Tuesday 18 August 2015

19th AUGUST 2015 NAG PANCHAMI - SERPENTS PRAYERS AND OFFERINGS WITH WORSHIP

Nag Panchami 2015: Honor The Venomless Virtues Of Snake!

Nag Panchami 2015 Date

19th

August 2015

(Wednesday)

People worship snake god on Nag Panchami
The date for Nag Panchami in 2015 is August 19. We all must have heard that God is present in each of His creations. But, what if the same applies to animals as well? Yes, this is true, as snakes are honored with special devotion during Nag Panchami. Read to know why it is done so…

Nag Panchami 2015: What Is Naag Panchami?

Indians worship snakes in the form of supreme deities. Nag Panchami is one such festival, where we follow traditional rituals to worship snakes. Aren’t you excited to know about Naag Panchami? There’s nothing to be impatient, as through this article you will know everything about the festival of Nag Panchami in 2015. So, let’s proceed...
The festival of Naga Panchami commences with Naga Chaturthi, which is trailed by Naga Panchami and Nag Shashti.
Naga Chaturthi, also known as Nagula Chavithi or Nagula Chauth, is observed twice a year, in the months of Kartika and Shravana. Indian women observe the day of Nagula Chavithi in order to bring happiness in their children’s lives; Nagula Chavithi is believed to provide protection to children. Naga Puja is also performed by the devotees on Nagula Chavithi. The next day is popular as Nag Panchami.
The festival of Naga Panchami takes place in Shravan Maas; it is celebrated during Shukla Paksha. Since, the festival is dedicated to snakes, we must know that Patal Lok is believed to be the abode of Nagas (snakes). Some of the regional names of Naag Panchami are - Bhratru Panchami, Bishari Puja, Nagavardhini Panchami, etc.
Let’s know the date and timing for observing Naga Chaturthi, Naag Panchami in 2015 according to Hindu Calendar.

Nagula Chavithi 2015 Date

EventDayDateTithi
Nag Chaturthi 2015/Nagula Chavithi 2015TuesdayAugust 18Chaturthi

Nag Panchami 2015 Date

EventDayDateTithi
Nag Panchami 2015WednesdayAugust 19Panchami
Hopefully, the Nag Panchami 2015 date and Puja Muhurat timing will help you to consider the festival of Naag Panchami with a meticulous approach.
Now, as you know when to celebrate Naag Panchami in 2015, you might like to know that why Nagpanchami is observed. We will now discuss the legends of Nag Panchami, that makes the festival significant for us.

Why To Celebrate Nag Panchami In 2015?

Before knowing the different legends associated with Naag Panchami, let’s first discuss the history of Naag Panchami and when it started. It is believed that long before, the Aryans clan arrived in our country, when Nagas resided in India. If we go back to the historical evidences, snake deities were venerated among Nagas. However, soon this tradition came up into Hinduism and gained prominence. In the following part, we will discuss the story that signifies the role of snakes as Hindu deities.
Nag Panchami 2015: Sarpa Satra (Sacrifice Of Snake)

According to Mahabharata derivations, Janamejaya (son of King Parikshit, Kuru dynasty) was performing a ritual to avenge his father’s death known as Sarpa Satra (snake sacrifice). Since, Parikshit died of a snake bite by the King of snakes, Taksaka, Janamejaya was determined to kill Taksaka.
Since, the fireplace was created by a number of learned men, it was extremely powerful. It attracted each and every snake into it; however, the main culprit, Taksaka escaped the magnetizing power of Sarpa Satra and went to Indra’s netherworld. Hence, to attract Taksaka into the Agni Kund, the tempo of Mantrarecital was increased. Such was the magic of the Mantras that even Indra could not escape it and accompanied Taksaka to the Agni Kund.
The gods became scared of the consequence, and hence, pleaded Mansa Devi (goddess of snakes) to intervene. On their constant requests, Manasa Devi sent her son, Ashtika to the place of the event. However, to stop Janamejaya was not an easy task, Ashtika was finally able to impress him with his knowledgeable personality. Hence, it convinced Janamejaya to stop Sarpa Satra. This spared the life of Indra, Taksaka, and his other serpent sect.
According to Hindu calendar, this was the day of Navi Vardhini Panchami. Since then, Naag Panchami is observed as a tribute to the Nagas.
Nag Panchami 2015: Krishna & Kaliya Snake
It is also believed that the occurrence between Krishna and Kaliya snake is another reason to celebrate the festival of Naag Panchami. Once, Krishna was playing with the cowboys, when the ball got intertwined in the branch of a high tree. No one, but Lord Krishna, took the initiative to fetch the ball. But, the path was not easy, as one had to place himself above the Yamuna river, which was the residing place for Kaliya snake.
Krishna slipped off the tree, while climbing up. This made him fall in the Yamuna, and suddenly, Kaliya emerged out. But, Krishna was in no mood to give up. He fought the snake valiantly, and soon, captured a commanding position over Kaliya snake.
Kaliya came to know about Krishna’s extraordinary powers, as the event occurred. Kaliya pleaded Lord Krishna to let it go. Kaliya was left freed by Krishna, as it promised not to harass anyone again. Since then, this is believed to be another reason for the occurrence of Nag Panchami.
Now, as you know why to celebrate Naag Panchami in 2015, let’s find out how should we celebrate Naag Panchami in 2015.

Nag Panchami 2015: How To Celebrate Naag Panchami In 2015?

A snake is crafted out of cow dung on the day of Nag Panchami, and placed at the doorstep. The snake is therefore, worshiped as a deity on Nagpanchami. Milk, Kusha grass, sandalwood, Akshat (holy grains of rice) are offered to the snake. The snake deity is bathed with milk, which is believed to free oneself from sins.
In regions like Assam, Orissa, West Bengal, devotees worship Maa Manasa on Naag Panchami. Sheshnag is worshiped at places like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, etc. Nag Panchami in 2015 will be celebrated in different mannerisms in different regions of the country; however, the overall pattern of celebration remains the same.
On the day of Naag Panchami, houses are cleaned and holy offerings are prepared for Naga (snake). In some parts of the country, preparations are made a day prior to the day of Nag Panchami. Food preparations for Naag Panchami include Sevai (vermicelli), rice items, Laddoo (sweet dish made of dried condiments), etc.
A special Puja is performed for Snake God, in which the snake is bathed with Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, yogurt, sugar, honey, and butter). Besides this proceeding, Aarti is performed to invoke the blessings of snake deity.
Mantras are chanted throughout the Nag Panchami offerings. Please take a look at the Mantra that is recited to please the Snake God.
ऊँ कुरुकुल्ये हुं फट स्वाहा
(Om Kurukulle Hun Phat Svaha)
A Kala Sarpa Nivaran Puja is held at temples on the day of Naag Panchami. Kaal Sarpa Puja is an important ritual on this day, as it acts as a cure for the people affected with Kala Sarpa Dosha. As per Skanda Purana evidences, worshiping snakes of Chamatkarpur will will lead in fulfilment of your wishes.
In ancient times, people used to mix ochre with cow dung; the mixture was later applied on the walls of houses. In addition to this, one used to tie seven knots in a single rope to give it the form of a snake.
Now, let’s know more about Kaal Sarp Dosha by knowing the astrological significance of Nag Panchami.

Nag Panchami 2015: Astrological Significance Of Nag Panchami

In the birth chart (Kundali), when all the planets come in between Rahu and Ketu, Kaal Sarp Dosha occurs. To know, if your Kundali is affected by Kaal Sarp Dosha or not, click here: Kaal Sarp Dosha FREE Report
The natives who are affected by Kal Sarpa Dosha have to work harder than normal people to attain success in life. Since, there are twelve houses in birth-chart, so Kala Sarpa Dosha can be formed in twelve different ways. This condition is generally considered to be a troublesome and problematic one for any person. Nag Panchami, celebrated in Shravan month, is believed to be the most auspicious day to pacify the effects of Kala Sarp Dosha. According to ancient texts, Nag Devta is the god of Panchami (fifth lunar day). On this day, worshiping and praying to Lord of snakes is considered to be very good and brings blissful results.
Besides this, the day has been considered to be very auspicious to complete the rituals to pacify Kala Sarpa Dosha’s effects. Hence, each native affected by Kala Sarpa Dosha should complete the rituals as a cure to their Kala Sarpa Dosha effects. Even if this is not possible, one should surely worship Lord Shiva at a nearby temple.
This day is meant to be holy to venerate snakes. As per certain scientific researches, snakes don’t drink milk. Therefore, you should never offer them milk. Snakes feed on rats and mices at plough fields and save the crops from being destructed by them. Hence, it is our duty to protect them.
The next day is observed as Nag Sashti. The festival of Nag Sashti takes place on the sixth day of the month. Since, Nag Sashti is also associated with Nag deity, the same worshiping rituals are carried out on this day.
Want to know when Nag Shashti will take place in 2015? Read the table below:

Nag Shashti 2015 Date

EventDayDateTithi
Nag Shashti 2015ThursdayAugust 20Shashti
This time in 2015, snakes will be once again be given a godly place. But remember to worship the Snake God out of devotion, where the notion of fear is eliminated. The snakes are much more than just being the carriers of venom. Treat the snakes as the carrier of eternal blessings, and get blessed by them in 2015.
Celebrate this Naag Panchami in 2015 by sending Nag Panchami SMS to your close friends and relatives. Make sure, you observe Naag Panchami in 2015 with greater enthusiasm. Since, it is always said that “God resides in each of His creations”, snakes are the perfect example of this phrase. Get blessed by Snake God this Naag Panchami, in 2015.
AstroSage wishes you all a divine Nag Panchami in 2015!

Nag Panchami

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nāga Panchamī
Naag pooja.jpg
A Statue of Naga being worshiped on Nag Panchami
Also calledNaaga Pujaa
Observed byHindus
TypeReligious, India and Nepal
Significance[1]
Observancesworshipping images or live Cobra.
DateFifth day (Panchami) of the month of Shravan month of the Lunar calendar
2014 date1 August
2015 date19 August
Nag Panchami (Devanagari: नाग पंचमी) is a traditional worship of snakes or serpents observed by Hindus throughout India and also in Nepal.[1][2] The worship is offered on the fifth day of bright half of Lunar month ofShravan (July/August), according to the Hindu calendar. The abode of snakes is believed to be patal lok, (the seven realms of the universe located below the earth) and lowest of them is also called Naga-loka, the region of the Nagas, as part of the creation force and their blessings are sought for the welfare of the family.[1][2] Serpent deity made of silver, stone or wood or the painting of snakes on the wall are given a bath with milk and then revered.
According to Hindu puranic literature, Kashyapa, son of Lord Brahma, the creator had four consorts and the third wife was Kadroo who belonged to the Naga race of the Pitru Loka and she gave birth to the Nagas; among the other three, the first wife gave birth to Devas, the second to Garuda and the fourth to Daityas.[citation needed]
In the Mahabharata epic story, Astika, the Brahmin son of Jaratkarus, who stopped the Sarpa Satra of Janamejaya, king of the Kuru empire which lasted for 12 years is well documented. This yagna was performed by Janamejaya to decimate the race of all snakes, to avenge for the death of his father Parikshit due to snake bite of Takshaka, the king of snakes. The day that the yagna (fire sacrifice) was stopped, due to the intervention of the Astika, was on the Shukla Paksha Panchami day in the month of Shravan when Takshaka, the king of snakes and his remaining race at that time were saved from decimation by the Sarpa Satra yagna. Since that day, the festival is observed as Nag Panchami.[3]

Etymology[edit]

The literary meaning of 'Nag Panchami' is “Snake (Cobras) fifth”.[4]

Legends[edit]

There are many legends in Hindu mythology and folklore narrated to the importance of worship of snakes.[1]

Mythology[edit]

Indian mythological scriptures such as Agni PuranaSkanda PuranaNarada Purana and Mahabharata give details of history of snakes extolling worship of snakes.[1]

Sarpa Satra, the snake sacrifice where Astika, young Brahmin stops theyagna.
In the Mahabharata epic, Janamejeya, the son of King Parikshit of Kuru dynasty was performing a snake sacrifice known as Sarpa Satra, to avenge for the death of his father from a snake bite by the snake king called Taksaka. A sacrificial fireplace had been specially erected and the fire sacrifice to kill all snakes in the world was started by a galaxy of learned Brahmin sages. The sacrifice performed in the presence of Janamejaya was so powerful that it was causing all snakes to fall into the Yagna kunda (sacrificial fire pit). When the priests found that only Takshaka who had bitten and killed Parisksihit had escaped to the nether world of Indra seeking his protection, the sages increased the tempo of reciting the mantras (spells) to drag Takshaka and also Indra to the sacrificial fire. Takshaka had coiled himself around Indra’s cot but the force of the sacrificial yagna was so powerful that even Indra along with Takshaka were dragged towards the fire. This scared the gods who then appealed to Manasadevi to intervene and resolve the crisis. She then requested her son Astika to go to the site of the yagna and appeal to Janamejaya to stop the Sarpa Satra yagna. Astika impressed Janamejaya with his knowledge of all the Sastras (scriptures) who granted him to seek a boon. It was then that Astika requested Janamejeya to stop the Sarpa Satra. Since the king was never known to refuse a boon given to a Brahmin, he relented, in spite of protects by the rishis performing the yagna. The yagna was then stopped and thus the life of Indra and Takshaka and his other serpent race were spared. This day, according to the Hindu Calendar, happened to be Nadivardhini Panchami (fifth day of bright fortnight of the lunar month of Shravan during the monsoon season) and since then the day is a festival day of the Nagas as their life was spared on this day. Indra also went to Manasadevi and worshipped her.[3]
According to Garuda Purana offering prayers to snake on this day is auspicious and will usher good tidings in one’s life. This is to be followed by feeding Brahmins.[5]

Worship[edit]

On the Nag Panchami day Nag, cobras, and snakes are worshipped with milk, sweets, flowers, lamps and even sacrifices. Images of Nag deities made of silver, stone, wood, or paintings on the wall are first bathed with water and milk and then worshipped with the reciting of the following mantras.[1]
DevanagariRoman alphabetIPA (Sanskrit)IASTRough translation
नाग प्रीता भवन्ति शान्तिमाप्नोति बिअ विबोह्
सशन्ति लोक मा साध्य मोदते सस्थित समः
Naga preeta bhavanti shantimapnoti via vibohSashanti lok ma sadhya modate shashttih samh
n̪ɑːɡɑː pr̩ːt̪ɑː bʱʋn̪iːt̪ h ɕɑːˈn̪t̪imɑːˈpn̪oːt̪iː ʋijɑː biʋh
s̪ɕɑːˈn̪t̪i l̪oːk mɑː s̪ɑːˈd̪ʱj moːd̪t̪eː s̪ˈs̪t̪ʰt̪iː s̪mh
Nāga prītā bhavanti śāntimāpnoti bia viboh
saśanti loka mā sādhya modate sasthitaḥ samaḥ
Let all be blessed by the snake goddess, let everyone obtain peace
Let all live peacefully without any turbulence.
Fast is observed on this day and Brahmins are fed. The piety observed on this day is considered a sure protection against the fear of snake bite. At many places, real snakes are worshipped and fairs held. On this day digging the earth is taboo as it could kill or harm snakes which reside in the earth.[1]

Nagas in Naga Loka
In some regions of the country milk is offered along with crystallized sugar, rice pudding (kheer in local parlance). A special feature is of offering a lotus flower which is placed in a silver bowl. In front of this bowl, a rangoli(coloured design pattern) of snake is created on the floor with a brush made of wood or clay or silver or gold with sandalwood or turmeric paste as the paint. The design pattern will resemble a five hooded snake. Devotees then offer worship to this image on the floor. In villages, the anthills where the snakes are thought to reside, are searched. Incense is offered to the anthill as prayer along with milk (a myth of folk lore to feed milk to the snakes) to ensnare snakes to come out of the anthill. After this, milk is poured into the hole in the anthill as a libation to the snake god.[5]
On this occasion doorways and walls outside the house are painted with pictures of snakes, auspicious mantras (spells) are also written on them. It is believed that such depictions will ward off poisonous snakes.[5]
Nag Panchami is also the occasion observed as Bhratru Panchami when women with brothers worship snakes and its holes, and offer prayers to propitiate nagas so that their brothers are protected and do not suffer or die due to snake bite.[1]
The Nag Panchami is also celebrated as Vishari Puja or Bishari Puja in some parts of the country and Bisha or Visha means "poison".[6]

Folktales[edit]

Apart from the scriptural mention about snakes and the festival, there are also many folk tales. On such tale is of a farmer living in a village. He had two sons and one of whom killed three snakes during ploughing operations. The mother of the snake took revenge on the same night by biting the farmer, his wife and two children and they all died. Next day the farmer’s only surviving daughter, distraught and grieved by the death of her parents and brothers, pleaded before the mother snake with an offering of a bowl of milk and requested for forgiveness and to restore the life of her parents and brothers. Pleased with this offering the snake pardoned them and restored the farmer and his family to life.[7]
In folklore, snakes also refer to the rainy season - the varsha ritu in Sanskrit. They are also depicted as deities of ponds and rivers and are said to be the embodiment of water as they spring out of their holes, like a spring of water.[8]

Worship in various regions in the country[edit]

As it is believed that snakes have more powers than humans and on account of its association with ShivaVishnu and Subramanya, a degree of fear is instilled resulting in deification of the cobra and its worship throughout the country by Hindus.[9]
Snake has connotation with the Moon’s nodes known in Hindu astrology. The head of the snake is represented by Rahu ("Dragon's head") and its tail by Ketu ("Dragon's tail"). If in the zodiacal chart of an individual all the seven major planets are hemmed between Rahu and Ketu in the reverse order (anticlockwise) it is said to denote Kalasarpa dosha (Defect due to black snakes), which forebodes ill luck and hardship in an individual's life and therefore appeased by offering worship to the snakes on the Nag Panchami day.[2]

Central India[edit]

In Central India, in NagpurMaharashtra State snakes have special identity. The name of the city is derived from the word Naga which means snake as the place was infested with snakes. Nagoba Temple in Mahal is where worship is offered on Nag Panchami day; the temple was found under the neem tree known as “Nagoba ka vota", under a platform. Another important event held on this occasion is an arduous trekking pilgrimage known as Nagdwar Yatra to Pachmarhi. On this occasion food prepared as offering to the snake god is cooked in a kadai (a girdle).[2]

North and Northwestern India[edit]

Nag Panchami is celebrated all over North India. In Kashmir, from historical times snakes have been worshipped by Hindus, and the places of worship are reported as 700.[10]
In north western India, in cities such as Benares, it is the time when [[Akhara]]s (venues of wrestling practice and competitions) as part of Nag Panchami celebrations are bedecked; on this occasion the ahkaras are cleaned up thoroughly and walls painted with images of snakes, priests preside, and the gurus are honoured along with the sponsors. Its significance is that the wrestlers stand for virility and Naga symbolizes this “scheme of virility”.[4] Akharas are decorated with snake images showing snakes drinking milk.[7]
In Narasinghgarh akhara in Varanasi there is special shrine dedicated to Naga Raja (King of Snakes) where a bowl is suspended above the image of the snake and milk is poured into it so that it trickle over the snake god as a form of an offering.[11]
On this day snake charmers are everywhere in towns and villages displaying snakes in their baskets which will have all types of snakes such as pythonsrat snakes, and cobras mingled together. Some of the snake charmers hang limp snakes around their neck and crowds gather to witness these scenes. The snakes in the basket are also worshipped on the occasion.[12]
However, in Punjab this festival is celebrated in a different month and in a different format, in the month of Bhadra (September–October) and is called Guga Nauvami (ninth day of lunar month during bright half of Moon). On this occasion an image of snake is made with dough and kept in a “winnowing basket” and taken round the village. Villagers offer flour and butter as oblation to the image. At the end of the parade, the snake is formally buried and women worship the snake for nine days and give offering of curds.[9]

Western India[edit]

As in the rest of the country, the Naga Panchmi is celebrated in Western India and is known as the Ketarpal or Kshetrapal, meaning, a protector of his domain.[13]
In this part of the country, snake is named Bhujang, which is also the Sanskrit name for snake, in the Kutch region. The name is attributed to the city of Bhuj which is located below the hill named Bhujiya, after Bhujang, as it was the abode of snakes. On top of this hill there is a fort known as the Bhujang Fort where a temple has been built for the snake god and a second temple is at the foot of the hill known as Nani Devi.[13] Bhujia Fort was the scene of a major battle between Deshalji I, the ruler of Kutch and Sher Buland Khan,Mughal Viceroy of Gujarat who had invaded Kutch. It was the early period of Deshalji's reign. When the army of Kutch was in a state of losing the battle, a group of Naga Bawas opened the gate of Bhujia Fort by a clever ploy of visiting Nag temple for worship and joined the fray against Sher Buland Khan's army. Eventually Deshalji I won the battle. Since that day Naga Bawa and their leader have a pride of place in the procession held on Nag Panchami day.[13] Within the fort, at one corner, there is a small square tower dedicated to Bhujang Nag (snake god), who in folklore is said to have been the brother of Sheshnag. It is said Bhujang Nag came from Than of Kathiawar and freed Kutch from the oppression of demons known as daityas and rakshasas.[13] The Snake Temple was also built at the time of the fortification of the hill during Deshalji I's reign and provided with a chhatri. Every year on Nag Panchami day a fair is held at the temple premises. In the Sindhi community Nag Panchami is celebrated in honour of Gogro.

Eastern and Northeastern India[edit]

In eastern and north eastern states of India such as West BengalOrissa and Assam, the goddess is worshipped as Manasa. In Hindu mythology, Manasa is a snake goddess who was also called Jaratkaru and wife of Brahmin sage also named Jaratkaru. On this occasion, a twig of manasa plant (euphorbia lingularum) symbolizing the goddess Manasa is fixed on the ground and worshipped, not only in the month of Shravan, as in the rest of the country, but also in the month Bhadra Masa. Festival is held within the precincts of the house.[9]

South India[edit]


Stone statues of snakes worshipped in South India
In South India, snake is identified with Subramanya (Commander of the celestial army) and also with Shiva and Vishnu.[9]
In Karnataka, the preparation for the festival starts on the New Moon day of Bhima Amavasya, five days prior to the festival day of Panchami. Girls offer prayers to the images made out of white clay painted with white dots. They take a vow by tying a thread dipped in turmeric paste on their right wrist and offer prayers. An image of snake is drawn on the floor in front of the house and milk is offered as oblation. On the night previous to the festival they keep complete fast or take a salt free diet. After the pooja, a food feast is held.[14]
In South India, both sculpted and live snakes are worshipped. Every village has a serpent deity. It is worshipped as a single snake or nine snakes called Nao Nag but the popular form is of two snakes in the form of an “Eaculapian rod”. Every worshipper in South India worships the anthill where the snakes are reported to reside. Women decorate the anthill with turmeric paste and vermillion and sugar mixed with wheat flour. They bedeck it with flowers with the help of threads tied to wooden frames. In Maharashtra, they go round the anthill in a worship mode five times singing songs in praise of snake gods.[10]
Another form of worship practiced by women, who have no children for various reasons, install stone statues of snakes below the peepal tree and offer worship seeking blessings of the snake god for bestowing them with children. This is done as it is believed snakes represent virility and have the gift of inducing fecundity curing barrenness.[9]
In Coorg in Karnataka, an ancestral platform called noka is installed with rough stones which are believed to be the ancestral incarnation in the form of snakes but they are not necessarily worshipped on Nag Panchami day.[9]
In Kerala, Nairs are Serpent-worshipers. A shrine is normally established for snake god at the southwest corner of the ancestral house, along with temple for the para-devata. .[9] For Nag Panchami day, Nair Women fast the previous day. They then on the Nag Panchami Day, take bath at dawn and pray at the tharavad Sarpa kavu . They take the Thirtham milk home. A Chembarathi ( Hibiscus ) flower is dipped in the milk and sprinkled on the brother's back and then do an arthi. Then a thread dipped in turmeric is tied on the right wrist of the brother. After that a feast is served.

Observance in Nepal[edit]

The ritual is widely observed in Nepal, particularly for the fight between Garuda and a great serpent.[15] It is also the festival held in honour of the great serpent on the coils of which Lord Vishnu is resting between the Universe.[16]
In the Changu Narayan Temple in Kathmandu, there is statue of Garuda which is said to have been established by Garuda himself and on the Naga Panchami day the image is said to sweat reminiscing his great fight with a giant snake; people collect the sweat and use it for curing leprosy.[16]

See also[edit]


Whether offering milk to cobras on Nagarapanchami day -Scientific or Myth?

nagpanchami_cobra_festival
Mangalore, August 13: Nagara Panchami is festival which is religiously and compulsorily observed by people in India. A common ritual is to pour milk on anthills (snake dwelling place) or offer it to the snakes, besides offering of camphor, incense sticks, vermillion (kumkum) and haldi (turmeric). But how many actually know Snakes are actually averse to milk and cannot digest it? The reason being snakes are cold blooded and carnivorous animals and don’t consume milk.
king_cobra_nagpancchami
cobra_snake_nagpanchami
snake350_nagpanchami_festival
Snakes don’t drink milk:
Milk is not the natural diet of snakes. Milk causes allergic reactions, dehydration and dysentery.
“Worms develop in the stomach which leads to their death.” says Dinesh from Pilikula Biological Park.
“Our zoo receives around 25 litres of milk during Nagara Panchami, brought by people who want us to offer it to the snakes. Even though we know snakes don’t consume milk we keep in front of the cage, as we don’t want to hurt their religious sentiments.”
“Not many know of this fact and awareness needs to be created. While young children know about this aspect as we have been conducting awareness campaigns. Older ones need to be educated about this,” Dinesh said.
“The awareness level in children at places like Bangalore and Mysore is greater and often we find them telling older people not to give milk. Here lot needs to be done.” he added.
What mythology says:
As per mythology it is said that once when a farmer was tilling a land he accidentally killed a snake family. One member of the snake family which had gone a stroll during the accident returned home and found that entire family was killed. In order to seek revenge the snake killed all family members of the family except his daughter who was at her in-laws house. Guided by intention to bite the snake is said to have gone to her house to bite. Since the day was naga panchami the snake saw that the daughter was praying to Sheshanaga (Snake Lord) with utmost devotion. The snake which was fuming with anger is said to have fallen into the milk kept on the window sill and immediately became calm.
Impressed by her devotion the snake which spoke in human voice told her that he had killed all her family members and asked her what boon she wanted. The daughter in turn asked the snake to bring all the members back to life. The snake granted her wish.
Scientific reasoning: need of the hour
Experts opine that scientific reasoning is the need of the hour. Pouring milk on the stone idols of snake is acceptable but not forcing the snakes to drink milk. Snake plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Recognizing this one must ensure that no harm will be made to the snakes in the name of myth.

Shri Nag Panchami

Nagini
Nagini
Nagas are semi-divine snake-like beings, capable of taking a human form. They tend to be very curious. According to traditions nāgas are only malevolent to humans when they have been mistreated. They are susceptible to mankind’s disrespectful actions in relation to the environment. They are also associated with waters—rivers, lakes, seas, and wells—and are generally regarded as guardians of natural treasure.
The Naga Shesha supports the Earth and serves as a bed for Lord Vishnu and his beloved consort, Lakshmi.
Vishnu and Lakshmi on Shesh Nag
Vishnu and Lakshmi on Shesh Nag
According to legend, Mañjushri banished most of he Nagas from this Valley when he drained it, making it fit for advanced human civilization. The king of the Nagas, Karkotaka, took shelter with his tribe in the Tau Daha lake. There are stories of humans visiting his jeweled kingdom below.
Karkotaka-Nagaraj-at-Tau-Daha
Karkotaka-Nagaraj-at-Tau-Daha
Nag Panchami, the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravan, falls this year on August 1st. On this day people in the Valley (and also in much of India) worship the Naga serpent-gods who dwell half the year on earth, and the other half in the Patala underworld. Small painted pictures of Nagas are stuck with cow-dung over the thresholds of houses, and then worshipped with sacred Kusha grass, incense, lights, vermillion powder, and a food offering consisting usually of milk, or rice-water, honey, curds and boiled rice.

Nagas are believed to inhale stale air and exhale fresh air

Nagpanchami at Nag Pokhri
Nagpanchami at Nag Pokhri
It is Important to honor the Nagas because they bring the nurturing rains to the Valley. Nagas are believed to inhale stale air and exhale fresh air, so that all living beings can thrive. They are environmentally corrective beings. Let us worship them with respect and devotion.
Here’s wishing you a wet and wild Nag Panchami!
Love & Pranams, Billy Forbes, Kathmandhu


Nag Panchami 2015- An Occasion to Pacify Kalsarp Yoga

nag panchami kalsarpyogNag Panchami is celebrated on Panchami of Shukla Paksh in Sharavan Masa. This year, the festival will be celebrated on 20th August, festival is celebrated with faith and fervor. On this day, worshiping Lord Shiva, the holder of serpent, is considered auspicious.

Significance of Nag Panchami

According to the astrology, the God of fifth date is Snake. As, Naag Panchami is celebrated in Sharav Maas, hence, no digging of earth is done in this month. On the day of Naag Panchami, ploughing of field, digging of foundation is not good. Because, habitat of snake is considered to be beneath the earth. Digging of land can hurt the Snake God.

Procedure of Fasting on Nag Panchami

At many places of nation, Naag Panchami is also celebrated on Panchami Tithti of Krishan Paksha. On the day of Naag Panchami, fast is kept in order to make God Snake happy. In this fast, after the sunset and whole day fasting, Kheer is prepared as an offering for Gos snake while worshiping it. First of all the Kheer is offered to God snake or to Lord Shiva, and then eaten as Prashad (offering from God), by everyone. In this fast, intake of salt and fried things is prohibited. The person keeping the fast should follow all the rules.

Nag Panchami Celebration in South India

In southern India, on the day of Naag Panchami of Shravan Shukla, pure oil is used for bathing. Here, the unmarried girls keep fast and wish to have their dream man.

Custom of Consuming Stale Food on Nag Panchami

On the day of Naag Panchami, only the food to be used in worshiping is prepared. Rest of the food is prepared a day before. The family members who don’t keep fast on this day are also given stale food for eating. Well, Kheer, rice, Sewayia are made today as fresh food items in homes.

Worship of Idol of Snake God at the Main Entrance

On the day of Naag Panchami, people keeping fast, make a sculpture of snake with cow dunk, having five heads, on both side of house’s threshold. Red soil can also be used if, in case cow dung is not available. After this, Snake God is worshiped with milk, grass, Kusha, sandalwood,Akshat(rice used in worshiping),flower, sweet(Ladoo) and Naag source or following Naag mantras are chanted
" ऊँ कुरुकुल्ये हुँ फट स्वाहा"

Chanting this mantra rosary, three times, pleases the snake God. The fregnancel of sandalwood is especially dear to Serpent God. Hence, sandalwood should be used while worshiping. White lotus is used in today’s prayer. Chanting of the Above mentioned mantras, reduces the inauspicious effect of Kalsarp Yoga that is, the pacification of KaalSarp Yoga.

Worship of Goddess Mansa

In the northern India, there is a procedure of worshiping Goddess Mansa on Naag Panchami of Sharavan Maas. Goddess mansa is considered as the Goddess(Devi) of serpents. So, in Bengal, Orissa, and other states, the act of worshiping Mansa Devi is performed.

Pacification of Kalsarp Yoga

On the day of 1st August 2015, Shukal Paksh, Sharavan Maas,people who’s Kundali have KaalSarp Yoga, should keep fast and offer worshiping as mentioned above for the sake of pacification of KaalSarp Yoga.

What not to do on Nag Panchami

On the day of Naag Panchami, Snake God should not be fed with milk. Worshipers, if desire can make the Shiva Linga have a milk bath. Knowing that, drinking of milk can kill a snake, in such a situation feeding them with milk is like killing your God with your hands. Hence, avoid this mistake. So, be save from killing of living beings on this festival of faith and confidence.



Comment(s) on this article


  1. Priya Ganeshan said on Jul 22, 2012 01:29 PM
    Hello Sir/Madam, Actually i wanted to know when we should fast on 23rd or 22nd of July for kids? My Mom is interested on keeping fast so please let me knw at earliest
  2. manjula said on Jul 23, 2012 04:08 PM
    thanks.
  3. amit said on Jul 24, 2012 09:39 AM
    I think the fast should be kept on tuesday that is 24 th.Pleop say nag panchami is on tuesday but the date is given as 23....its very confusing
  4. punita said on Aug 08, 2013 05:32 PM
    unmarried girls how to keep the fast and how to do pooja please advacie on that day what colour dress have to put on that day.
  5. yogesh agrawal said on Jul 25, 2014 11:42 AM
    i have kal sarp dos what should i have to do in naag panchmi day plz sugest me
  6. hrudananda sahoo said on Apr 13, 2015 06:22 AM
    i have padma kalsarpayoga in my kundali also my wife has seshanag kalsarpayoga after 5year we have no child . i had visited 5 jyotirlinga on last sravanmasa in maharastra suggest me for child
  7. Pradip podder said on Aug 07, 2015 04:32 AM
    I have ghatak/patak kaal sarpo yog. How can I remove from it.Tell me.

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