The Legend behind Naga Panchami
The Legend behind Naga Panchami
Nag Panchami is a traditional worship of snakes celebrated on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the Lunar month of Shravana (July/August) according to the Hindu calendar. “Nag” means serpent and “Panchami” means the fifth day among the fifteen days of the moon’s waning. This festival falls during monsoon and is believed to counter the increased possibility of a snake bite during this time.
According to Hindu puranic literature, Kashyapa who was the manasputra or mind-born son of Lord Brahma married Kadru, daughter of Daksha who gave birth to thousand nagas. From ancient times, snakes have always enjoyed a prime place in Hindu religion, philosophy and iconography
As per Garuda Purana, offering prayers to snakes on this day, is auspicious and will usher good tidings in one’s life. Manasa Devi, the snake Goddess is specially offered prayers on this day. It is said that she manifested from the mind of Lord Shiva. Serpent deities made of silver, stone or wood or painting of snakes on the wall are given bath with water and milk and then worshipped with the reciting of certain mantras. A special feature is an offering of a lotus flower which is placed in a silver bowl. In front of this bowl, a rangoli of snake is made with sandalwood or turmeric paste as the paint. In the villages, pictures of snakes are painted on the walls of the houses and special mantras are written to ward off poisonous snakes. The prayers are also followed by feeding the needy.
This festival gives us a profound message. From time immemorial, people have strived to live in harmony with their environment. The essence of Sanathana Dharma is to give importance and respect to all the sentient beings.
D.H.Lawrence, in his famous poem “Snake”, brings out the manner in which humans react upon sighting a snake. The first instinct is to hit the snake or kill it as we believe that they are venomous and may pose a threat to our life. We don’t realise that they are just going about their business. Creatures who are living in their natural environment harmlessly, are today, facing too much of human interference as well as habitat destruction.
It is our duty to take measures to ensure that the habitat of every creature is protected so that their tribe increases.