Naga Panchami and Stories of Naga Worship - Origin, Milk Offering Tradition and the Secret of Protection

Naga Panchami is one of the most sacred and revered festivals in Indian culture. This festival is deeply connected with the worship of Nagas, the tradition of offering milk and fascinating stories that grant protection and blessings. Every year, Naga Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day (Panchami tithi) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Shravan. On this day, devotees worship the serpent deities seeking safety, prosperity and protection.

The Origin of Naga Panchami - Traditional Legends

1. The Mahabharata and the Serpent Sacrifice

• King Parikshit, grandson of Abhimanyu, was bitten by Takshak Naga.
• Parikshit's son, Janamejaya, in vengeance, performed a grand serpent sacrifice (Sarpa Yajna) to destroy all the Nagas by offering them to fire with the power of mantras.
• To save the Nagas, Sage Astik requested a boon to stop the sacrifice.
• Janamejaya halted the Yajna, granting the Nagas protection.
• It is believed that this happened on the Panchami tithi, marking the origin of the Naga Panchami festival.

2. The Folk Tale of the Farmer and the Nagin

• A farmer's plough accidentally killed three children of a Nagin (female serpent).
• At night, the Nagin bit the farmer and his son in revenge.
• The farmer's daughter offered a bowl of milk to the Nagin, seeking forgiveness.
• Pleased, the Nagin revived her father and brother.
• This event also took place on a Panchami tithi, initiating the tradition of milk offering to Nagas on Naga Panchami.

3. The Story of the Younger Daughter-in-law and the Serpent Brother

• The younger daughter-in-law of a wealthy merchant saved a serpent while digging.
• The serpent considered her as his sister and protected her in every danger.
• On Naga Panchami, she worshipped the serpent as her brother.
• Since then, women worship Nagas as brothers on this festival.

The Tradition of Offering Milk to Nagas

• The custom of offering milk to Naga deities has been practiced for many centuries on Naga Panchami.
• It is believed that offering milk to nagas removes the fear of snake bites and brings happiness and prosperity.
• Scriptures prescribe bathing Nagas with milk instead of feeding it, symbolizing coolness, purification and protection.
• On Naga Panchami, a Naga shape is drawn or a Naga idol is placed near the main door of the house, then offerings of milk, flowers, rice, sweets and fruits are made.
• Chanting the names of the eight principal Nagas-Vasuki, Takshak, Kaliya, Manibhadra, Airavat, Dhritarashtra, Karkotak and Dhananjay-on this day is believed to grant protection.

Stories That Grant Protection to Nagas

• During the serpent sacrifice, Sage Astik secured protection for the Nagas.
• The Bhavishya Purana states that worshipping Nagas on Panchami tithi removes the fear of snake bites.
• Bathing Nagas with milk and performing puja on Naga Panchami pleases the serpent deities, who grant protection.
• The tradition of granting protection to Nagas during Naga Panchami symbolizes harmony between nature and living beings.

Worship Ritual on Naga Panchami

• Bathe early morning before sunrise and wear clean clothes.
• Create an image or install an idol of Naga deity at the main door or temple.
• Bathe the Naga deity with water and milk.
• Offer sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, lamps, sweets and fruits.
• Listen to the stories of Naga Panchami and pray for protection.
• Observe the fast and resolve not to harm snakes.

Summary Table

Subject	Description
Festival	Naga Panchami (Shravan Shukla Panchami)
Worship	Bathing Naga deity with milk, praying for protection
Important Stories	Serpent Sacrifice, Sage Astik, Farmer-Nagin, Younger Daughter-in-law & Serpent
Tradition	Offering milk, protection, creating Naga figures at the house
Protection	Chanting names of eight principal Nagas, protection from snake bites

A Thought to Ponder

Naga Panchami is not merely a festival but a symbol of balance, compassion and protection among nature, living beings and humans. It teaches that true peace and prosperity come through forgiveness, harmony and kindness in life.