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Naga Panchami 2020

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July 24, 2020, Friday

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Introduction to Naga Panchami

The 5th day of the waxing Moon phase (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Sawan or Shravan (mid-July to mid–August) is celebrated as Naga Panchami. ‘Naga’ means ‘Cobra’ or ‘Serpent.’ ‘Panchami’ means fifth lunar day. It is an auspicious day for devotees to worship snakes or serpents and Naga Devatas (snake Gods) for receiving various blessings in life. This day is also known as Garuda (eagle) Panchami. Naga Chaturthi (4th lunar day) is followed byNaga Panchami, the next day of Chaturthi. Naga Panchami is an ancient observance which dates back even before the Vedic culture came into existence.

Significance of Naga Panchami

Naga Panchami or Garuda Panchami is a very important festival, which is celebrated throughout India, more prominently in southern parts of India. Women undertake fasting and wholeheartedly pray for the well-being of their siblings. This ritual can help reduce the intensity of the affliction or congested energies from the snakes and the snake planets, Rahu and Ketu.

Snakes have assumed different forms in Indian mythology and act as the symbols of many deities. Lord Vishnu is often depicted in the posture of Ananta Sayana (reclining on the serpent, Ananta Sesha, king of snakes), with Ananta Sesha serving as his bed. Lord Shiva wears a serpent around his neck and Lord Muruga is also worshipped in the form of a snake.

In the Treta Yuga (second epoch), Lord Rama’s (7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu) younger brother Lakshmana was none other than Adisesha. In the Dwapara Yuga (third epoch), Adisesha took the form of Lord Balarama, Lord Krishna’s (8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu), elder brother.

Mythology behind Naga Panchami

Naga Panchami

There are different mythologies behind Naga Panchami. According to Mahabharata, a large venomous snake named Kaliya was residing in the river Yamuna. It was tormenting the villagers along the riverbanks. Since the snake was too big and powerful, villagers were too afraid to venture into the river. One day, when the young Lord Krishna and his friends were playing with a ball near the river, the ball fell inside the river, and Krishna jumped to retrieve it. While he dived inside, he was attacked by Kaliya. In a fitting reply, Krishna caught the snake and began to fight. Kaliya soon realized the immense power of Krishna and recognized him as an avatar of Lord Vishnu. It bowed down to him, promising not to harass the villagers in the future. The victory of Lord Krishna over the massive snake is celebrated as Naga Panchami.

There is another story behind the observance of this Naga Panchami, which depicts the love and bonding between brothers and sisters.

Once, in a village, there were 7 brothers who had a younger sister. They had lost their parents at a very young age. Hence, these 7 brothers took good care of their sister. For their livelihood, the brothers used to work in the farmlands and cut trees in the forest areas. The sister used to cook food for her brothers every day and go to the farm to feed them.

One day, not knowing that it was Naga Panchami, as usual, she cooked food and took it to her brothers. As it was Garuda Panchami, there was a fight between Garuda and a serpent. Garuda had caught the snake in his beaks, and the serpent was emitting poison. This poison fell in the cooked food unbeknownst to the sister. When she went and fed her brothers, all of them died due to consumption of poisoned food. She screamed not knowing what had happened and she attempted to eat the same food and die.

Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, took the form of an old couple, descended to earth and went to her. They stopped her from dying and explained what had happened. They helped her to observe the Naga Panchami rituals. After the Poojas, they asked her to take some sacred mud from the bottom of the snake pit and the Akshada (raw rice mixed with turmeric) and keep it in the tip of the right ear. She followed the instructions, and to her surprise, all her brothers got back their lives. When the brothers asked what had happened and how did they go to sleep, the sister explained the whole situation and the importance of the day.

Rituals of Naga Panchami

Naga deities and Naga Devatas (snake gods) are worshipped throughout the country. On this day, people go to the place where there are snake pits, offer cow’s milk and pray to the serpents there. Some people go to the temples where the snake idols are installed. They do Abishekam (hydration Pooja) with water and, milk, apply turmeric powder and dots of kumkum (red vermilion powder). Then, they offer prasad, light incense and show aarti (light offering). Finally, they tie a sacred yellow thread on their hands, with 7 knots in it representing the 7 brothers.

Some perform this ritual at their house to an idol of snake made of silver. They perform Abishekam (hydration Pooja) to the idol and follow all the usual procedures. Special Prasad will be made and offered to the deity. It is believed that offering food to a Brahmin on this day is very auspicious. On the day of Naga Chaturthi / Panchami, digging of soil, plowing of the field and cutting of trees need to be avoided.

Benefits of Observing Naga Panchami
  • Worshipping snake Gods on Naga Panchami can pacify the ill effects of Kala Sarpa Dosha (7 planets encircled by Rahu and Ketu) in your birth chart
  • Blessing of progeny
  • Revering Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu can bestow strong and healthier children
  • Appeasing the snake gods can protect you from snakebites
Connect With The Divine

The sacred scriptures prescribe fire ceremony, Abishekam (hydration ceremony), Pooja/Archana (Light and Sound ceremony), Yantra and Mantra (special sounds) as the ways to offer your prayer to the divine. Out of these, fire ceremony is the most evolved spiritual technology on earth to connect with the divine beings. Participate in the remedial services to clear your karma and receive the blessings.

Rahu Homa (Fire Lab)

Rahu is a Nodal planet. It does not own any sign in the natural zodiac.

Ketu Homa (Fire Lab)

Ketu is a Nodal planet. It does not own any sign in the natural zodiac.

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