Naga Panchami

What Is The Story Behind Nag Panchami?

This festival is celebrated to reflect upon the victory of Lord Krishna over the Kaliya Serpent. So, what made Lord Krishna defeat the Kaliya Serpent? Come, let us read about the tale of Lord Krishna and Kaliya.

• Lord Krishna And Kaliya Serpent

Kaliya 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. Lord Krishna went to the Yamuna River and encountered Kaliya.

He asked Kaliya to stop polluting the river, but the serpent refused. Enraged, lord Krishna danced on his head, then the kaliya begged for his life to Lord krishna, knowing he was not any ordinary kid. Eventually, Krishna let him go with a promise not to harm the people of Gokul anymore.

Significance Of Nag Pancham

The Nag Panchami festival holds great significance in Hindu culture. One primary reason for this is the association of Lord Shiva with snakes, as he holds Vasuki (Snake King in Hindu mythology) around his neck. Celebrating this festival is a great way to seek Lord Shiva's blessings.

Another significant reason for celebrating Nag Panchami in July - August is because it is the rainy season. Therefore, the snakes come out of their swamps and grasslands. People try to please the snakes by offering them milk and honey during Naag Panchami. Also, in Hinduism, worshipping snakes is a way of honouring nature.

Nag Panchami: Rituals And Remedies

Some rituals and remedies are followed during the celebration of the Nag Panchami festival. These rituals and remedies are believed to help a person gain the blessings of the divine. These are as follows:

• Nag Panchami Rituals

1. On the auspicious occasion of Nag Panchami, one must wake up early and take a bath.
2. Once done, you can start the day by preparing bhog for the puja.
3. You can worship Lord Shiva and Vasuki on this day in your home or even in a temple.
4. You can also make a snake using clay and place it at your house’s entrance.
5. Many people celebrate the day by worshipping live snakes and giving them a bath with milk and turmeric (Haldi)

• Nag Panchami Remedies

1. If you are going through Kaal Sarp Dosha, Nag Panchami is the best time to worship Serpent Gods that can help you eliminate such doshas.
2. You can visit Shiv temple and offer milk, water and flowers to Naag Devta. You can also visit temples mainly dedicated to snakes and offer milk and rice.
3. Some of the important mantras to chant on the day of Naag Panchami are as follows:
   a. Naag Panchami mantra: || ये च वापीतडगेषु तेषु सर्वेषु वै नम: ||
   b. Kaal Sarp Gayatri Mantra: || 'ॐ नवकुलाय विद्यमहे विषदंताय धीमहि तन्नो सर्प: प्रचोदयात् ||
   c. Panchakshari Mantra: || ॐ नमः शिवाय ||
4. On the auspicious date of Nag Panchami, you can float 11 coconuts in the river and ask for blessings from Lord Krishna.

Read About Other Important Festivals