Nag Panchami: Festival of Serpent Worship
Nag Panchami is a major Hindu festival celebrating the divine serpents (Nagas). Observed on the 5th day of the bright fortnight in Shravan (July-August), devotees worship serpent images with milk, flowers, and prayers, seeking protection and divine blessings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is Nag Panchami celebrated?
Nag Panchami is observed on Shravan Shukla Panchami, the 5th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Shravan (July-August). The date changes each year.
What are the eight divine serpents (Ashta Nagas)?
The Ashta Nagas are: Ananta, Vasuki, Shesha, Padma, Kambala, Karkotaka, Ashvatara, and Dhritarashtra. Among them, Vasuki (around Shiva's neck) and Shesha/Ananta (Vishnu's cosmic bed) are most widely worshipped.
What is offered to serpents on Nag Panchami?
Traditional offerings on Nag Panchami include: milk, flowers, durva grass, uncooked rice, turmeric, and sweets. These are offered to serpent idols or images, not to live snakes (which is not recommended).
What should not be done on Nag Panchami?
Avoid: killing or harming any snake, digging the earth (disturbs serpent homes), cutting trees or grass, frying food (in some traditions), and unnecessary use of needles or knives.
Are there famous Nag Panchami temples?
Famous Nag temples: Kukke Subramanya (Karnataka), Mannarasala (Kerala), Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Gujarat), Battis Shirala (Maharashtra, live cobra worship), and thousands of local Nag temples across India.
What is the Ashta Naga meaning?
Ashta means eight. The Ashta Nagas represent the eight divine serpents who are believed to support the cosmic order: holding up the earth, controlling rainfall, governing underground waters, and serving as vehicles for major deities. Their worship ensures protection from snake bites, floods, and diseases associated with reptiles.
What is Battis Shirala famous for?
Battis Shirala in Maharashtra's Sangli district is famous for its unique Nag Panchami celebration where live cobras are worshipped. Local snake charmers bring real cobras, and devotees offer milk and flowers directly to them. The cobras are believed to be tame during this sacred day. The event is regulated by wildlife authorities but remains a unique cultural tradition.
Does Nag Panchami have regional name variations?
Yes: In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh it is called Nagarala Panchami or Garuda Panchami (as Garuda/eagle enemies of serpents are also worshipped). In Kerala, the Naga Devata is especially revered with elaborate kalam (floor drawing) ceremonies at Mannarasala and Nag temples. In Bengal, Manasha Puja (the serpent goddess Manasha) falls around a similar time.
What prayers are offered specifically to Vasuki on Nag Panchami?
Vasuki Nag, the serpent around Lord Shiva's neck, receives special worship on Nag Panchami in Shaivite traditions. Prayers to Vasuki invoke: protection from serpent bites, good health, liberation from fear, and Shiva's blessings. In Shiva temples on Nag Panchami, the Shivalingam is bathed with milk and snake-shaped decorations of bilva leaves are made.