Nag Panchami: Honoring the Sacred Serpent Deities in Hindu Tradition

If you’re fascinated by mythology, spirituality, or sacred festivals rooted in nature and ancient tradition, then Nag Panchami is a celebration you should definitely know about. Observed across India and in parts of Southeast Asia like Thailand, this unique festival pays homage to serpent deities, especially the Nagas — mystical beings deeply connected to water, fertility, and cosmic energy.

At Ticy City, spiritual guru Nai Mu takes us deep into the lore and layered symbolism of this sacred day, revealing stories rarely heard outside temple walls.

What Is Nag Panchami?

Nag Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the waxing moon during the Month of Shravana (usually July or August). In 2025, the festival falls on July 29. On this day, devotees across India and Thailand honor Nagas, divine serpent beings, with rituals and offerings.

The term Naga comes from Sanskrit and traditionally refers to snakes, especially cobras and king cobras. You might also encounter variants like Naag – Naga – Nagi – Naja, all rooted in the same serpent symbolism.

Why Are Nagas Worshipped?

In both Hindu mythology and Buddhist traditions, Nagas are powerful guardians of natural elements — water, rain, rivers, and even earthquakes. Historically, ancient agricultural societies believed that honoring them brought rainfall, fertility, and prosperity to the land.

Mythological texts like the Rigveda and the Bhagavad Gita reference these divine serpents. In one tale, Lord Indra defeats Vritra, a serpent demon who held back the rains. In another, Lord Krishna says: “Among serpents, I am Vasuki. Among Nagas, I am Ananta.”

Ananta Naga and the Cosmic Balance

One of the most revered serpent deities is Ananta Naga, also known as Ananta Shesha. Depicted with a thousand heads (or sometimes eight), he serves as the cosmic throne for Lord Vishnu, who rests upon him in a state of Yoga Nidra — a meditative sleep where consciousness remains intact.

Through various Vishnu avatars, Ananta Naga takes physical form. He appears as Lakshmana in the Ramayana, and as Balarama, Krishna’s brother, in the Krishna Avatar. Ancient belief held that the Earth rested on Ananta’s head, and earthquakes occurred when he shifted — a poetic explanation before modern geology.

Anant Chaturdashi, a separate festival, is celebrated later in the month of Bhadrapada to honor this mighty Naga specifically.

The Rituals of Nag Panchami

During Nag Panchami, it’s customary not to dig or till the soil. This respectful pause in agriculture acknowledges the sacred lives of serpents who dwell beneath the earth.

Households create altars with images or statues of Ananta Naga, offering milk, fruit, sweets, incense, candles, and serpent figurines made from clay, metal, or art. It’s believed that this Naga worship brings peace, protection, fertility, and spiritual blessings to the home.

Traditionally, people would close their doors during worship to prevent wind or distractions while reciting mantras and offering prayers. Worship extends to eight principal Nagas: Vasuki, Shesha, Padmanabha, Kambala, Shankhapala, Dhritarashtra, Takshaka, and Kaliya.

Notable Nagas in Hindu Mythology

• Naga Vasukri – Brother of Ananta Naga and sacred serpent worn around Lord Shiva’s neck. He served as the churning rope in The Churning of the Ocean of Milk, a cosmic event to obtain amrita, the nectar of immortality.
• Manasa – Sister of Vasuki, a serpent goddess who lived among humans and is still worshipped in some rural regions today. (Read more here: Manasa: The Sacred Snake Goddess)
• Takshaka – A powerful Naga king mentioned in the Mahabharata. His forest was burned by Arjuna, and the divine city of Indraprastha was later built on that land.
• Naga Kaliya – A venomous serpent subdued by Lord Krishna, who later repented and became a symbol of transformation and virtue.

A Festival Rooted in Nature and Myth

What makes Nag Panchami so meaningful is its deep connection to both mythical narratives and environmental respect. In honoring Nagas, ancient people honored the balance between humans, nature, and the unseen spiritual world.

Whether you’re spiritually inclined or simply fascinated by mythology, Nag Panchami is a reminder of the sacred bond between humans and nature, as well as the enduring power of symbolism, storytelling, and devotion in cultures across the world.

Written by Nai Mu