Nag Panchami and other dimensions of the Snakes

Why is Nag Panchami celebrated?

Nag Panchami is the traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the Naga or serpent deities though now receded its significance with time. It is celebrated on the fifth day (which means Panchami in the Hindu calendar) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month of Shravan (Saavan) which falls between July and August of every year. As India is known as the ‘Land of Festivals’, it comes after two days of another festival i.e. ‘Hariyali Teej’. Naga Panchami is also known as Nagara Panchami in southern India and has deep roots in Hindu mythology, scriptures, and cultural practices.

The Symbolism of the Snake in Mythology

The festival is not just the worship of the sacred serpent but shares profound significance. Nag or snake is worshipped in India because it is a symbolism of ‘Kundalini’. The Naga connects the link between the people who sought mysticism and would like to explore the mysteries of existence. Not just only India, but the entire Southeast Asian region is highly activated in serpent culture.

Various legends based on Shesha Naag also known as Ananta, support Lord Vishnu as his bed, Vasuki holds a place on Lord Shiva’s neck, Kaliya Naag’s extermination, and others. Snakes and serpents like Cobra can sense the pulsation of the Earth before an earthquake by extending their sensory reach to 75 miles and up to five days before the strike. In other words, Nagas are the most synchronized with the Earth and its power.

Historical significance

The worship of snakes can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization, where the cult of snake worship was prevalent. The worship of the Naga is also mentioned in the Rigveda, the oldest of the Vedas, where the snake is considered a symbol of fertility and protection.
The Mahabharata also contains a detailed narrative about the Sarpasatra, a sacrificial ritual performed by King Janamejaya to destroy all snakes as revenge for his father Parikshit’s death due to a snake bite.

The 12 kinds of Naga in Hinduism

There are types of Nagas worshipped in India and mentioned in Hindu scriptures as divine:

Ananta (Sheshanag): ): Ananta, also known as Adi Shesha is a multi-headed serpent coiled as the bed of Lord Vishnu in the cosmic ocean. Ananta is shown with a massive thousand heads which symbolizes his vastness and eternal nature, representing vastness, eternity, and eternal nature. In Hindi “Shesha” means remainder, the same remainder we have in Indian mathematics. As per Sadguru, it is the remainder of the previous creation on which the next creation sprouts, and upon this Shesha Lord Vishnu rests when there is no creation to be maintained. And when that Adishesha uncoils then time moves forward. Naga Panchami represents this, penetrating beyond the physicality of life.
Vasuki: He is the king of Nagas coils three times around Lord Shiva’s neck representing the past, present, and future. This also means controlling our inner ego as in lust, anger, greed, and poisonous behavior otherwise after a time these flaws take charge of us. Vasuki is the one who was used as the churning rope in Samudra Manthan; the churning of the ocean between Gods and demons. People worship Vasuki when they worship Lord Shiva.
Takshaka: Takshaka is a powerful Naga who is known for being the one who bit and killed King Parikshit, the grandson of Arjuna. This event led to the Sarpa Satra (snake sacrifice) performed by King Janamejay. He is also considered a protector of treasures and sacred places.
Kaliya: As part of the Krishna Leela from the sacred texts, Kaliya Naag was the powerful, venomous serpent who lived in the Yamuna River and poisoned its water. One day, Lord Krishna jumped into the river and confronted him. He danced on the hood of Kaliya while playing his flute and instructed him to leave the river. This story represents the victory of good over evil and the power of divine intervention to overcome dangers.
Manasa Devi: She is the Manas Putri (Mind-born daughter) of Lord Shiva and sister of Vasuki. She is the Goddess of snakes particularly revered in Bengal, Assam, and other parts of eastern India. Manasa is worshipped for protection against snake bites, fertility, and prosperity, and also considered as a healer of snake bites.
Padma Naga: Padma Naga is one of the prominent Nagas mentioned in multiple texts. “Padma” means lotus, indicating his association with purity and divinity. He is often associated with prosperity and is sometimes depicted with a lotus in iconography.
Karkotaka: Karkotaka like other Nagas represents both nature’s creative and destructive aspects. He is a prominent figure who was mentioned in several Puranic texts. In one legend, he is also considered a sibling of Vasuki who also played a key role in Samudra Manthan. In the other story of Mahabharata Karkotaka bites Nala (the king of Nishadha) which was meant to help Nala escape from his enemies and eventually reclaim his throne. He is known for his ability to change his size at will which symbolizes transformation and adaptability.
Ashvatra: “Ashvatra” is derived from “Ashva,” meaning horse, and “Tra,” meaning protector or savior. He is one of the lesser-known Nagas in the Hindu mythology.
Shankhapala: Shankhapala is associated with guardianship, particularly of sacred places and treasures.
Dhritarashtra Naga: Dhritarashtra is a Naga mentioned in the Mahabharata, named after the blind king of Hastinapura. This Naga is one of the sons of Kadru and Kashyapa, who were the progenitors of many Nagas. He is associated with the lineage of Nagas and their role in the cosmic order.
Pingala: He is mentioned as the protector of treasure hidden in Kalinga.
Kambala: He is the chief of Nitala; one of the seven patalas (subterranean paradises).

Nakshatras associated with Nag

Nakshatras are stars or constellations that play a significant role in Astrology. Each 27 Nakshatras has its deities reflecting their symbolic and mythological importance. Ashlesha is the primary Nakshatra, mainly associated with Nagas and its symbol is the coiled serpent. The person born under Ashlesha Nakshatra is believed to possess a sharp intellect, a penetrating mind, and sometimes a mysterious or secretive nature in a negative manner. They may also have strong intuitive abilities and a tendency towards spiritual exploration or occult practices.

Overview of different dimensions of Nagas

Here’s an overview of the different dimensions of Nagas:

Mythological Dimension
- Nagas are considered divine serpent beings who share human-like qualities. They appeared in various epics like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas.
- Key Figures: Important Nagas include Vasuki (the king of Nagas), Shesha (the eternal serpent on whom Lord Vishnu rests and Manasa Devi.
- Guardians: Nagas are often depicted as guardians of sacred and secret places. In numerous incidents, snakes have been seen sitting on the Shiv lings in diverse places as if taking care of the place.
Cosmological Dimension
- Naga Loka: As per Hindu Cosmology, Naga Loka is the realm where Nagas are believed to reside in a subterranean realm called Naag Loka or Patal Loka, often described as a paradise filled with luxury and jewels.
- Balancing Forces: “Nagas are essential for keeping balance in the universe, representing both creation and destruction. Their involvement in the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) shows how important they are in maintaining cosmic harmony.”
Symbolic Dimension
- Kundalini Energy: In esoteric traditions particularly in Kundalini Yoga, the coiled serpent symbolizes the latent spiritual energy at the base of the spine. To move forward in the spiritual journey, the awakening of this Kundalini Shakti (energy) is a necessity.
- Cycle of Life and Death: Nagas shed their skin after a period which is a portrayal of renewal and transformation if compared to the cycle of life, death and rebirth.
- Fertility and prosperity: : Nagas are associated with fertility and prosperity also believed to control the rains which directly affects the fertility of the land. In some agrarian societies, Nagas are worshipped to ensure timely rains and bountiful harvests, as a protector.
- For protection and Blessings, spiritual awakening, and as a connector to nature and balance.
Cultural Dimensions
- Art and Architecture: : The images of nagas can be seen in our ancient temple architecture and iconography. Their illustrations are depicted on stone carvings, temple entrances, and pillars often serving as protective figures. Besides India, one can see symbols worldwide showing how snakes help the different tribes in their mystical journey. These symbols are from Russia, Africa, China, Egypt, and Greece preserving their ancient history.
- Festivals: Not just Nag Panchami in India and Nepal other festivals are celebrated to worship the serpent deities. Like Manasa Pooja in India and Bangladesh, Boun Suang Huea in Laos and Thailand, Phaya Naga Festival in Thailand, Naga Mandala in Karnataka.
- Regional Variations: Different regions of India have unique beliefs and traditions surrounding Nagas. For example, in Southern India, the worship of serpent stones called Naga Kals is common while in Northeast India, Nagas are deeply intertwined with local tribal cultures.
Ecological Dimensions
- Protectors of Nature: Nagas are often seen as the protectors of nature and are associated with the fertility of the land and have a deep connection with water bodies which is vital for agriculture and life. Water is essential for the growth of crops and the sustainability of all living forms. These serpentine beings reside in water forms or on land (forests, deserts, grasslands, swamps). That’s why our ancestors always paid their traditional respect and devotion to Nagas for ecological balance and the interdependence of life forms.
Inter-faith and cross-cultural dimensions
- Buddhism and Jainism: The history and role of Nagas in Jainism are intertwined in connection with Parshavnath, Dharanendra and Padmavati. Parshvanatha’s beliefs and teachings emphasize non-violence and advocate the principle of protecting even the smallest creatures including serpents. In Buddhism, the Naga Mucalinda is said to have protected the Buddha from a storm.
- Southeast Asian Traditions: : The concept of Nagas extends beyond India to Southeast Asian cultures, where they are revered in countries like Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos, often associated with water and fertility.

Rituals and Practices of Nag Panchami

As per the belief, devotees observe fast on the day of Nag Panchami to bring protection and prosperity. On this day, Nagas or serpent deities are worshipped with milk, sweets, rice, flowers, incense, and lamps. The festival is celebrated at various places in India like in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and across the country in Nepal. They give milk baths to the Naga idols made of silver, stone, and wood and recite the Nag Panchami Mantras. prayers are chanted to invoke the blessings of the Naga deities. Even in some places, live snakes like cobras are worshipped with the assistance of snake charmers.

In India, some courageous people hold the most venomous snakes in their hand and walk casually.

Nag Panchami is a time to seek the blessings of the serpent gods, honor the snake’s role, and acknowledge the deep spiritual symbolism we hold in our culture.

Indian culture has always valued all forms of life, here people never kill any snake. In case this happens, they give the snake a proper funeral same as it should be done for any human being because a snake and cow are too close to the human soul.