The holy month of Sawan brings with it a plethora of tithis and spiritual alignment, for those observing this stretch’s potent energies. Today, August 17, marks a day of observance for the auspicious Nag Panchami. The occasion of Nag Panchami holds a special place for bhakts of Mahadev, owing to the fact that Lord Shiva has eternally been envisioned wearing a ‘nag’ around His neck. Not just this, Lord Vishnu Himself rests on the cosmic serpent, Sheshnag highlighting the extremely revered position the reptile holds when it comes to Hindu mythology and sentiments. Many believe that observing the Nag Panchami tithi helps clear one’s negative karma, also lightening the grip of astrological doshas like the Kaal Sarp Dosha.

As per the Drink Panchang, the Panchami tithi for this auspicious day began on Sunday, August 16, at 4:52 pm. The Panchami tithi ends today, August 17, at 5 pm. That being said, the Nag Panchami muhurat as listed on the Drik Panchang website, commences at 5:51 am today morning and will extend over a period of 2 hours and 37 minutes, precisely concluding at 8:29 pm.

The day of Nag Panchami is dedicated to the worship and recerence of serpent Gods, many in number as per Hindu mythology and beliefs. However, of these, offerinf prayers to twelve hallowed names in particular is believed to be essential. These deities are Ananta, Vasuki, Shesha, Padma, Kambala, Karkotaka, Ashvatara, Dhritarashtra, Shakhapala, Kalya, Takshaka and Pingala. Beginning your prayer proceedings with the following mantra is considered to bestow you and your loved ones with divine protection:

सर्वे नागाः प्रीयन्तां मे ये केचित् पृथ्वीतले।

ये च हेलिमरीचिस्था येऽन्तरे दिवि संस्थिताः॥

ये नदीषु महानागा ये सरस्वतिगामिनः।

ये च वापीतडगेषु तेषु सर्वेषु वै नमः॥

The meaning of this mantra translates to an ode the snakes of the world, sky, heavens, sun, lakes, wells and ponds to vest the devotee with blessings as salutations are offered. Not just Nag Panchami, if feeling divinely supported and protected is a feeling you’ve been trying to cultivate with your spiritual practices, chanting this prayer every morning is believed to protect you from all evils and perils.

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Clean your home, especially your altar space early in the morning and set up a small picture or idol of either Lord Shiva, or a Nag Devta you pray to. Your offerings should include a mix of turmeric, kumkum, rice and white flowers, along with some belpatra. Offering raw milk after your praters to the idol in front of you, especially pouring it over as you would on a Shivling, is considered especially auspicious. Seeing as Nag Panchami is falling on a Sawan Monday, following your puja with a worship of Lord Shiva is believed to further fortify the blessings you seek.

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Hindu mythology and lore traces the observance of Nag Panchami to the Mahabharata legend of King Janamejeya and Sage Astika. King Parikshit is believed to have died from a bite by the serpent king Takshaka. King Janamejeya, seeking revenge, performed a massive Sarpa Satra to destroy all snakes, a ritual which threated to do away with the entirety of the serpent race. Young Sage Astika however, stepped in and convinced King Janamejaya to choose mercy and forgiveness instead. This is believed to have happened on Shravan Shukla Panchami, which is what established Nag Panchami. Many even trace the beginnings of this puja back to when Lord Krishna danced on the serpent Kaliya’s hood to subdue him, the latter’s surrender being a keynote mythological event in Hindu lore.

Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.