Snakes are part of the fabric of Hinduism, since Hinduism began its existence in a place where one of the biggest threats to human life was snakes.

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Snakes are part of the fabric of Hinduism, since Hinduism began its existence in a place where one of the biggest threats to human life was snakes. You may have heard of Naga, which are a powerful mythological race of snakes. On Nag Panchami, snakes of all varieties are honoured and given offerings to buy protection from the snake’s mystical and physical powers.

The Mahabharata opens with a conversation between snakes. They appear in the ancient stories of Puranas and the Vedas. During Samudra Manthan when Lord Shiva drank all the poison that came out from the churning of the sea, few drops did fall on the ground and were drunk by snakes. People pray to snakes so that they and their families are spared of their wrath. A snake also adorns the neck of Lord Shiva and has a lot of spiritual significance too. If a snake adorns the neck of Shiva, then Shri Vishnu is also signified as sleeping on the bed of SheshNag a five hooded snake on whom Shri Vishnu reclines.

Astrologically too, the horoscopes which are generally in the grasp of the Rahu and Ketu nodes commonly known as the Kal Sarp Dosha has a lot of importance on this day. The head of the snake is Rahu and its tail is Ketu and when the planets fall in between them they are considered to be in their grip. It is said offering a pair of snakes made in silver to the Shivalingam helps in expiating the effect of this dosha.

During Nag Panchami, earthen representations of snakes are made and prayers are performed on them. Some even offer milk to live snakes in order to get their blessings. This festival of Nag Panchami represents the respect and awe we have for the power of nature. Snakes are deadly and strong and they remind us that human beings have their weaknesses and their frailty. It most likely originated as a way to protect one’s self against the dangers of snakes by showing them respect and plying them with milk and honey. The time of year when the festival happens is when snakes are most active and most dangerous. 🌀🐍🌀🐍🌀

Happy Nag Panchami Beautiful Souls ~ Love light & happiness to all! 🙏🏻