RAMESH SAVAIKAR
Nagpanchami, the traditional workshop of serpent gods by Hindus, is celebrated on the fifth day of bright fortnight (Shuddh panchami tithi) of Hindu Shravan month. This year, it falls on July 29.
On this day, people worship live snakes or clay idol snakes or ant hill snakes as these are revered as representatives of serpent gods.
Although there are several serpent gods, the nine serpent gods worshiped on Nagpanchami festival include Ananta, Vasuki, Shesha, Padmnabha, Kambala, Shankhapala, Dhritirashtra, Takshaka, and Kaliya. It is believed that chanting the names of these nine Nagdevtas daily will protect one from all evil and help one be successful in life. Observing fast on Nagpanchami also gets rid of ‘gruhadosha’ and ‘sarpadosha’. Spiritual problems get sorted and sorrows go away.
In Hindu mythology, snakes are considered as powerful symbols of creation, destruction, cosmic balance, and fertility. The festival highlights the connection of snakes with Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
In the Mahabharta, Narad Purana, and Skund Purana, the origin of festival is associated with the story of King Janamejaya from the Kuru Dynasty.
It is said that Nagraj once bit the King Parikshita, the son of Arjuna, leading to his demise. To avenge his death, his son Janamejaya organised a ritual Sarpa yaga to eliminate all snakes in the world. On request of Nagraj, Goddess Mansa, the queen of snakes, sent her son Astika to request Janamejaya to stop the yagas. Janamejaya agreed. Hence in memory of this, nagas are worshiped on this day.
In Goa, Nagpanchami is celebrated with much devotion. Men bring home clay idols of naga on this day and devotees worship these idols or their images, by offering them milk, puffed rice and patoleo as naivaidya. These are later consumed by the family members. Women observe fast. Visarjan of the naga idols is done on the same day before sunset.
Snakes are revered as protectors of crops and are believed to ward off rodents. Thus, the prayers offered to the Nagadevatas also honour the close connection between humans and nature.