Naga Panchami

What is the story behind Nag Panchami?

Like any other festival in Hinduism, even the Nag Panchami story validates the celebration of Nag Panchami. So, this festival is celebrated after Lord Krishna defeats the Kaliya Serpent. So, what made Lord Krishna defeat the Kaliya Serpent? So, this serpent used to pollute and poison the water of the river Yamuna, where many people of the Gokul village used to drink water. This caused harm to many people in the village, so one day, Lord Krishna decided to take action against him. Moreover, here you'll understand the logic of good over evil where the Lord krishna interprets the forces of good and the Kaliya Serpent represents evil.

So, one fine day, Lord krishna went to the river Yamuna and encountered Kaliya. Lord Krishna asked him to stop polluting the river, but the serpent refused. So, enraged, lord Krishna danced on his head, then the kaliya begged for his life to Lord krishna, knowing he was not any ordinary kid. So, eventually, Krishna let him go with a promise not to harm the people of Gokul anymore. Then, in the end, Lord Krishna successfully expelled the Kaliya from the river, saving the river Yamuna from being poisoned and making it safe for villagers to drink water from it.

What is the significance of Nag Pancham?

Nagula Panchami, celebrated on the fifth day after the Amavasya in Shravan month, holds great significance according to Hindu mythology. Moreover, because Lord Shiva carries a cobra around his neck, this festival is given more importance. It's believed that it's a great way to seek Lord Shiva's blessings. Moreover, this festival is usually celebrated in those states where snakes are very predominant. For example, states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh are the most common states where Nag Panchami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion yearly. So this was Nag Panchami significance because people worldwide celebrate this festival.

Furthermore, the main reason behind celebrating Nag Panchami during the month of August is because this is the rainy season. So, the snakes come out of their swamps and grasslands and become a threat to human beings. Therefore, people try to please the snakes by offering them milk and honey during Naag Panchami. Also, snakes or Naag are worshipped in Hinduism as a way of honouring nature.

Moreover, snakes are also worshipped because it's believed they are the symbol of power and protection. People also worship snakes and cobras and celebrate Nag Panchami because it helps natives save themselves from the danger of snake bites.

What are the Rituals and Remedies involved in Nag Panchami?

Some rituals and remedies need to be conducted at the Nag Panchami festival that can benefit natives in many ways. Below are the rituals and remedies to be followed, so read carefully.

Nag Panchami Rituals

• On this day, you can visit Shiva temples and worship lord Shiva to help protect you from obstacles.
• You can offer milk in the form of Rudrabhishek in the shivling, along with sweets and fruits.
• You can also make a snake out of clay or keep an image of Naag at the entrance of the home.
• You can also chant the Naag Panchami mantra (ये च वापीतडगेषु तेषु सर्वेषु वै नमः॥) asking blessings from all the snakes that are present in this world.
• On this day, you can also worship live snakes by bathing them with milk and turmeric powder as a part of honour and respect for all living creatures.
• You can also visit temples that are mainly dedicated to snakes and offer milk and rice so that you can save yourself from being bitten by snakes.
• On this day, snake charmers walk around carrying their snakes along, so if you come across someone like them, you can offer turmeric powder, kumkum (sindoor), flowers and milk to please them.

Nag Panchami Remedies

• It's said that if you are going through Kaal Sarp Dosha, Nag Panchami is the best time to worship Serpent Gods that can help you get rid of such doshas.
• You can visit Shiv temple and offer milk, water and flowers to Naag Devta.
• Some of the important mantras to chant on the day of Naag Panchami are Kaal Sarp Gayatri Mantra, Panchakshari Mantra and Kaal Sarp Gayatri Mantra.
• On the auspicious day of Nag Panchami, you can float 11 coconuts in the river and ask for blessings from Lord Krishna.
• Not only on Nag Panchami but if you water the Peepal tree daily, you will be abundantly blessed by Nag Devta.

Conclusion

So, to come to a conclusion, we hope you have gained an understanding of what nag panchami is and why it is celebrated with so much affection and faith. Make sure to make the date of Nag Panchami so that you can also remember this day and perform rituals to avail yourself of benefits. Moreover, every festival has a significance behind its celebration, so make sure to know about the importance of celebrating those festivals.