Nag Panchami is a day of the traditional worship of the Nagas (Indian Cobra) or snakes as observed by Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and other adherents throughout India, Nepal and other countries where Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and other followers live. This worship is always done on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravana, which is July or August.
There are a few Indian states like Karnataka, Rajasthan and Gujarat which celebrate Nag Panchami on the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the same month. During the festival of Nag Panchami, a snake or Nag, that is made of silver, stone or wood, or alternatively, a painting of a Nag or snake, is bathed with milk, while being worshipped and prayed to reverentially. Their blessings are sought for the welfare of the whole family. With the help of a snake charmer, even live snakes are worshipped during this day, specially from the Cobra family. They are offered milk and devotees get a lot of benefits by getting their blessings.
History and Significance
When Lord Krishna was a young child, he came across a dangerous and lethal snake. Lord Krishna was playing by the banks of the Yamuna with his ball, when his ball slipped and got caught in some branches next to the river. Lord Krishna went to retrieve the ball but got attacked by the dangerous snake called Kaliya.
However, Lord Krishna was too powerful for this snake and soon after, the snake realised that he was no match for this young boy, Lord Krishna. The snake then begged Lord Krishna to spare him. Lord Krishna made the snake promise that he would never harm any more people in the village.
The snake was forced to agree to Lord Krishna’s demands. Thereafter, this day is known as the Nag Panchami day across India and the world. Lord Krishna saved the lives of people from the Kaliya snake for infinity to come. On this special day, young girls can also offer milk to snakes to get married to a suitable person, while married women can pray to save their families from any harm caused by snakes or other evil eyes.
Timings
The Nag Panchami Tithi will begin on 2 August 2022 at 5:13 am and will end on 3 August 2022 at 5:41 am. The Nag Panchami Puja Muhurat will commence at 5:43 am and conclude at 8:25 am on 2 August, this year.
Puja Vidhi
One has to wake up early, have a bath and pray to the Nav Devta or the Snake God. Light a lamp in the puja area or temple and offer prayers. Offer a cup of milk and prasad to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. Then perform aarti and recite the Vrat Katha for Nag Panchami.
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