Section 1: Nag Panchami – Significance of the Festival, Mythological Basis, and Spiritual Benefits
1.1 Festival Introduction: Glory of Shravana Shukla Panchami
Nag Panchami is one of the important and ancient festivals of Hindu devotees, celebrated every year on the Panchami tithi of the bright fortnight of the month of Shravana according to the Hindu calendar. According to astrology, the lord of Panchami tithi is the serpent deity (Nag Devata), hence serpent worship is given special importance on this day. This is a nitya puja, meaning a compulsory ritual performed on a fixed tithi.
If, for any reason such as ritual impurity, childbirth, or other obstacles, the puja cannot be performed on Shravana Shukla Panchami, there is also a tradition of performing it later on the Panchami of Teej (Rishi Panchami) or on Shri Panchami. This festival is an excellent example of nature worship, delivering a message of coexistence and respect between humans and other living beings.
1.2 Mythological Stories and Beliefs: The ‘Why’ of the Puja
The worship of Nag Panchami is not based merely on superstition or fear, but rather on deep mythological, spiritual, and cultural foundations. These stories clarify the purpose and significance of the festival.
The Snake Sacrifice of Janamejaya and the Role of Sage Astika
The most prominent story associated with this festival is related to King Janamejaya’s sarpa-yajna (snake sacrifice). According to the Mahabharata, King Parikshit died due to the bite of a serpent named Takshaka. To avenge his father’s death, his son King Janamejaya organized a massive snake sacrifice with the intention of destroying the entire serpent race.
The effect of the yajna was such that serpents from all over the world began to fall into the sacrificial fire. Seeing this, Vasuki, the king of the serpents, sought refuge with his sister Jaratkaru (Manasa) and her husband’s son, Sage Astika. Young Astika, endowed with exceptional knowledge and brilliance, arrived at the site of the sacrifice and pleased King Janamejaya with his wisdom. When the king offered him a boon, Astika requested the yajna be stopped. Bound by his word, Janamejaya had to stop the ritual, thus saving the serpent race from extinction.
It is believed this event occurred on Shravana Shukla Panchami. Since that day, in memory of the protection granted by Astika Muni to the serpents, the tradition of worshipping serpents began. Hence, it is believed that remembering the name of Astika Muni during the puja removes the fear of snakes.
Enmity Between Garuda and the Nagas
Another mythological story tells of a wager between the two wives of Sage Kashyapa—Kadru and Vinata. Kadru gave birth to one thousand nagas (serpents), while Vinata gave birth to two sons, Aruna and Garuda. Through deceit, Kadru won the wager and made Vinata her slave.
To free his mother from slavery, Garuda brought the pot of nectar (amrita) from heaven as demanded by the serpents. However, before the serpents could drink it, Indra took it back. This incident established deep enmity between Garuda and the serpents. The puja of Nag Panchami offers an opportunity to pacify this enmity and gain the grace of the serpents.
In Nepal, this festival is especially celebrated in remembrance of the great battle between Garuda and the Nagas, and it is believed that the statue of Garuda at the Changunarayan Temple sweats on this day.
Lord Shiva and the Nagas
Serpents are considered an inseparable part of Lord Shiva. He adorns them as ornaments. The serpent Vasuki coils around his neck as a garland, hence he is also called ‘Nagendraharaya.’ Worshipping serpents on Nag Panchami is indirectly worshipping Lord Shiva, and it is believed that Lord Shiva is pleased when the Nagas are worshipped.
Lord Vishnu and Shesha Nag
In Vaishnava tradition as well, serpents hold a high position. Lord Vishnu rests in the ocean of milk upon Shesha Nag (Ananta), who has thousands of hoods. Shesha Nag supports the entire universe upon his head. Thus, serpents are symbols of balance and protection in creation.
1.3 Results and Benefits of the Puja
The scriptures mention that performing the Nag Panchami puja with proper rituals grants various worldly and spiritual benefits.
Removal of Fear:
The primary benefit of this puja is liberation from the fear of snakes (sarpa-bhaya). It is also believed that pasting a picture of a serpent on the main entrance of the house protects it from natural calamities such as lightning (vajra-bhaya) and fire (agni-bhaya).
Remedy for Kala Sarpa Dosha:
In astrology, Rahu and Ketu are considered the head and tail of a serpent. When all planets in a birth chart are positioned between Rahu and Ketu, it forms an inauspicious yoga called Kala Sarpa Dosha, which can bring various obstacles, struggles, and failures in life. Worshipping the serpent deity on Nag Panchami is strongly believed to reduce the negative effects of this dosha and bring relief in life.
Family Happiness and Prosperity:
Serpents are regarded as the lords of the underworld and protectors of the earth. Pleasing them is believed to bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to the household, prevent negative energies from entering, and invite the presence of Goddess Lakshmi.
Ecological Importance:
From a scientific perspective, serpents play an important role in nature. They control the population of creatures like rats, thus protecting crops and maintaining ecological balance. Some beliefs also hold that serpents absorb harmful toxins in the atmosphere, helping to purify the environment. Thus, the festival of Nag Panchami inspires respect for these creatures and the preservation of nature.
Section 2: Puja Preparation and Detailed Materials List
Performing the Nag Panchami puja successfully requires proper preparation and the collection of correct materials. This ensures the puja is carried out ritually and with devotion.
2.1 Preparation and Purification of the Puja Area
Before starting the puja, the place where it will be performed should be thoroughly cleaned. In particular, there is a tradition of purifying the walls around the main entrance of the house by smearing them with fresh cow dung. A clean wooden stool or platform should be placed for the puja. It is considered best to spread a clean red or yellow cloth over the platform. This prepares a sacred seat for the ritual.
2.2 Image/Idol of the Serpent Deity
Various types of idols or images of the serpent deity can be used for the puja. One may choose according to tradition and convenience:
Traditional Handcrafted Idol:
In some traditions, idols of the serpent, serpent goddess, and their young ones are made from wheat flour or cow dung. To make them appear lifelike, eyes are made from lentils, hoods from barley or sesame seeds, and tongues and tails from dubo or kuch grass. This method adds a natural and traditional touch to the puja.
Wall Painting:
There is also a custom of drawing the serpent on the wall or on both sides of the main entrance using charcoal, turmeric paste, or vermilion. This is easy to do and simple to remove after the puja.
Printed Paper Image:
Nowadays, the most common practice is to use printed pictures of serpents available in the market. Often, Brahmin priests bring these images to households. These pictures usually depict the Ashta Naga (eight major serpents) along with auspicious and protective symbols like the sun, moon, conch, discus, mace, lotus, fish, scorpion, and palm tree.
Metal or Stone Idol:
If the household already has a permanent idol of the serpent made of silver, copper, stone, or wood, it can also be used for the puja.
2.3 Detailed Puja Materials List
Before starting the puja, gathering all the materials in one place helps avoid interruptions during the ritual. The table below provides a detailed list of the required materials.
Table 1: Complete Materials Required for Nag Panchami Puja
Category | Name of Item |
|---|---|
Main Items | Picture or idol of the Serpent Deity (paper, clay, or metal), puja platform, red/yellow cloth |
For Abhishek (ritual bathing) | Raw milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar (for Panchamrit), pure water, Ganga water |
For Puja Offerings | Akshata (unbroken rice), vermilion (roli), kumkum, colored powder (abir), turmeric, sandalwood paste (white or Shrikhand), cotton (as cloth), sacred thread (janai), sacred thread for protection (mauli/raksha sutra) |
Flowers and Leaves | Various types of flowers (especially white and yellow), dubo grass, kusha grass, tulsi leaves, bel leaves |
Incense and Lamps | Incense sticks, agarbatti, camphor, oil lamp, cotton wicks (with oil or ghee) |
Naivedya / Food Offerings | Kheer (especially made from cow’s milk), sel roti, sewai (vermicelli), fruits (five types), sweets (laddoo), sprouted grains (mung beans, millet), puffed rice, betel nut, cardamom, sugar candy (mishri) |
Other Items | Water pot (kalash), coconut, monetary offering (dakshina), havan (fire ritual) materials (if performing havan), cow dung |
Section 3: Complete Ritual Procedure for Performing Nag Puja at Home
Nag Panchami puja yields complete results only when performed with devotion and correct method.
This section provides detailed guidance — from determining the direction for worship to a step-by-step puja process, along with the worship of the Ashta Nagas (Eight Serpent Deities).
3.1 Determining the Direction for Puja: Where and Which Way to Face?
Knowing the correct direction while performing puja is extremely important, as it helps channel the spiritual energy in the right way.
General Rule:
Generally, the worshipper should face east while performing puja. The picture or idol of Nag Devata should also be placed on the eastern wall.
According to Vastu Shastra, the puja area or the room for worship should ideally be in the northeast corner (Ishan Kon) of the house, as this is considered the center of divine energy.
Special Method as per Vastu and Astrology:
For those who wish to pacify Kala Sarpa Dosha or the malefic effects of Rahu-Ketu in their horoscope, there is a special method of worshiping according to the directions of the Ashta Nagas. This is a deep and effective remedy.
In this method, imagine a square area and worship the eight Nagas placed in eight directions:
Northeast (Ishan): Vasuki Naga
East: Takshaka Naga
Southeast (Agneya): Kaliya Naga
South: Manibhadra Naga
Southwest (Nairitya): Airavata Naga
West: Dhritarashtra Naga
Northwest (Vayavya): Karkotaka Naga
North: Dhananjaya Naga
For even greater results, the direction of worship can also be determined according to the house placement of Rahu in the person’s horoscope. This advanced method should be done under the guidance of an expert astrologer.
3.2 Step-by-Step Puja Procedure
The following step-by-step process will guide you to perform the Nag Panchami puja at home with devotion:
Self-Purification and Sankalpa (Vow):
Before starting the puja, take a bath and wear clean clothes.
Sit in the puja area, perform achaman (sipping water from the palm) three times to purify yourself internally.
Hold water, flowers, and akshata in your right hand, state your name and gotra, and take a vow to worship Nag Devata for the welfare of your family, removal of snake-related fears, and pacification of Kala Sarpa Dosha.
Ganesh Puja and Kalash Sthapana:
In Hindu tradition, every auspicious act begins with the worship of Lord Ganesha.
Invoke Lord Ganesha, offer flowers, akshata, and vermilion, praying for an obstacle-free puja.
Then, prepare a copper kalash (water pot) with water, betel nut, coin, flowers, and mango leaves, and install it, invoking Lord Varuna and other deities.
Invocation of Nag Devata:
With folded hands, meditate upon the serpent deities and invite them to accept the worship.
Chant mantras while requesting them to be present in the puja area.
Snan (Abhishek – Ritual Bathing):
Symbolically bathe the picture or idol of Nag Devata.
First, use pure water, then Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar), and finally rinse again with pure water.
Offering of Clothes:
After bathing, offer a small piece of cotton cloth or mauli (sacred thread) as clothing to Nag Devata.
Offering of Fragrance, Akshata, Flowers, Dubo Grass, and Bel Leaves:
Apply sandalwood paste, turmeric, vermilion, and kumkum on the deity.
Then offer akshata, various flowers, and especially dubo grass, which is considered highly dear to the Nagas.
Offering of Incense and Lamp:
Light incense sticks or agarbatti and offer their fragrance.
Light a ghee or oil lamp and rotate it before Nag Devata as aarti, symbolizing the offering of air and fire elements.
Naivedya (Food Offering):
Offer the prepared food items (such as kheer, fruits, sweets) to Nag Devata.
While offering, make a mandala with water and place the naivedya within it, praying for the deity to accept it.
Aarti:
Perform aarti using camphor or a ghee lamp.
Ring a bell and, if possible, sing aarti hymns during this ritual.
Mantra Recitation and Story Listening:
Recite special Nag mantras and stotras (given in Section 4).
Listening to or reading the Nag Panchami vrata katha is considered essential. While listening, hold flowers or akshata in your hand.
Pradakshina and Apology Prayer:
At the end, stand up and circumambulate (pradakshina) the puja place three times.
Fold your hands and apologize for any mistakes made knowingly or unknowingly during the ritual, and pray for the fulfillment of your wishes.
3.3 Worship of the Ashta Nagas
The worship of Nag Panchami is not dedicated to a single serpent but to the deities of the eight principal serpent clans, known as the Ashta Nagas.
While performing the puja, it is important to remember the names of all eight Nagas.
Table 2: Ashta Nagas — Names, Significance, and Mantra
S.No. | Name of Naga | Significance / Special Attribute | Simple Puja Mantra |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ananta (Shesha) | Serpent serving as Lord Vishnu’s couch, supporter of the universe. | Om Anantaya Namah |
2 | Vasuki | Serpent adorning Lord Shiva’s neck, acted as the churning rope during the Samudra Manthan. | Om Vasukaye Namah |
3 | Padma | Ruler of the netherworld (Patal Lok), father of Shankhapala. | Om Padmaya Namah |
4 | Mahapadma | Descendant of Sheshanaga, companion of Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu. | Om Mahapadmaya Namah |
5 | Takshaka | Resides in the Khandava forest, cause of King Parikshit’s death. | Om Takshakaya Namah |
6 | Kulir | Serpent of the Brahmin lineage, associated with Lord Brahma. | Om Kuliraya Namah |
7 | Karkata | Serpent who bit King Nala and transformed his appearance. | Om Karkataya Namah |
8 | Shankha | Extremely venomous yet wise serpent, mentioned in the Mahabharata. | Om Shankhaya Namah |
Worshiping these eight Nagas by name during the puja is believed to bring the blessings of the entire Naga lineage.
Section 4: Mantras, Prayers, and Story Recitation
Mantras are the life of any puja. Correct pronunciation adds power and effectiveness to the ritual. During Nag Panchami, certain special mantras and stotras are recited.
4.1 Major Naga Mantras and Stotras
Nav Naga Stotra:
This stotra, which contains the names of nine Nagas, is considered the most popular and powerful. Regular recitation is believed to remove fear of snakes and ensure victory everywhere.\text{अनन्तं वासुकिं शेषं पद्मनाभं च कम्बलम्।} \text{शंखपालं धार्तराष्ट्रं तक्षकं कालियं तथा॥} \text{एतानि नव नामानि नागानां च महात्मनाम्।} \text{सायंकाले पठेन्नित्यं प्रातःकाले विशेषतः॥} \text{तस्मै विषभयं नास्ति सर्वत्र विजयी भवेत्॥}
Shri Naga Stotram:
This stotra protects from lightning and fire. It mentions five Vajravarika sages and the names of the Ashta Nagas.\text{अगस्त्यश्च पुलस्त्यश्च वैशम्पायन एव च ।} \text{सुमन्तुजैमिनिश्चैव पञ्चैते वज्रवारकाः ॥१॥} \text{…} \text{अनन्तो वासुकिः पद्मो महापद्ममश्च तक्षकः ।} \text{कुलीरः कर्कटः शङ्खश्चाष्टौ नागाः प्रकीर्तिताः ॥३॥}
Astik Muni Mantra:
This powerful mantra recalls the promise made by Sage Astik to save snakes from King Janamejaya’s yajna.
“Sarpapasarpa Bhadram te gachcha Sarpa Mahavish. Janamejayasya Yajnante Astivachanam Smara॥”(Meaning: O mighty serpents, may you be blessed and leave safely. Remember the promise made by Sage Astik at the end of King Janamejaya’s yajna.)
Simple Mantras:
If reciting long stotras is difficult, these simpler mantras can be chanted:
Om Kurukulle Phat Swaha
Om Namo Nagarajaya Namah
Om Namah Shivaya
4.2 Nag Panchami Vrat Story
An essential part of the puja is listening to the Nag Panchami story. According to tradition, a farmer unknowingly killed snake eggs while plowing his field. Angered by this, the serpent queen bit the entire family except one daughter, who had observed the Nag Panchami fast and offered milk to the snake deity. Seeing her devotion, the serpent queen was pleased and revived the entire family. This story emphasizes the importance of faith, devotion, and forgiveness. While listening, flowers or akshata (rice grains) should be held, and after the story, offered to the Naga deity.
Section 5: Naivedya (Prasad), Post-Puja Activities, and Prohibited Actions
The conclusion of the puja involves offering prasad, placing pictures, and following certain rules.
5.1 Importance and Method of Prasad
Main Offerings:
Nagas particularly favor milk and milk-based preparations, especially kheer. Therefore, offering fresh milk and kheer made from cow’s milk is essential. Additionally, puffed rice, vermicelli (sevai), fruits, and other sweets are offered.
Disputed Items – Turmeric and Sugary Sweets:
There is some variation regarding prasad. Most traditions consider turmeric and sugary sweets auspicious. However, according to some Nepali customs, Nagas do not like sweet and turmeric offerings, so they are avoided. This difference arises from variations in classical and local traditions. In such cases, it is best to follow your family custom. If uncertain, offering sattvic items like milk, fruits, and lightly sweetened kheer is always safe and respectful.
5.2 Method of Hanging Naga Pictures
After the puja, the picture of the worshiped Naga should be placed above the main door of the house. This is considered the most important and visible act of Nag Panchami.
Steps:
Apply cow dung to the wall area before placing the picture.
Fix the picture on the wall using the cow dung paste.
Decorate the picture with grass (dubo), flowers, and akshata to honor it.
It is believed that a properly placed Naga picture protects the home from all fears, negative energies, and calamities throughout the year. If living in a multi-story or rented building, place it above the main door of your primary living space or apartment.
5.3 Vrat and Prohibited Activities
Vrat:
Many people observe a fast on this day, consuming only fruits during the day and eating after the evening puja. The fast purifies both body and mind and enhances the blessings of the puja.
Prohibited Actions:
Digging the Soil: Since Nagas reside underground or in Patala, digging, plowing, or any earthwork is strictly prohibited to avoid harming subterranean beings. This rule emphasizes non-violence and respect for all living creatures.
Cooking on an Iron Griddle: Some traditions consider cooking on an iron griddle inauspicious, as the griddle symbolizes a snake’s hood.
Feeding Milk to Live Snakes: Although in some places snakes brought by snake charmers are given milk, biologically, snakes cannot digest milk, and it may harm them. Therefore, offering milk to idols or pictures of snakes is considered the safest and most respectful practice.
Nag Panchami is a beautiful festival combining devotion, faith, and respect for nature. Performing the puja according to the above guidelines is believed to invoke the blessings of Naga deities, bringing happiness, prosperity, and protection in life.
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