakes on this day (Nag Panchami) will get rid of all problems and troubles in life.
Benefits of Nag Panchami Puja-
- It’s often said that praying to Naag Dev on this day removes the fear of any harm from snakes.
- Conducting the Puja also reduces the effects of ‘Kaal Sarp Dosh’ in one’s horoscope.
- Worshipping the Lord on this day also helps to get rid of any curse or evil eye.
- Naag Panchami puja is also very effective in mitigating Vastu Dosha.
- It helps in eliminating various hormonal disturbances of the human body.
- It is quite helpful in gaining benefits from one’s ancestral property.
- The Puja is also considered quite significant to unearth and gain benefits from hidden treasures.
- It is quite effective in nullifying Nisantan yog of childless couples.
Puja Offerings-
Honey, Milk, Flowers, Fruits, Sweets, Bilva Leaves
Puja Vidhi-
On the day of Nag Panchami, people place pictures of Nagas on their doors to ward off the evil. Devotees place foods like milk and honey on fields spread with snakes. Nag Panchami is celebrated in South India in a different way. On the Nag Panchami Puja day, married ladies visit their fathers home after taking bath early in the morning. The day is used to celebrate the importance of siblings. The ladies worship the ant hills which are regarded as the homes of the snakes. Some people even worship live cobra or idols of the cobra. Milk is the most common offering and a part of the milk is brought back as Prasad. Flowers are immersed in this milk and ladies apply it to their brother’s backs.
In a place called Shirale near Mumbai, people perform the Nag Panchami ritual by digging out snakes from holes and feeding them with milk and rats. Then they are taken in containers to the temple for performing the Puja.
About Dev Darshan
Started by IIT graduates, DevDarshan is Devotional Platform for 5000+ Hindu Temples in the Indian Subcontinent. DevDarshan’s long term vision is to provide a digital platform to Temples and Gurus for sharing the millennia-old teachings of Indian culture in the world and by doing so, projecting Bharat (India) as Vishwa Guru (Universal Leader) through its rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
DevDarshan facilitates online Daily Darshan, Pujas and digital donations for Devotees. Now, due to the present state of the pandemic, most of the temples have shifted to conducting online Nag Panchami Puja for the convenience of the devotees. However, it becomes a bit of a hassle to connect to the Mandir priests to get the puja conducted. Dev Darshan can come to your rescue at that moment. Dev Darshan is a platform which provides a smooth interaction between the temple houses and the devotees without much worry and hassle. It also conducts online Pujas such as online Nag Panchami Puja. Check out the online services provided by Dev Darshan here and get your bookings done in one click
