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Nagula Chavithi and Naga Chaturthi, Festivals for Snake Gods
August 9, 2018
Nagula Chavithi and Naga Chaturthi, these are the auspicious days to celebrate and honor the snake gods. Nagula Chavithi falls on the fourth day in the Lunar month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) after Deepavali Amavasya (New Moon day) and mainly celebrated in Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Karnataka.
Naga Chaturthi is celebrated on the 4th day of Waxing Moon phase (Sukla Paksha) in the Lunar month of Shravan (July- August). Naga Chaturthi is celebrated mostly in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka – Southern part of India.
The married women observe these rituals for the well being and long life of their husband and children. It is believed that these rituals can even remove the afflictions caused by snakes and the snake curse which are inherited from the ancestors.
The Story and Significance of Nagula Chavithi & Naga Chaturthi
Most of the traditional scriptures describe so many incidents that show a close relationship between the Hindu Gods and snakes. Lord Shiva is also known as ‘Naga Bhushan’ as he always wraps the snake around his neck, whereas Lord Vishnu has used the serpent as his bed and named as ‘Sesha Thalpa Sai.’ Since, Lord Ganesha has tied the snake on his tummy and referred as ‘Naga Yajnopaveetha,’ Lord Kumara Swamy as ‘Naga Swarupa.’ Ever there were many other gods been associated with snakes.
As per mythology, during the churning of the deep ocean in search of Ambrosia (drink for immortality), the gods and demons used the serpent as a rope. But when the “Halahal” poison emitted, Lord Shiva swallowed that to save the world, and as a result, his throat turned blue and was named ‘Neelakantha.’ However, a few drops of Halahal spilled on the earth, and to protect themselves from the evil effects of the poison people started the ritual of snake pooja.
Generally, snake plays a very important role in the Hindu culture. They help the mankind in many aspects. In rural areas, during the winter season, snakes emerge from their pits and survive in the agricultural land, consume the rats that destroy the crops. They also kill the harmful micro-organisms in the fresh water.
Nagula Chavithi and Naga Chaturthi are the special days to express gratitude towards snakes. Even they play a very special role in astrology; they are well-known as Rahu and Ketu. The placements of these planets decide all the aspects of the life of an individual. The practice of worshiping the snake god can reduce the malefic effects of Rahu and Ketu.
Procedure to Perform the Rituals
Rituals on Snake Idol – The married women performs hydration ceremony (Abishekam) on the idols of snake installed nearby the snake pit by pouring water and milk, apply turmeric powder to the idols and keep vermilion on it, lit the lamp, offer flowers, incense sticks, and naivedhyam (sweet offerings), then worship the snake god
Rituals on Snake Pit (snake burrow) – The married women sprinkle the turmeric powder, vermilion, rice flour, flowers on the pit, pour the milk in the vessels kept nearby the snake pit. Then lit the lamp, offer coconut, betel leaf, incense sticks, crackers, naivedhyam (sweets offerings), and worship the snake god
Mantras
The regular chanting of this mantra can free the one from the fear of serpents and Sarpa Dosha:
“Sarpapasarpa bhadranthe dooram gachcha mahavisha
Janamejaya yaganthe asthika vachanam smara
Ananthaya namasthubhyam sahasra shirasthe namaha
Namosthu padmanabhaya nagaanaam pathaye namaha
Anantho vasukim sheshah takshakah kaliyasthadah”
“Anantam Vasukim Shesham
Padmanabham cha Kambalam
Shankhapalam Dhartarashtram
Taxakam Kaliyam Tatha”
Blessing of Nagula Chavithi & Naga Chaturthi
As per mythology, worshiping the snakes on Nagula Chavithi & Naga Chaturthi can bless you to:
