Nag Panchami

The Yamuna at Vrindavan is poisoned by the hundred-headed serpent Kaliya, whose venom kills birds flying overhead and cattle drinking from it. Young Krishna jumps into the river, is coiled by Kaliya, and breaks free. He then dances on Kaliya's hoods, subduing him. Kaliya's wives plead for mercy; Krishna spares him and commands him to leave for the ocean. The story: the triumph of the child-god over poison, and why on Nag Panchami snakes are worshipped not out of fear but in continuity with this ancient truce.

King Janamejaya, son of Parikshit, initiated a grand snake sacrifice (Sarpa Satra) to avenge his father's death by the serpent Takshaka. This yagna threatened to annihilate the entire Naga race. However, the learned sage Astika intervened on the Shravana Shukla Panchami tithi and successfully persuaded King Janamejaya to halt the sacrifice, thereby saving the remaining serpents. This pivotal event is commemorated as Nag Panchami.

On Shravana Shukla Panchami, the great snake sacrifice (Sarpa Satra) initiated by King Janamejaya to avenge his father Parikshit's death by Takshaka, was brought to a halt. This pivotal event was orchestrated by the wise Sage Astika, who convinced the king to spare the Naga race from annihilation. This day is widely commemorated as the origin of Nag Panchami.

The Bhavishya Purana states that Nag Panchami is a day highly cherished by the Nagas and was celebrated in Nag Loka, the abode of serpents, even during the Satyuga. This indicates the ancient and cosmic significance of the festival, suggesting its observance predates the current Yuga cycles.

In Eastern India, particularly regions like Bengal, Assam, Bihar, and Odisha, the serpent goddess Manasa Devi is extensively worshipped on Nag Panchami. Devotees perform Manasa Puja, offering prayers to clay idols or ghats, and observing fasts. This worship is primarily for protection from snakebites, as well as for fertility and overall family prosperity.

The ancient Naga Chandreshwar Temple, situated within the Mahakaleshwar Temple complex in Ujjain, holds a unique observance on Shravana Shukla Panchami. This temple is opened for public darshan only once a year on Nag Panchami, allowing devotees to worship the rare idol of Shiva adorned with a serpent crown.

On Nag Panchami, women observe a special ritual known as Bhratru Panchami, dedicated to the well-being and protection of their brothers. They worship snakes and their abodes, offering prayers to the Naga deities to safeguard their brothers from snake bites and other misfortunes.

In some traditions, Nag Panchami is also celebrated as Garuda Panchami, where Garuda, the divine eagle and vehicle of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped. This observance is believed to provide protection against snake-related afflictions and negative influences, as Garuda is traditionally known as the natural adversary of serpents.