Nag Panchami 2020: The festival dedicated to the snake God is called Nag Panchami and is celebrated on the fifth date (Panchami Tithi) of the bright half of the Shravan month, also called waxing phase of moon in the holy month of Shravan which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Nag Panchami celebration date
The Nag Panchami also finds its mention in the Garuda Purana and Skanda Purana, is considered among the most important days in the holy month of Sawan/Savan/Shravan. The day is celebrated on the fifth day called Panchami Tithi, in the Shukla Paksha of the month dedicated to Lord Shiva.
However, if Panchami and Chaturthi prevails for less than 3 Muhurats then Vrat is observed on Chaturthi only. Also, If Chaturthi prevails for over 3 Muhurats and Panchami begins after 2 Muharats of next day then the next day is observes as Nag Panchami.
Nag Panchami is going to be celebrated today i.e. on July 25, this year. Hence, today we have brought to you the timings, Vidhi, Vrat Katha so as to celebrate the day at home in the current days of COVID-19 pandemic.
Nag Panchami Vrat Katha
There are several versions of the Nag Panchami’s Vrat Katha, we have brought one for you.
Once upon a time, there was a Brahmin who had seven sons and daughters-in-law with six of them having brothers, who they used to visit during Shravan. However, the one who did not have a brother would get upset after looking this.
One day, she worshipped Shesh Nag and expressed her sorrow in front of him. Listening to her sorrow, Shesh Nag visited her house in the disguise of a Brahmin man and asked her to consider him as her brother. He then took her to his home in Patala Loka.
After a while, Shesh Nag revealed his truth to the woman and asked her to sit on his hood. She was overwhelmed while feeling honoured to be the sister of Shesh Nag himself and prayed to him.
Time passed and after a few days, Shesh Nag asked the woman to be cautious while walking in the dark as baby snakes could get injured after coming under her feet. She obliged and was careful too, however, she accidentally stepped on a baby snake’s tail one day and ended up hurting him. Subsequently, she had to leave for her marital home.
Next year, the woman prepared an idol of Shesh Nag and kept it outside her home and performed puja during Shravan. Meanwhile, the baby snake that had got injured wondered why his tail appeared to be cut. The mother snake revealed that his aunt had unknowingly stamped on his tail, and hence it got cut.
After hearing this, the baby snake got furious and wanted to avenge his aunt, however, as soon as he reached there, he saw her worshipping his father and this changed his heart.
He blessed his aunt by saying that anyone who doesn’t have a brother can worship snakes on the day of Nag Panchami and those who will do so, would not have an untimely death, and would get rid of Kaal Sarp Yog.
Nag Panchami Fast & Puja Vidhi:
On the eve of Nag Panchami, 8 snakes are considered as the deities of this festival and are worshiped on this day. Their names are Anant, Vasuki, Padma, Mahapadma, Takshak, Kuleer, Karkata, and Shankha.
Take one meal on Chaturthi and keep a fast on the next day i.e. Panchami. Dinner can be taken on Panchami after closing the fast.
Nag Panchami Puja Vidhi
- Place the image or earthen idol of snake on the wooden stool.
- Then place an oil lamp next to the idol, preferably to the right.
- Offer turmeric, vermillion, rice, and flowers (haldi chandan, kumkum, akshat and flowers) on Nag Devta.
- After that, present the mixture of raw milk, Ghee, sugar to the Nag Devta posited over stool.
- The worshipper must listen to the Nag Panchami Katha.
- Once the Puja Procedure is over, perform the Aarti of Snake God.
- You may also give donations to a snake charmer and offer that milk mix to a snake.
Significance of Nag Panchami
It is believed that those who worships snakes on Nag Panchami, gets rid of the fear from serpents. Also, by feeding and bathing snakes with milk and worshiping them, the devotees receives unending divine blessings.
Hope the article will help you to make the festival of Nagara Panchami and its celebration more fruitful. We wish all our readers a very Happy Nag Panchami!
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