Why nag panchami is celebrated: Festivals and traditions have a deep importance in Indian culture, and some religious, astrological or scientific reason is hidden behind every tradition. The festival of Nag Panchami, which is celebrated on Shukla Panchami of Sawan month, is also one of them. This day is dedicated to the worship of Nag Devta, which is considered extremely revered in Hinduism. But, why is this festival celebrated, what is its religious significance, and what is its worship method and auspicious time? Let us understand all these aspects in detail.
Nag Panchami’s Mythology and beliefs
Many mythological stories and beliefs are prevalent behind celebrating Nag Panchami:
, Janmejaya’s snake sacrifice and believer sage: The most prominent story is associated with the Mahabharata period. King Parikshit died of the bite of Takshak Nag, after which his son Raja Janamejaya organized a huge ‘Sarp Dah Yagya’ to destroy all the serpents. In this yagna, big and fierce serpent started burning in Agnikund. Then a Brahmin named Aastik Muni intervened and explained to King Janmejaya, which stopped the sacrifice and protected the serpents. This incident took place on Shukla Panchami Tithi of Shravan month. Since then this day is considered dedicated to protecting and respecting serpents. In order to calm the fire of the yagna, the believer sage had added milk to it, that is why the tradition of offering milk to Nag Dev on Nag Panchami has started.
, Lord Shri Krishna and Kalia Nag: Another legend is related to Lord Shri Krishna and Kalia Nag. According to the legend, on the day of Shravan Shukla Paksha Panchami, Lord Krishna saved the lives of the people of Vrindavan from Kalia Nag, who lives in the Yamuna river. God danced to the snake’s fun and also played the flute, which gave Kalia Nag a lesson and left Yamuna. Since then, the tradition of worshiping serpents has been going on.
, Sea Manthan Relations: According to some beliefs, during the sea churning, Vasuki Nag had become a rope and supported the sea churning between the gods and the demons. He is also respected for this contribution of serpents.
Also Read: Why bread is not made on Nag Panchami, why not offer Tawa on the stove?
Importance of Nag Panchami in Hinduism
Nag Panchami has special significance in Hinduism, because serpents are considered to be revered in many forms:
, Jewelry of Lord Shiva: Nag is the necklace of Lord Shiva, and the Shayya (Sheshnag) of Lord Vishnu. Sheshnag has kept the entire weight of the earth.
, Prevention of Kalsarp Dosha: According to astrology, worshiping the serpents on this day ends the effects of Kalsarp Dosh in the horoscope. Rahu and Ketu are considered a symbol of the snake, and their worship on Nag Panchami reduces their side effects.
, Snake freedom from fear: It is believed that by worshiping the serpent god on this day, the person does not fear snakebite and all kinds of fear related to snakes is eliminated.
, Happiness and prosperity: The serpent god is considered a symbol of power, defense and spiritual progress. His worship not only removes physical and mental fear, but also keeps happiness, peace and prosperity in the house.
, Peace and descent growth of ancestors: In Garuda Purana, worship of serpents has also been linked to the peace and descent growth of the ancestors.
