Menu:
NAG PANCHAMI: WORSHIPPING DIFFERENT SNAKE DEITIES
Date of Nag Panchami Celebration:July2007
Place of Merriment: Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal, Kerela
Can you believe the dreaded reptile 'Snake' is worshipped piously celebrated in India? Well, it sounds ridiculous, isn't? It's true that snakes are worshipped all across the country with different customs and traditions. The festival is called 'Nag Panchami' which is the most popular Hindu festivals. It falls on the fifth day of the moonlit fortnight during the holy month of Shravan (July August). On this day, it is believed that serpents invariably come out of their holes to seek shelter in gardens. And it's a great festive time for snake charmers.
Nag Panchami Legends
Since the Indus Valley Civilization, NAGAS were largely widespread in number. They used to worship snakes, much before the arrival of the Aryans. After the Naga culture was incorporated in Hinduism, the Indo-Aryans accepted the snake deities of the Nagas. According to historians, it is believed that cobra snake deities mentioned in the Puranas, were not actually snakes, but Naga Kings of various regions with immense power.
The thousand-headed 'Shesh Nag' symbolize--Eternity. It is the couch of Lord Vishnu, who reclines between the time of the dissolution of one Universe and creation of another. In Jainism and Buddhism, the snake is hailed as sacred with divine qualities. In Medieval India, figures of snakes were drawn on the walls of Hindu Temples. In Ajanta and Ellora caves, Ajanta images of the rituals of snake worship are found.
The most popular legend is about Lord Krishna. While he was throwing the ball with his cowherd friends, the legend goes to tell how the ball fell into Yamuna river, how Krishna vanquished Kalia Serpent and saved the people from drinking the poisonous water by forcing Kalia to go away. It is an age-old religious belief that serpents are loved and blessed by Lord Shiva. He wears them as ornamentation around his neck.
How is Nag Panchami Celebrated?
Generally, devotees on this day worship live size cobras to seek their good will. To protect one self from snakebites, the snakes are bathed with milk. Haldi-kumkum (turmeric-vermicelli powder' is sprinkled on their heads. Finally, milk and rice are offered as "naivedya".
West Bengal/Assam and Orissa
The Bengalis and Assamese seek the blessings of Goddess Mansa-the queen of serpents. He prays for the protection from the harmful influence of snakes. On this day, snake charmers are invited to play melodious tunes for the Snake Queen.
Punjab
It is also as 'Guga Navami'. On this, a huge snake is kneaded and molded from flour and butter. The dough-snake is then placed on a winnowing basket. This is carried with colourful processions around the neighborhood, where women and children rejoice and shower flowers. Thereafter, after invoking blessings, the dough snake is then buried.
Maharastra
Nag Panchami is very popular among Maharashtrian women. On this day, they wear the best of nine-yard sari with ethnic ornaments to worship 'Nag Devata'. Snake charmers, move from one locality to another carrying snakes in their woven baskets, charming them like pets. While playing melodiously with their flutes uttering cries of 'Nagoba-la dudh de Mayi'" (Give milk to the Cobra Oh Mother!) On hearing the cries, women come out of their houses. The snake charmers release them from their baskets. Women sprinkle haldi-kumkum and flowers on the heads of the snakes. They offer sweetened milk to the snakes and pray. Cash and old clothes are also given to the snake charmers.
KERELA
On this day, snake temples are highly crowded. People worship stone or metal icons of the cosmic serpent Ananta or Sesha. They pray for the prosperity and happiness of the entire family.