Nag Panchami is the day for the traditional worship of snakes and nagas, which is observed by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists across India, Nepal, and other countries in which Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist adherents reside. The ceremony is held on the 5th day of the bright side of the lunar month, Shravana, in accordance with the Hindu calendar. There is a belief that a person who worships snakes on this day will be free of the fear of serpents. In Hindu mythology the snakes are worshiped as God.
May Lord Shiva and the Nag Devtas bless you with good health and success on this auspicious day. Happy Nag Panchami-2024!
Nag Panchami is a traditional festival, especially for Hindus, and holds great significance within the Hindu community. Nag Panchami is celebrated yearly on the Panchami Tithi in Shukla Paksha of Shravan month. It is observed two days after Hariyali Tej to be known as Nag Panchami. On this holy day, people all over India revere snakes. The devotees believe there is a connection between snakes and the Lord Shiva and thus seek the Lord’s blessings for peace, prosperity, and goodwill. As per Hindu mythology, serpents are revered as gods. This year, Nag Panchami is being observed today i.e 9th of August.
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Nag Panchami 2024: Date Tithi Timings
As was mentioned previously, this year’s Nag Panchami is being celebrated today, i.e., on the 9th of August, the Friday. Here are the appropriate timings or muharats for Nag Panchami to carry out your pooja or celebrations in 2024.
9 August Panchami Tithi starts at 12:37 AM
10 August Panchami Tithi ends at 03:14 AM
Legend behind Nag Panchami
Now that you are well aware of what the Nag Panchami is, it’s time to discover the reason why it’s celebrated. Nag Panchami has been an integral part of Indian culture since ancient times. Many Hindu texts like Agni Purana, Narada Purana, and Garuda Purana contain references to Nag Panchami, as there are many legends that are associated with Nag Panchami.
The texts found in Garuda Purana give us some indications of the reasons for the celebrations held on Nag Panchami and their significance. The reason we offer sweets, milk, and other oblations to snakes is due to the fact that they can provide us with the best things in life for ourselves and our family members. It also indicates that when we offer such offerings to serpents, it is necessary also to provide food to Brahmins.
As per the great Hindu epic Mahabharata, Janamejeya, the son of King Parikshit, was performing the snake sacrifice. He was seeking revenge for the demise of his father, which resulted from the bite of the snake King, Taksaka. Janamejeya was instructed to construct an exclusive fireplace to commemorate the sacrifice.
The rituals and the mantras of the sacrifice were so powerful that all the snakes of the world started falling into the sacrificial fire.
However, the priests who were performing the sacrifice discovered later that Taksaka was able to escape and went towards the God of Indra to seek protection. In response, they accelerated the pace of the mantras to ensure that Taksaka could be dragged into the flame. On the other hand, Taksaka, being unable to bear the brunt of those mantras, wrapped himself around Indra’s bed.
The gods who were watching were terrified and they contacted Manasadevi to intervene and discover the solution. She enlisted his son Astika to meet with Janamejeya to put the end to his yagna. Attracted by Astika’s understanding of the scriptures, Janamejeya gave him a boon.
Astika finally used this boon to request Janamejaya to stop the yagna, also known as a sacrificial flame. As the king was known for not refusing to accept a boon that was given to the Brahmin, which resulted in putting off the yagna fire. This way, the lives of Takshaka and the other serpents were protected.
Also, Read: Sankat Mochan Varanasi
There are numerous stories connected to this celebration. According to another tale Krishna was playing near the Yamuna River, and his ball sank. When he entered the water, Krishna was attacked by Kaliya Nag. The Lord Krishna defeated Kaliya Nag, and the serpent and his wife begged his life when they realized that Krishna was not just a regular child. Krishna saved his life following an agreement with him that he would not be a nuisance to the inhabitants of Gokul. Nag Panchami is celebrated to celebrate the triumph of Krishna against Kaliya Nag.
Significance of Nag Panchami
Snake worshippers make the hope of pleasing Lord Shiva who wears the cobra on his neck. People worship live cobras on Nag Panchami Day and offer them food , milk as well as other things.
Today, the devotees abstain from digging in the earth. According to Hindu texts, Nagas rule and live in Patal Loka. There are twelve renowned Nagas. The goddess Mansa is the mother to all Nagas, and she is the sibling of Vasuki.
What to do on Nag Panchami
- When worshipping the Snake god, worshippers perform rituals and ceremonies that are traditional to ask for blessings from the Lord. Alongside the rituals and ceremonies, a variety of Nag Panchami mantras may also be chanted to please the Snake god.
- On this particular day, many people go on a fast or consume exclusively vegetarian meals as part of their spiritual ritual. This helps cleanse their bodies and strengthens their relationship to the serpent god. The practice of fasting and eating vegetarian meals is believed to be a method to express reverence and respect for the sacredness of this particular day.
- The most significant ritual of Nag Panchami is offering milk to snake images or idols. This is a sign of respect for the snake god and also brings blessings, health, happiness, and prosperity.
- The main ritual associated with Nag Panchami involves going to temples and paying homage to the god of snakes. This custom is deeply rooted and reflects gratitude and deep prayers to God for protection.
- Spread the Nag Panchami’s importance to the upcoming generation. Instruct them about the significance of the festival, its customs as well as the importance of snake conservation.
What not to do on Nag Panchami
- On the day of Nag Panchami, it is recommended to stay clear of cultivating the ground since it may harm or even kill snakes that live beneath.
- In Nag Panchami, it is best to avoid cutting trees. Snakes usually build their home on trees but cutting trees may ruin their habitats.
- It is crucial not to injure or kill snakes during this day. Being kind to all animals, including snakes, is the main tenet that is the basis of Nag Panchami.
Conclusion
Naga Panchami, a revered day in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist practices, is devoted to worshipping Nagas, the mythical serpents. This celebration occurs on the fifth day of the bright half in the lunar month of Shravana (July/August) in line with the Hindu calendar. In the celebrations, elaborate rituals include bathing a god or goddess of Naga made up of various materials such as stone, silver, or wood or in artworks with milk to ask for their blessings for the health of the family members. In addition, live snakes, especially cobras, are adored on this day, usually in conjunction with the offering of milk and occasionally with the help of a snake charmer.
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Ramesh Verma, CMD, the Second Online Travel, Varanasi
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does Nag Panchami come in a year?
Nag Panchami is held once every year in July or August. It falls during Shravan, the Hindu month Shravan.
What are the advantages of Nag Panchami?
According to Hindu belief, celebrating Nag Panchami can give people many advantages. It will help you achieve health and prosperity, eliminate Kaal Sarp Dosha and Vastu Dosha, and, most important of all, give you the blessings and protection of Nag Devta.
What is the exact timing of Nag Panchami in 2024?
Panchami Tithi begins at 12:37 am on the 9th of August and finishes at 03:14 AM on August 10.
