Naag Panchami: A Celebration of Divine Serpents and Spiritual Awakening

"Naag Panchami" is a traditional day dedicated to the worship of snakes or serpents (Naag/ Naga/ Naja). As per Hindu Panchang, this revered Hindu festival falls on the fifth (5th) day (Panchami) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of lunar month of Shravan. However, some Indian states such as Karnataka, Rajasthan & Gujarat commemorate 'Naag Panchami' on the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the same month. The Gregorian calendar marks its occurrence in the month of either July or August. This year, "Naag Panchami" is falling on the 9th August ‘24.

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Naag Panchami” in the year ‘24 is as follows:

Naag Panchami on Friday, 9th August ‘24

• Panchami Tithi Begins - 12:36 AM on 9th August ‘24
• Panchami Tithi Ends - 03:14 AM on 10th August ‘24

Significance of “Naag Panchami” in Hinduism:

The snakes (Naga) have always been an integral part of our Hindu culture since Sat Yuga as 'mythical Naga beings.' A very well known serpent, "Vasuki", the king of all snakes, finds its place around the neck of Lord Shiva. And the contribution of 'Vasuki' in the great "Samudra Manthan" has always been an immense part of Shastras since time. Another divine serpent in Hindu Dharma is 'Sheshnaag', also called 'Shesha', relying on Lord Vishnu's head. He's sometimes shown as having a serpentine lower half and a human-like upper body. He is a heavenly serpent, also known as 'Adi Shesha', having thousand crowned heads supporting the sleeping God Vishnu on the ocean of milk, each denoting various energies and powers. His heads are also symbolic of his limitless wisdom and knowledge. He is believed to be the supreme king of all Nagas (serpents). And Hinduism has depicted 'Sheshnaag' as the earliest of the cosmic serpents. As per Hindu shastras, Sheshnaag was created by Lord Brahma whereas Lord Vishnu is believed to be his father. He is said to balance the world and all the planets under his hood.

Hindus believe that as the snakes are associated with the Gods & Goddesses like Shiva, Devi, Vishnu & Subramanya, they have more powers than humans.

Connection between “Naag Panchami” and Cosmic Energies:

Even snakes possess connotations with the Moon's nodes in Hindu astrology. The head of the snake is represented by Rahu ("Dragon's head") and its tail by Ketu ("Dragon's tail").

There's also a unique connection between the snakes & Kundalini shakti.

Basically in Sanskrit, when something is round like a ring or bracelet it's said to be kundala, so the coiled “reptile” in each of us is known as kundalini.

Kundalini Shakti is often described as a dormant spiritual energy that resides at the base of the spine, and when awakened, it rises through the spinal column, activating the chakras (energy centers) and leading to spiritual enlightenment.

There is actually a symbolic relationship between snakes and Kundalini Shakti as per various spiritual and esoteric traditions.

The snake's coiled form mirrors the dormant state of the Kundalini, and its ascent signifies the transformative journey towards higher consciousness. This symbolism highlights the profound connection between the hidden wisdom represented by snakes and the inner awakening facilitated by Kundalini Shakti.

Legend behind “Naag Panchami”:

Various Indian scriptures like Agni Purana, Skanda Purana and Narada Purana mention about the significance of Naagas (snakes/ serpents) in the history of Hindu Dharma.

Even Mahabharata (the great epic) has led the base of this holy day dedicated to 'snakes.'

Basically, Raja Parikshit met death from a snake bite by the Takshak Naag. To take revenge, Janamejaya (the son of King Parikshit of Kuru Vansh) performed a snake sacrifice known as 'Sarpa Satra.' 'Sarpa Satra' was a sacrificial fireplace led by many Brahmin sages (in assistance to Janamejaya) to kill all the snakes in the world. Eventually when this ceremony started, all the snakes started falling into the Yagna Kunda (fire pit). But there was no effect on Takshak Naag. Then, the Brahmins got to know that he (Takshak) had escaped to Indra Lok seeking his protection. To make Takshak also fall into the fire pit, the Brahmins increased the tempo of reciting mantras. Then, Takshak coiled himself around Indra's cot to stay protected. But the effect of those mantras was so powerful that it dragged Takshak along with Indra Dev himself from the Indra Lok straight towards the fire of Havan Kund.

To this, all the gods appealed to Mansa Devi for helping them. On this, she appealed to her son Astika to go to the Yagya site & stop the Yagya. Then, Astika followed his mother's words & went to Janamejaya. He impressed King Janamejaya by his immense knowledge of Hindu shastras & as a result, Janamejaya granted him to seek a boon. And, Astika requested the King to stop the Sarpa Satra. Hence, Janamejaya had to request all the Brahmins present there to conclude the Yagya. And as a result, the life of Indra, Takshak & other snakes was spared.

This event took place on 'Nadivardhini Panchami' (fifth day of bright fortnight of the lunar month of Shravana during the monsoon season) as per Hindu calendar. And since then, this day came to be known as 'Naag Panchami.'

On the same day, Lord Indra had also visited Mansa Devi to worship and thank her.

Rituals and Observances of “Naag Panchami”:

Garuda Purana says that one who offers prayers to the snakes on 'Nag Panchami' is ushered with good tidings in life.

Other than worshipping Naga, cobras, and snakes, the people also observe fasting on 'Naag Panchami' to consider a sure protection against the fear of a snake bite. On this day, the digging of the earth is also prohibited as it could kill or harm the snakes inside the earth.

'Nag Panchami' is celebrated as 'Bhratru Panchami' in many places in which the women worship the snakes along with their brothers (Bhratru) to ensure the protection of their brothers from the snakes.

'Nag Panchami' is also known by the names 'Vishari Puja' or 'Bishari Puja' in many parts of India. (Bisha/ Visha meaning - 'poison').

As per “Drik Panchang”,

• Nag Panchami Puja Muhurat - 05:49 AM to 08:29 AM on 9th August ‘24
• Duration - 02 Hours 40 Mins

The regional traditions for celebrating and observing 'Naag Panchami' differs from state to state in overall India. In some areas, people also draw images of snakes on doorsteps or walls using turmeric or cow dung as a symbolic gesture of welcoming the snake deities into their homes.

Naga Chandreshwar Temple in Ujjain is kept open only on the day of 'Naag Panchami' for the devotees.

Other than India, various other countries with Hindu, Jain and Buddhist adherents like Nepal, Pakistan and many more also celebrate 'Nag Panchami.'

Overall, Naag Panchami is a time of spiritual reflection, cultural significance, and reverence for snakes in Hindu tradition. It fosters a sense of connection with nature and the creatures around us, promoting harmony and respect for all living beings.