Nag Panchami, celebrated every year on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Sawan, is being celebrated this year on July 29th with faith and devotion. Long queues of devotees were seen in temples from morning in many states of India. Along with the worship of Nag Devta (snake god), Rudrabhishek of Lord Shiva is also performed on this day. People are worshiping the snake god with milk, sandalwood, saffron, and flowers in homes and temples.
Importance of Snake Worship
In Sanatan tradition, snakes are considered protectors of the earth and symbols of energy. According to mythological beliefs, a person who worships snakes with a sincere heart on Nag Panchami gets rid of ' सर्प दोष ' (inauspicious planetary alignments related to snakes) and fear from their life. This is the reason why special worship has been organized everywhere today, from rural areas to urban temples.
Special Mantras Resonated on Nag Panchami
Reciting special mantras on the day of Nag Panchami is considered extremely auspicious. In the morning, devotees offered saffron-mixed milk to the snake god while chanting the mantra 'ॐ नागराजाय नमः' (Om Nagarajaya Namah). Many devotees chanted the mantra 'ॐ क्रौं नमो अस्तु सर्पेभ्यो कालसर्प शांति कुरु कुरु स्वाहा' (Om Kraum Namo Astu Sarpebhyo Kaalsarpa Shanti Kuru Kuru Swaha) 108 times to get rid of Kaal Sarp Dosh. The atmosphere of the temple complex became completely devotional with this chanting.
Shiv Yoga and Siddha Yoga Made the Day Special
This time, a combination of two auspicious yogas has occurred on Nag Panchami. On one hand, Shiv Yoga and on the other hand, Siddha Yoga have further increased the importance of this day. According to pundits, such a coincidence occurs after many years, and the worship done on this day is considered extremely fruitful. Due to this, devotees specially celebrated this day with full devotion by performing Rudrabhishek, chanting Nag mantras, and observing fasts.
Mythological Stories Related to Snakes
Nag Panchami is mentioned in many Puranas and scriptures. It is said that during the Mahabharata period, when Janamejaya started the Naga Yagya (snake sacrifice) to avenge the death of his father Parikshit, Astika Muni stopped this Yagya to save Takshak Nag. Nag Panchami is celebrated in memory of that incident. Apart from this, the ornament of Lord Shiva is also a serpent, and Lord Vishnu rests on Sheshnag. That is why the worship of snakes has special significance.
Traditional Method of Worship
On this day, milk, saffron, flowers, akshat (rice), and sandalwood are offered to the snake god. The idol of a snake couple made of clay or silver is made or bought and worshiped. Women especially observe fast and wish for the happiness and peace of the family. In some places, special tableaux and fairs of snakes are also organized, where crowds throng to catch a glimpse of the snakes.
The Series of Greetings Continued Throughout the Day
Today, social media and WhatsApp-like platforms were filled with people wishing each other Nag Panchami. People are sending messages to each other such as -
- "May the blessings of Lord Shiva and Nag Devta always be with you on the holy festival of Nag Panchami"
- "May all the problems in your life be removed on this Nag Panchami and may happiness and peace reside"
- "May the blessings of Nagraj, the beloved of Shiva Shankar, always be upon you"
Apart from this, people are also sharing photos and videos of worship in their homes, due to which the enthusiasm of the festival is also being seen in the digital world.
Chanting of Mantras Became the Main Part of the Puja
Special mantras were chanted on Nag Panchami all over the country today. Mantras like 'नागेंद्रहाराय त्रिलोचनाय भस्मांग रागाय महेश्वराय' (Nagendraharaya Trilochanaya Bhasmanga Ragaya Maheshwaraya) and 'ओम नवकुलाय विद्महे, विषदंताय धीमहि, तन्नो सर्प प्रचोदयात्' (Om Navakulaya Vidmahe, Vishadantaya Dhimahi, Tanno Sarpa Prachodayat) resonated in the temples. These mantras are especially recited for freedom from Kaal Sarp Dosh, health, and prosperity. Some devotees also recited the names of the nine Nagas - Anant, Vasuki, Shesh, Padma, Kambal, Shankhpal, Dhritarashtra, Takshak, and Kaliya.
Message of Environment and Snake Protection
Nag Panchami is not just a festival of worship but is also becoming a symbol of environmental protection. On this day, people also express compassion and a sense of conservation towards snakes. On this occasion, many social organizations also run campaigns to explain to people not to kill snakes and their importance.
Shadow of Nag Panchami From Village to City
Nag Panchami was celebrated with great pomp in the states of North India like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. The crowd started gathering in temples and preparations for worship started in homes since morning. Women were seen worshiping in traditional attire. At the same time, this festival is also celebrated in a different style in South India, where worship is done by lighting lamps especially in Nag temples.
Devotees Painted in the Color of the Festival, Atmosphere of Devotion Everywhere
In this holy month of Sawan, festivals like Nag Panchami hold special significance for devotees. This opportunity to get the blessings of Lord Shiva is full of faith and devotion for the devotees. By worshiping the snake god on this day, people get mental peace and positive energy.