Nag Panchami, a traditional Hindu festival of great significance within the Hindu community, is observed annually on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha in the lunar month of Shrawan.
The occasion falls two days after Hariyali Teej. During this auspicious occasion, people all over India engage in the worship of snakes. The association of snakes with Lord Shiva establishes a spiritual connection, leading devotees to seek blessings from the deity for prosperity, well-being, and safeguarding.
In Hindu mythology, serpents hold a divine status. This year, Nag Panchami is celebrated on August 21. To ensure proper observance, adherents should follow certain guidelines and recommendations while venerating Nag Devata.
Nag Panchami 2023: Shubh Muhurat
According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious timing for the Nag Panchami pooja is scheduled to commence at 5:53 am and conclude at 8:30 am. The pooja tithi for Nag Panchami is set to initiate at 12:21 am on August 21 and culminate at 2:00 am on August 22.
Notably, in Gujarat, Nag Panchami will be observed on Monday, September 4, which is 15 days after the usual celebration date, as per the calendar from Drik Panchang.
Nag Panchami 2023: History and Significance
Nag Panchami, an integral aspect of Hindu customs, holds profound significance as a day devoted to revering snakes. These creatures, esteemed for their potency, are revered as divine entities, especially by adherents of the Naga tribe. The belief asserts that worship offered to serpents is received by these revered serpent deities.
In alignment with the Drik Panchang calendar, Nag Panchami encompasses the adoration of twelve distinct snakes: Anant, Shesha, Vasuki, Padma, Kambal, Karkotak, Ashvatar, Dritrashtra, Shankhpal, Kaliya, Takshak, and Pingal. This observance is also perceived to alleviate apprehensions linked to serpents and the Kaal Sarpa Dosh, a malevolent astrological condition.
Numerous narratives are intertwined with Nag Panchami. One narrative recounts the incidealso alleviatesnt where Lord Krishna, during playful ventures near the Yamuna River, ventured into its depths to retrieve a ball. However, he was confronted by Kaliya Nag, who attacked him. In a display of supreme power, Lord Krishna subdued Kaliya Nag. Recognizing Krishna's divine nature, Kaliya Nag entreated sympathy. Showing mercy, Krishna spared Kaliya Nag's life and extracted a pledge from him to safeguard the inhabitants of Gokul. Nag Panchami thus commemorates Lord Krishna's triumph over Kaliya Nag.
Nag Panchami 2023: Do's and Don'ts
During Nag Panchami, there are certain customs and practices that people follow:
Do's-
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Snake Worship- People offer prayers and worship to images or idols of snakes, especially cobras. This is done to seek protection from snake bites and to invoke blessings from the serpent deities.
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Offerings- Devotees offer milk, flowers, fruits, and other offerings to the snake idols. They also light incense and lamps as a form of reverence.
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Fasting- Some people observe fasting on Nag Panchami. They abstain from consuming food until the worship rituals are completed.
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Visiting Temples- Many people visit temples dedicated to serpent deities or where snake idols are worshipped on this day.
Don'ts-
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Killing Snakes- Killing or harming snakes is considered inauspicious and disrespectful during this festival. Snakes are seen as sacred creatures and are to be treated with reverence.
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Entering Snake Burrows- People are advised not to enter snake burrows or disturb snake habitats during this time to avoid any confrontations.
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Stepping on Ant Hills- Ant hills are sometimes considered to be the dwelling places of snakes. Stepping on them is avoided to prevent disturbing any snakes that might be residing there.
Nag Panchami is a festival that celebrates the significance of snakes in Hindu mythology and seeks protection from their potentially harmful effects. It's a time for reverence, worship, and connecting with ancient legends. As with any festival, it's important to approach the customs and practices with respect and understanding.
