Nag Panchami 2022: This year the festival of Nag Panchami will be observed on August 2, 2022. Nag Panchami is devoted to the worship of Nag Devatas in Hinduism. This day is generally celebrated by performing some rituals, and it is believed this day is important for those who have sarp dosha in their kundlis.
Nags have a huge significance in Hindu mythology. Due to the casting of its skin and being symbolically "reborn," it is believed that the Nags symbolise rebirth, death, and mortality.
According to an assertion made by Indian mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik in an interview with EPIC Channel, Nags is linked to wealth, fertility, and financial success. It is believed that Nags (or snakes in general), snakes, and other animals shed a layer of skin in one continuous piece (a process known as ecdysis), but this belief is also linked to the notion that they have the ability to regenerate. As a result, we often see Nags or Nagins who appear to be young and live forever.
The significance of Nags can be speculated with the fact that every Devi, Devata (Goddess, and God) in the Hindu religion has Nag with him, be Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Kartikeya (Murugan), or Lord Ganesha. It is believed Nags are important for materialistic happiness and satisfaction in Hinduism.
How Did Nags Originate?
Regarding the origin of Nags in Hinduism, different beliefs exist in various regions. The most well-known and widely believed myth is that the Nags are the ancestors of the Nagvanshi Kshatriya clans. Others hold that they are also creations of Brahma (The Creator) and that when they were too numerous on Earth, he ordered them to relocate to Paatal-Loka or Nag-Loka (which are brimming with magnificent palaces, exquisitely embellished with priceless gems), and bite only the genuine bad. They are treasure guardians connected to the water—rivers, lakes, seas, and wells.
In modern Hinduism, the birth of the serpents is celebrated on Nag-Panchami in the month of Shravan or Sawan (July–August).
Who Are The Prominent Nags?
Three prominent Nags are Takshaka, the tribal leader of the snakes, Vasuki, who was used as a churning rope to churn the cosmic ocean of milk, and Shesha (or Ananta), who supports Narayana (Vishnu) while he lies on the cosmic ocean in the Hindu tale of creation and on whom the whole world rests. Kalia Nag, Manasa Devi, and Astika are further Nags mentioned in Hindu mythology.
Shesha: Adishesha or Sheshanaga are other names for him; he is the nagas' lord. Adishesha is the one who praises Lord Vishnu while carrying the universe and all of its planets on his head, according to Hindu Puranas. He frequently appears to be unwinding on Shesha. As Kurma's support, Shesha is said to yawn and extend its lips wide whenever Kurma moves, generating tremors. Shesha will still be present when the planet is destroyed at the end of Kalpa because the Sanskrit term Shesha signifies "remainder." The Mahabharata claims that Shesha was born to the sage Kashyap and his wife Kadru. The oldest of the 1,000 snakes that Kadru gave birth to was Shesha.
Vasuki: Vasuki is the snake that is seen wrapped around Lord Shiva's neck. Vasuki is said to have been blessed by Shiva, who also wore him as jewellery. He wears a gem called Nagmani on his head and is regarded as the naga king. He is also mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Vasuki is a component of the well-known Hindu legend known as "Samudra Manthan," or the churning of the ocean of milk. According to the myth, devas and rakshasas were churning the sea in pursuit of nectar in order to become immortal. Vasuki consented to be used as a rope by the devas and rakshasas to obtain the ambrosia of immortality.
Takshak: Often referred to as the tribal chief of the snakes, Takshak or Takshaka Nag has been mentioned in various Hindu scripts and texts. Takshaka belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty, according to the Shrimad Bhagavatam. He came from the line of Shri Rama. Brihadbala was the name of Takshaka's son, who was slain in combat by Arjuna's son Abhimanyu. According to Mahabharta, there was a vicious circle of revenge between Takshak Nag and Pandavas, that continued for generations.
Kalia Nag: From excerpts of Mahabharta, Srimad Bhagavata Mahapurana, and many writings based on Shri Krishna, one can find the mention of Kalia Nag. The whole incident is popularly remembered as the ‘Kalinga Nartana’. The Story of Kalia Narana: A deadly snake named Kaliya once came to live in the Yamuna river near Vrindavan. No animals, even birds, were allowed near the river as the water bubbled and boiled with poison for four miles. Originally from Ramanaka Dwipa, Kaliya relocated to Vrindavan out of fear of the serpent-hating Garuda. A yogi cursed Garuda, preventing him from entering Vrindavan. When Krishna and his pals were playing on the riverbank, the ball unintentionally dropped into the water. Kaliya rose up with his a hundred and ten hoods spewing poison as Krishna dove into the river. Krishna emerged from the bottom dancing on Kaliya's head following a confrontation with the serpent.
Manasa Devi: Mansa Devi is a Hindu snake deity who is primarily revered for fertility and prosperity and for preventing and treating snakebites. She is the sage Jaratkaru's wife and Vasuki's sister. She is shown as a deity standing atop or wrapped with snakes while seated on a lotus. She occasionally has a kid on her lap as well.
Astika: Amongst so many stories to celebrate the festival of Nag Panchami, one of them is associated with Astika Nag. Jaratkaru and the serpent goddess Manasa had a son named Astika. Takshaka, the snake king, was reportedly spared by Astika during the Sarpa Satra, according to the Mahabharata. To exact revenge for Takshaka's snake bite murder of Parikshit, the snake sacrifice was organised. The monarch was persuaded by Astika to stop oppressing the snake race. According to legend, the day was Shukla Paksha Panchami in the Hindu month of Shravan, and it has been known as Nag Panchami ever since.
Disclaimer: (The authenticity of the information may vary due to the dynamic and diverse nature of mythology in different regions across India.)