Nag Panchami 2024: On this special occasion, here’s how you can worship Nag Devta.
Nag Panchami Puja
Nag Panchami is an important Hindu festival celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Shravan, according to the Hindu calendar. This year, Nag Panchami falls on Friday, August 9, 2024. The festival is dedicated to the worship of Nag Devta, the Serpent God, and is believed to bring blessings and remove various obstacles from life. Let’s explore the significance, auspicious timing, required items, and rituals for the puja.
Importance of Nag Panchami in Hinduism
In Hinduism, Nag Panchami holds a significant place. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva and Nag Devta on this day brings immense benefits. This includes resolving issues in life and ensuring peace and prosperity. Performing the rituals correctly is said to bestow the complete blessings of the puja.
Auspicious Timing for Nag Panchami 2024
The auspicious timing for Nag Panchami is determined by the Vedic calendar. The fifth day of the bright half of Shravan starts at 12:36 AM on August 9 and ends at 3:14 AM on August 10. Hence, the festival will be celebrated on August 9, 2024. The best time to perform the puja is between 5:45 AM and 8:25 AM.
Required Items for Nag Panchami Puja
For the Nag Panchami puja, you will need several items. These include:
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Kusha Grass
- Sandalwood Paste
- Flowers
- Panchamrit (a mixture of five sacred substances: milk, yogurt, honey, sugar, and ghee)
- Rice
- Lava (puffed rice)
- Cow Dung
- Kheer (sweet rice pudding)
- Ghee (clarified butter)
- Fruits
After worshipping Nag Devta with these items, it is customary to offer food to Brahmins. This is believed to enhance the blessings and ensure the rituals are complete.
Steps to guide to Nag Panchami Puja
- Preparation: Clean the worship area and place the idol or image of Nag Devta.
- Offering Items: Arrange the milk, yogurt, kusha grass, sandalwood paste, flowers, panchamrit, rice, lava, cow dung, kheer, ghee, and fruits.
- Invocation: Light a lamp and incense sticks to create a pious atmosphere.
- Worship: Offer each item to Nag Devta while reciting prayers and mantras dedicated to the Serpent God.
- Feeding Brahmins: After the puja, serve food to Brahmins as a part of the ritual.
Important Considerations on Nag Panchami
- Avoid Digging the Ground: Scriptures advise against digging the ground on Nag Panchami, as Nag Devta is considered the ruler of the underworld.
- Idol or Image of Nag Devta: It is recommended to bring home an idol or image of Nag Devta made from clay or metal and worship it with the necessary items.
- Feeding Snakes: On this day, live snakes are often fed milk. This act is believed to please Nag Devta and help individuals with Kaal Sarp Dosh in their horoscope by alleviating its negative effects.
Nag Panchami is a significant festival that brings devotees closer to Nag Devta and Lord Shiva. By following the rituals with dedication and using the correct puja items, devotees can ensure that they receive the full blessings of the Serpent God. Remember to observe the auspicious timing and follow the guidelines to make the most of this special day.