Naga Panchami: A Spiritual and Traditional Perspective

Tradition of Naga Worship – A Spiritual Perspective

India is a collection of diverse traditions, customs and beliefs. Among them is an ancient tradition of worshipping snakes at Naga Panchami festival, especially cobras (krait snakes or king cobras). There are stories, popular mythology, spirituality and social reasons behind this ritual. In this article, the reason why Naga’s are worshipped as gods will be explained from both spiritual and traditional perspectives.

A. Mythological Stories about Nagas

There are many mythological stories about Nagas prevalent in Indian culture. Naga’s are associated with deities in epics like “Mahabharata” and other mythologies. Naga’s are said to have a close connection with main deities like Lord Shiva and Vishnu. For example, Shiva wears Naga as Bhūṣaṇamu (Ornament), while Vishnu rests on “Adisesha”.

Mythological stories about Nagas hold an important place in Indian mythology. These stories are mentioned mainly in Hindu religious texts, especially Puranic and Itihas (epic). Some notable stories:

1. Vasuki Naagu (Snake):

Vaasuki around Mandara Mountain: In the “Samudra Mathana” story, the Devas and Asuras decide to churn the ocean to get Amrit. In this, a Naga king named Vasuki was used as Vasuki and it was built around Mandara Mountain. Vasuki Naagu played a major role in the Samudra Manthan. During this churning process, a poison called “Halahalam” came out from Vasuki's tentacles, which Lord Shiva drank and kept in his throat, which came to be known as 'Neelkanthu'.

2. Sheshnagu:

Vishnu and Sheshnagu:

Sheshnagu is the mythical ten-headed Naagraj. It is the form of primordial energy and the base of the entire universe extending to the oceans. Lord Vishnu rests on this Sheshnag. It is believed that Sheshnag is constantly in the service of Lord Vishnu and protects him effectively in every era.

3. Nagmata, Kadru and Vinata:

The Story of Vinata, Kadru: According to this story, Vinata and Kadru are two wives. Vinata is the mother of Garuda, and Kadru is the mother of serpents. Once, Kadru took revenge on Vinata by keeping her son Garuda along with her children as permanent slaves. Later Garuda brought Amrita from heaven to free his mother, Vinata. The story highlights a mythological perspective associated with Nagmata, Kadru and her children.

4. Krishna and Kaliya Naag:

Kaliya Mardan: In this story, Lord Krishna saves people from the existence of a serpent named Kaliya who lived in the river Yamuna during his childhood. As the Kaliya poisons the river water and puts people in misery, Krishna dances on the head of the serpent, removes his pride and orders the serpent to go to Patala with his family.

5. Mansadevi:

Mansadevi Story: Mansadevi is known as the goddess of snakes. She is mentioned in mythology as the daughter of Lord Shiva and a serpent named Chandrasena. It is believed that worshipping her removes Sarpadosha and dangers from snakes. Her stories are more popular in Bengal and Assam.

6. Naga Panchami:

Naga Panchami Festival: Worshipping snakes, especially nagas, is an important ritual in this festival. On this occasion, snakes were fed milk and worshipped. The worship is done so that the nagas remain gentle and do not cause any harm.

These stories of serpents play an important role in our social and cultural lifestyle. Considering snakes as gods, these stories depict how our ancestors’ treated snakes with respect rather than fear.

B. Why is only the serpent worshipped?

The main reason for the special worship of the serpent is its superiority and power. The cobra is very powerful and its poison is very dangerous. In many myths, the cobra is considered a symbol of modern society. It is believed that by worshipping this snake, the troubles caused by it go away.

Another reason for not worshipping other snakes is that the cobra is considered a form of divinity, protector and power of nature. Since it symbolizes the protection of mankind, its worship is reflected in many mythological stories.

There are many physical, mythological and spiritual reasons behind the tradition of worshipping only the cobra by the ancestors. These reasons help in understanding the deep relationship between Indian culture, mythology and animal worship.

1. Dominant Form:

Great Power and Gesture: Cobra, especially the king cobra, is considered the most powerful. It has a special place in many myths due to its courage, beauty and poisonous power. It is believed that by worshipping the cobra, its influence can be controlled and protection from its poison can be provided.

2. Mythological Significance:

Vasuki and Sheshnagu: The serpent has a special place in mythology. The worship of this serpent gained special importance due to its association with the Naga divinities like Vasuki and Sheshnagu. The tradition of worshipping only the serpent started from considering snakes as protectors, vehicles of gods and symbols of the forces of nature.

3. Traditional Worship Method:

Festivals and Celebrations: In Indian traditions, festivals like Nag Panchami are specially dedicated to the snake. It is believed that worshipping the snake in this festival can prevent Sarpadosha (Serpent's fault) and bring peace and prosperity to the house.

4. Symbol of Fear:

Protection from Fear: Snakes have been recognized as fearsome animals since ancient times. Especially cobras are venomous and their effects are harmful. To overcome this fear and to avoid the dangers posed by these snakes, the ancestors started worshipping cobras.

5. Nature Worship:

Respect for Nature: Nature worship is an important part of Indian traditions. Snakes were considered an important part of nature and hence their worship was prescribed. The snake is considered a symbol of the power, beauty and victory of nature.

Worshipping the snake represents intense physical and spiritual practices in the Indian tradition. This tradition reflects aspirations to respect snakes, protect them from fear and balance the forces of nature.

C. Cobra in Spirituality

From a spiritual point of view, the snake is considered a symbol of Kundalini Shakti. In Kundalini Yoga, it represents the energy within the human energy path. This power must be demonstrated safely, otherwise it can be dangerous. Worshipping the snake can be taken as a sign of proper use of Kundalini energy to control it.

The snake has special significance in spirituality. In Indian spiritual traditions, the snake is considered a symbol of power, mystery and understanding. The snake is important not only in mythological stories but also in spiritual paths like Yoga, Tantra and Kundalini Shakti.

1. Kundalini Shakti:

Kundalini Metaphor: Kundalini Shakti is believed to be a dormant energy in humans. It is said that this energy resides in the body in the form of a coiled serpent in the Muladhara Chakra. According to the texts of Yoga and Tantra, by awakening this Kundalini Shakti, one can achieve supreme awareness and spiritual perfection.

Shakti Yatra: At the time of Kundalini Shakti awakening, it flies upward like a serpent, passes through the seven chakras and merges into the Sahasrara Chakra. This process is considered very difficult to achieve and is said to be the highest spiritual experience of creation.

2. Nagula Devta (Goddess of Snakes):

Naga Puja: Naga Puja is an ancient practice in Indian spirituality. Nagas represent power, protection and divinity. Nagarajas, especially Vasuki and Sheshnagu, are said to be the vehicles of important goddesses. These Naga gods are believed to wash away sins and maintain goodness and prosperity in a person's life.

3. Tantra Shastra:

Naga Puja in Tantra: In Tantra, the snake is considered a symbol of power and secret knowledge. It is believed that by worshipping the snake in Tantra Sadhana, secret powers can be practised. It is believed that this helps the practitioner to awaken inner power.

4. Spiritual Connection with Cobra

Courage: The cobra symbolizes overcoming obstacles on the path to divinity with one's brilliance and courage. The cobra is considered a symbol of overcoming challenges, fears and obstacles on the spiritual path.

Balance: The cobra is venomous and is considered a protector. Similarly, the cobra symbolizes creating a balance between good and evil on the spiritual path and effectively reviewing them.

5. Death and Rebirth:

Symbol of Rebirth: The shedding of the snake's skin is considered a sign of rebirth. It represents the spiritual path to reach divinity through the cycle of life, death and rebirth. In this context, the cobra is a technical symbol on the spiritual path.

In spirituality, the cobra symbolizes power, mystery and transformation. In Indian spiritual traditions, worshipping the cobra as a symbol of divine energy, kundalini and transformation rather than just a scary animal can help us on our spiritual journey.

D. Society and the Worship of Snakes

Worshipping snakes is not only a spiritual aspect but also a way of blending man and nature in society. By worshipping snakes, we must protect snakes and live in harmony with them.

Worshipping snakes have a special place in society. The worship of snakes, especially cobras, remains an important ritual in Indian culture, traditions and lifestyle. This worship reflects the role of snakes in our society, their protection and the ways we connect with nature.

1. Importance of snakes in society:

Relationship between Snakes and Humans: Humans have been afraid of snakes since ancient times. However, apart from this fear, our traditions tend to respect the bond between nature and man by worshipping snakes. Snakes are not just scary but are also considered a symbol of the forces of nature.

Conservationism: It has become a tradition, especially in villages and agricultural areas, to worship cobras as protectors to protect them from danger. Special pujas and fasts are performed to avoid harm caused by snakes.

2. Protection of the environment:

Protection of snakes: Worshiping snakes, especially cobras, has increased awareness about the need to protect them. This puja has become a ritual of environmental protection. Snakes benefit agriculture and the environment by controlling insects and animals. Therefore, it is believed that by worshipping snakes one can recognize their importance without harming them.

Balance of Nature: Snakes play an important role in the ecosystem. By worshipping snakes, it is considered a symbol of maintaining the balance of nature. It is believed that by respecting snakes we also respect nature.

3. Devotion and Fear:

Transforming Fear into Devotion: Although snakes are generally considered to be fearsome animals, worshipping them transforms fear into devotion. By worshipping and offering oblations to snakes, ancestors attempted to gain protection from them and bring peace.

Worship of Snake Gods: In many places, Nagarajas and Nagadevatas are worshipped. The purpose of worshipping them is to overcome fear and develop a sense of devotion. Worshipping snakes associated with main deities like Shiva and Vishnu strengthens that devotion.

4. Traditional Power and Culture:

Influence of Traditions Many traditions in India are associated with the worship of snakes. These are designed to preserve not only spirituality but also culture and traditions. In earlier times, snakes were given special importance for the protection of agriculture and crops.

Society Structure: Naga worship has acquired a special place in the society based on caste, occupation and region. Some castes, especially those who protect or are associated with snakes, have made the worship of Nagas a part of their lifestyle.

5. What each person believes:

Importance of Beliefs: By worshipping snakes, people wish to receive divine grace according to their personal beliefs. It is believed that this worship can relieve people from the problems in their lives and protect them from the dangers posed by snakes.

The worship of snakes in the community is not only spiritual but also a major aspect of environmental protection, transforming fear into devotion and preserving traditions. Through this worship, respecting the relationship between snakes and nature and protecting them from harm contributes to the well-being of society as we do for nature.

Worshipping the cobra is not just a tradition, it represents the way we connect with nature and divinity. Not worshipping other snakes is not only a moral decision, but worshipping the cobra can also be said to represent a special divine power.