Naag Panchami

Naag Panchami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of serpent deities, particularly the snake god, Naag. It is celebrated on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright fortnight in the month of Shravana (July-August).

Origin of Naag Panchami

The origin of Naag Panchami is rooted in Hindu legend, where serpents are often associated with divinity and cosmic forces. Snakes, being symbols of fertility, protection, and power, are revered and worshiped to seek their blessings and prevent snake-related afflictions.

Observance and Rituals

a. Snake Idols and Images:

  • Devotees create snake idols or images from clay or metal and install them in their homes or temples.
  • These representations are adorned with flowers, milk, and other offerings.

b. Puja and Mantras:

  • Special pujas are performed to invoke the blessings of serpent deities.
  • Mantras dedicated to Nag Devatas are chanted during the rituals.

c. Offerings:

  • Devotees offer milk, honey, sandalwood paste, and other auspicious substances to the snake idols.
  • It is common to place these offerings in anthills, as serpents are believed to reside in them.

d. Pilgrimages:

  • Pilgrimages to temples dedicated to serpent deities

Occurrences of Naag in the Purana’s

While Naag Panchami is not directly associated with a specific Purana, various stories in Hindu tradition involve serpent deities and contribute to the reverence of snakes during this festival. Here are a couple of notable stories:

1. Sheshnag and Lord Vishnu:

  • In the Mahabharata and various Puranas, Sheshnag, the multi-headed serpent, plays a significant role. Sheshnag is often depicted as the cosmic serpent upon which Lord Vishnu reclines in the ocean of milk.
  • The story emphasizes the role of snakes in upholding the universe and their association with divine forces.

2. The Legend of Mansa Devi:

  • Mansa Devi, also known as Nagarkot Ki Rani (Queen of the Fort of Snakes), is a serpent goddess associated with protection from snake bites.
  • According to the folklore, a childless couple prayed to Sheshnag for a child, and Mansa Devi was born. She is considered a benevolent goddess who protects devotees from snake-related dangers.

3. The Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean):

  • In the Puranas, the Samudra Manthan is a significant event where gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality (amrita).
  • During this churning, various divine beings emerged, including the Halahala, a deadly poison. Lord Shiva came to the rescue and drank the poison to save the universe. Snakes played a role in this cosmic event.

4. Kaliya Daman (Subduing the Serpent Kaliya):

  • In the Bhagavata Purana, there is the story of Lord Krishna subduing the serpent Kaliya in the Yamuna River.
  • Krishna danced on the hoods of Kaliya, ultimately subduing the serpent and freeing the Yamuna from its toxic influence. This event highlights the power of divine intervention over serpents.

Conclusion

Naag Panchami is a cultural and religious celebration that honors the significance of serpents in Hinduism. The festival fosters a sense of devotion, spiritual connection, and a desire for protection from the divine serpent deities.