Nag Panchami is a sacred festival honoring Nagdev, the protector of the region, also revered as Kshetrapal in some areas.
Celebrating Nag Panchami: A Tribute to the Serpent Deity
On this day, devotees worship Nagdev with a milk bath, fragrant flowers, and sandalwood, seeking his blessings for protection and removal of Sarp Dosh from their horoscopes.
Significance and Types of Kaal Sarp Dosh
Nag Panchami is believed to be the most auspicious day for mitigating the effects of Kaal Sarp Dosh, which has 12 main types: Anant, Kulik, Vasuki, Shankhpal, Padma, Mahapadma, Takshak, Karkotaka, Shankhnaad, Ghatak, Vishik, and Sheshnag.
Festival Celebrations and Legends
Nag Panchami is celebrated with great fervor, usually two days after Hariyali Teej. A grand fair is organized at Nag Kuan in Varanasi, featuring wrestling matches and festivities. The legend behind Nag Panchami commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over Kalia Nag, and it's believed that pleasing the snake deity also pleases Lord Shiva, leading to fulfillment of wishes.
Puja Vidhi: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and worship Lord Shiva and the snake deity.
2. Place a picture or clay idol of the snake deity on a red cloth and offer turmeric, roli, rice, raw milk, and flowers.
3. Mix raw milk, ghee, and sugar and offer it to the snake deity.
4. Offer milk and water to the idol from a copper pot, and if possible, worship a pair of silver snakes to please both the snake deity and Lord Shiva.
Importance of Nag Panchami Puja
Worshiping snakes on Nag Panchami is believed to destroy life's troubles and achieve desired results. Seeing a snake on this day is considered highly auspicious.
