Nag Panchami - Date, Rituals and The Story of the Serpent Sacrifice

Nag Panchami, observed on the Shukla Paksha Panchami during the Sawan month, is a revered festival dedicated to the worship of serpent gods in Hindu tradition. This auspicious day typically falls two days after Hariyali Teej and occurs in the months of August according to the Hindu calendar. On this day, people across India offer milk to snakes and pray for the well-being of their brothers and family.

When is Nag Panchami Celebrated?

Nag Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Sawan month, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This typically falls in the months of July or August in the Hindu calendar. The exact date varies each year based on the lunar cycle. In 2024, Nag Panchami will be observed on August 9th. The rituals and puja are usually performed in the morning, but the entire day is considered auspicious for worship and offerings. Devotees begin their preparations early, ensuring they adhere to the traditional customs and rituals associated with this sacred festival.

The Story of King Janamejaya's Serpent Sacrifice(Sarpa Yaga)

King Janamejaya, the son of King Parikshit, ruled over the Kurus from Hastinapura. One day, the Brahmana Sage Utanka visited his court. The king received him warmly and inquired if there was anything he could do for him.

Utanka said, "King Janamejaya, you surprise me. While the murderer of your father roams free, you sit comfortably enjoying the privileges of a king. You are known as a just ruler, yet you have not addressed the great injustice done to your father!"

Shocked, Janamejaya turned to his counselors and asked, "What is this about my father's murder? I was just a child when he died and know nothing of the circumstances. I want to know if he was killed unjustly, and if so, who the culprit is."

The courtiers explained, "Your father Parikshit ruled truthfully and was beloved by his subjects and feared by his enemies. He was killed by Takshaka, the king of serpents, due to a curse by a sage's son. What Utanka said is true; Takshaka, the murderer, still roams free."

Hearing this, Janamejaya was speechless with anger. Once he regained his composure, he said to Utanka, "O Brahmana, thank you for bringing this great injustice to my attention. I must avenge my father's death. Tell me, what is the means by which I might accomplish this?"

Utanka replied, "Takshaka is under the protection of Indra and feels safe from retribution. However, there is a powerful ritual mentioned in the Puranas: the snake-sacrifice. When this sacrifice is performed, the snakes named in the mantras will be rendered powerless and fall into the sacrificial fire. I will assist you, for Takshaka has also wronged me. He once stole earrings I was delivering to my Guru's wife, causing me great difficulties. Our wishes can be fulfilled by this sacrifice."

King Janamejaya then arranged for the sacrifice, inviting the greatest sages and priests. The rituals were complex and had to be followed precisely for the sacrifice to succeed. A grand sacrificial hall was constructed, adorned with valuable articles. The Brahmanas took their places, with the Ritwika (officiating priest) in the center. The king also underwent purification rituals.

During the preparations, a Shudra named Lohitaksha, an expert in sacrificial construction, examined the hall and soil. He said, "O King, I perceive that your sacrifice will not be completed. The omens indicate it will be stopped by a Brahmana."

This reminded Janamejaya of an incident where his brothers had beaten a puppy for fun. The puppy's mother, a divine bitch, cursed the king, saying, "Since your brothers tortured my faultless pup, may the greatest undertaking you begin remain incomplete!"

Worried, the king ordered his guards to prevent anyone from entering the sacrificial hall without his permission.

The sacrifice began with priests clad in black, chanting mantras and pouring clarified butter into the fire. Snakes of all shapes and sizes started converging from all over the world, falling into the sacrificial fire as their names were called.

Many great Brahmanas participated in the sacrifice. A great Rishi named Chandabhargava was the Hotri, an old Brahmana named Kautsa was the Udgatri(chanters of vedic hymns), and a sage named Jaimini acted as the Brahmana. Sarngarva and Pingala were the Adhvaryus. Vyasa and his disciples supervised the sacrifice, chanting the name of the Lord.

The sacrifice continued for days, with thousands of snakes perishing in the flames. As it neared completion, a young Brahmana named Astika visited. The king, honoring his guest, offered to grant any wish. Astika requested the king to stop the sacrifice to save the remaining snakes, as his mother Jaratkaru, the sister of Vasuki, had sent him.

Despite initial hesitation, Janamejaya heeded the advice of the sage Vyasa, who supported Astika's request. The king stopped the sacrifice, sparing the lives of the remaining snakes. He bestowed great riches upon Astika and honored the priests and Lohitaksha, who had predicted the interruption of the sacrifice.

This is the story of the great snake-sacrifice conducted by King Janamejaya. It is believed that whoever hears this story will have nothing to fear from snakes.

Worship and Rituals 

On Nag Panchami, it is a customary practice for devotees to offer milk to live snakes as a sign of respect and to invoke blessings for their families' welfare. This ritual is thought to ensure that any worship directed towards the snakes effectively reaches the serpent gods, who are regarded as their earthly representatives. Additionally, the burning of incense sticks during these ceremonies elevates the spiritual ambiance, purifies the surroundings, and is believed to draw in positive energies and blessings from the serpent deities..

The Twelve Serpent Gods

While there are numerous serpent gods in Hindu mythology, twelve are particularly worshiped during the Nag Panchami puja. These are

Ananta

Vasuki

Shesha

Padma

Kambala

Karkotaka

Ashvatara

Dhritarashtra

Shankhapala

Kaliya

Takshaka

Pingala

Nag Panchami Puja Mantras

Devotees chant specific mantras during Nag Panchami to seek blessings and protection from the serpent gods. 

First Mantra is

सर्वे नागाः प्रीयन्तां मे ये केचित् पृथ्वीतले।  

ये च हेलिमरीचिस्था येऽन्तरे दिवि संस्थिताः॥  

ये नदीषु महानागा ये सरस्वतिगामिनः।  

ये च वापीतडगेषु तेषु सर्वेषु वै नमः॥

Sarva Naagah Priyantam me ye kechith prithvithale |

Ye cha helimarichistha yeyantre divi sansthitah.  

ye Nadishu Mahanaga ye Saraswatigaminah 

Ye Cha Vapitadageshu Teshu Sarveshu Vai Namah.

Mantra Meaning: May the snakes who reside in this world, sky, heaven, sun-rays, lakes, wells, and ponds bless us, and we all salute them.

Second important mantra 

अनन्तं वासुकिं शेषं पद्मनाभं च कम्बलम्।  

शङ्ख पालं धृतराष्ट्रं तक्षकं कालियं तथा॥  

एतानि नव नामानि नागानां च महात्मनाम्।  

सायङ्काले पठेन्नित्यं प्रातःकाले विशेषतः।  

तस्य विषभयं नास्ति सर्वत्र विजयी भवेत्॥

Anantam Vasukin Shesham Padmanabhan Cha Kambalam.  

Shankh Palan Dhritarashtra Takshakam Kaliyam Tatha.  

Etani Nav Namani Naganan Cha Mahatmanam.  

sayankale pathennityam pratahkaale visheshatah

Tasya Vishbhayam Nasti sarvatra vijayi bhavet

Mantra Meaning: The names of the nine Nag Devtas are Ananta, Vasuki, Shesha, Padmanabha, Kambala, Shankhapala, Dhritarashtra, Takshaka, and Kaliya. If chanted regularly every day in the morning, it will protect you from all evils and make you victorious in life.

Celebrations across Different Regions in India

The celebration of Nag Panchami varies across different regions in India:

Nag Chaturthi: In some parts of India, people observe a fast one day before Nag Panchami, known as Nag Chaturthi or Nagul Chavithi. In Andhra Pradesh, this observance aligns with the post-Diwali festivities and coincides with the six-day Soora Samharam festival in Tamil Nadu.

Nag Pancham: In Gujarat, Nag Panchami is celebrated 15 days later than in most other states. Following the new moon to new moon lunar calendar, it falls during the Krishna Paksha Panchami of the Shravan month and is popularly known as Nag Pancham. It usually takes place three days before the Krishna Janmashtami festivities.

Bola Choth: Also in Gujarat, Bola Choth, or Bahula Chauth, is celebrated one day before Nag Pancham. On this day, cattle, especially cows, are worshiped.

Conclusion

Nag Panchami is a festival that embodies devotion and reverence towards serpent deities. Through prayers, rituals, and fasting, devotees seek the blessings and protection of the serpent gods, ensuring the welfare and prosperity of their families. Whether through traditional offerings or regional variations, the essence of Nag Panchami remains a testament to the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual practices of Hinduism.

The Tale of King Janamajeya’s Sarpa Yagna emphasizes the importance of reverence and harmony with these creatures rather than hostility. The story serves as a reminder of the consequences of anger and the need for compassion towards all living beings, encouraging devotees to honor and protect snakes rather than seek their destruction.