Nag Panchami is a Hindu festival in India, Nepal, and other Hindu-majority nations in which Nagas or snakes are traditionally worshipped. Shravana is the Hindu month dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Nag Panchami is the most important festival held in the month of Shravana. Nag Panchami is a celebration that commemorates Lord Shiva as well as the naga devata.
It is said that celebrating Naga Panchami cleanses one of all sins and grants Lord Shiva's blessings.
Nag Panchami Meaning
The terms 'Nag' and 'Panchami' denote
'Serpent' or 'Snakes,' respectively. The fifth day of the Shukla Paksha in the
lunar Hindu month of Shravana is always dedicated to serpent worship. As a
result, the event is known as Naga Panchami.
Naga Panchami is observed every year on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha in the holy month of Shravana, according to the Hindu calendar.
The Panchami Tithi begins on Thursday, August 12th,
at 3:28 p.m. and concludes on Friday, August 13th, at 1:44 p.m. in
2021. This year, however, the festival will only be held on August 13th. The
Naga Devata is the resident lord of the Panchami Tithi in Vedic astrology. That
is why, especially on this day, the holy text instructs all believers to adore
him (Naga Devata).
Naga Panchami is also mentioned in several
mythological kinds of literature. According to legend, anyone who worships Naga
Dev on this day would be free of all forms of bad luck brought on by the
malefic planets Rahu and Ketu. According to believers, people suffering from
the Kaala Sarpa Dosha would likewise be rid of its terrible consequences. On
this day, Vedic astrology recommends doing Kaala Sarpa Yoga rituals to get rid
of snake phobia and the risk of being bitten by snakes.
Tithi begins - August 12th at 3:28 p.m
Concludes - August 13th at 1:44 p.m
Importance of Nag Panchami
On this day, devotees fast and visit
anthills and trees where snakes can be found to worship them. The most
essential aspect of this event is that women give snakes milk in exchange for
blessings and protection against evil. On Naga Panchami, it is believed that
anything offered to snakes will reach the serpent Gods. As a result, on this
day, devotees worship live snakes as representatives of serpent Gods.
Worship
Nagas, cobras, and snakes are worshipped
with milk, sweets, flowers, candles, and even sacrifices on Naga Panchami. Naga
or serpent deities made of silver, stone, wood, or paintings on the wall are
bathed in water and milk before being worshipped by saying the mantras.
On this day, Brahmins are fed and
fasting is observed. The piety practised on this day is thought to be a
guaranteed defense against snake bite fear. Real snakes are venerated and fairs
are held in various locales. On this day, digging in the ground is forbidden
because it may kill or hurt snakes that live there.
Milk is served with crystallized sugar and rice pudding in several parts of the country. A unique element is the presentation of a lotus blossom in a silver bowl. A rangoli (colored design pattern) of a snake is produced on the floor in front of this bowl with a brush made of wood, clay, silver, or gold with sandalwood or turmeric paste as the paint. The design pattern will be similar to that of a five-headed snake.
On this day, snakes are painted on the doorways and walls outside the house, as well as fortunate mantras (spells) written on them.
Poisonous snakes are thought to be deterred by such
depictions. Naga Panchami, also known as Bhratru Panchami, is a festival in
which women with brothers worship snakes and their holes, and make prayers to
the nagas, hoping that their brothers will be protected and not suffer or die
as a result of snake bites. In some parts of the country, Naga Panchami is also
known as Vishari Puja or Bishari Puja, with Bisha or Visha meaning
"poison."