Nag Panchami is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of snakes, observed annually on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) in the month of Sawan (Shravan). This auspicious festival typically falls in July or August, symbolizing devotion and reverence towards serpents, which hold a sacred place in Hindu mythology.
In the year 2025, the Sawan month is scheduled to span from July 11 to August 9. Nag Panchami will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
Auspicious Timings for Puja:
The most favorable time for performing the rituals on Nag Panchami 2025 is from 5:41 AM to 8:23 AM, providing a puja duration of 2 hours and 43 minutes. This period is considered highly auspicious for seeking blessings from Nag Devta.
Favorable Yogas: Two important yogas, Shiv Yog and Siddh Yog, are considered particularly beneficial for the worship of Nag Devta on this day, enhancing the spiritual efficacy of the rituals.
Puja Vidhi and Rituals:
Devotees observe several rituals to honor the serpent gods on Nag Panchami:
- Ablution and Fasting: The day begins with taking a holy bath and observing a fast.
- Temple Visit and Shiva Worship: Devotees visit Lord Shiva temples to perform ‘abhishek’ (ritual bathing) and offer ‘belpatra’ (leaves of the bael tree) and water to the deity.
- Worship of Serpent Gods: The eight forms of the serpent gods – Anant, Vasuki, Padma, Mahapadma, Takshak, Kuleer, Karkat, and Shankh – are specifically worshipped.
- Home Rituals: At home, devotees create representations of snakes using cow dung and offer curd, rice, milk, flowers, and sweets to these snake forms.
- Chanting and Donations: Chanting mantras dedicated to Nag Devta and making donations to the needy or Brahmins are also integral parts of the observances.
- Prayers for Family: Women specifically pray for the safety and well-being of their brothers and families on this day.
- Clay Idols: The worship of twelve different snakes is a key ritual. People create snake idols from clay, paint them, and offer milk and other food items as a mark of profound reverence.
Snakes are deeply revered in Hinduism, symbolizing cosmic energy, fertility, and protection. Nag Panchami provides an opportunity for devotees to honor these mystical beings and seek their blessings for prosperity and protection from snake bites.
