Nag Panchami 2024: Date, Significance, Rituals

Nag Panchami, observed during the Shukla Paksha of Shravan month, is celebrated in India and several other countries. On this day, snakes are revered as deities, and people worship them. In many places, people create snake idols from clay and perform their worship. Southern India is home to several major temples dedicated to snake deities, where elaborate rituals are held on this occasion. On this day, prayers are offered to various Nagas such as Vasuki, Ananta, Kaliya, seeking their blessings to improve one's life.

The Legend Behind Nag Panchami

Several legends surround the festival of Nag Panchami. One such story involves King Parikshit's son Janamejaya, who sought revenge for his father's death. He initiated a special yagya with the sages to kill the Nagas, primarily aiming to kill the serpent Takshaka. Many innocent Nagas perished in this yagya. prompting Astika, the son of Manasa Devi, to intervene using Vedic mantras to halt the yagya. This event led to the praise of Manasa Devi and her son. The auspicious occasion fell on the Panchami of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan, thus marking the beginning of the tradition of Nag Panchami.

Mantras for Nag Panchami:

"Om Navakulaya Vidmahe Vishadantaya Dhimahi Tanno Sarpa Prachodayat"

Shiva Abhishek on Nag Panchami

Shiva Abhishek holds great significance on Nag Panchami as well. One story related to this ritual is associated with the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). During this event, lethal poison emerged from the ocean, endangering the cosmos. Lord Shiva consumed this poison to protect everyone. Some of the poison spilled onto the earth, where several species of Nagas also consumed it. In order to save the Nagas, the gods performed an abhishek (ritual bath) with water. Lord Shiva himself underwent an abhishek with water to protect himself from the poison.

Nag Panchami 2024 Date and Puja Timings

Date: Friday, August 9, 2024

Panchami Begins: August 9, 2024, at 12:36 PM

Panchami Ends: August 10, 2024, at 03:14 AM

Puja Muhurat: From 06:15 AM to 08:44 AM

( Puja timing can be vary for different city)