Festival Special: Nag Panchami: The form of God in our culture is – Naga

Festivity is the main feature of Indian life. That is why some festival or the other is celebrated in the country throughout the year. It is the effect of these festivals that no matter what the situation is in the world, Indian public life always remains full of love, joy and auspiciousness. Today(Friday) is the fifth day of Shukla Paksha of Sawan month. The festival celebrated on this day is dedicated to snakes. In the Vedas and Puranas, the origin of snakes is believed to be from Maharishi Kashyap and his wife Kadru. Patal Loka, the native place of snakes, is famous. Stories of Naga Lok and its inhabitants are described in Sanskrit narrative literature, especially Kathasaritsagara. Many snake related topics are mentioned in texts like Garuda Purana, Bhavishya Purana, Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakash etc. 
Along with the description of Yaksha, Kinnar and Gandharva, there is also description of serpents in the Puranas. Nagraj Sheshnag himself enhances the beauty of the bed of Lord Vishnu. Serpents also play an important role in the adornment of Lord Shiva and Ganesha. Not only this, the Kundalini Shakti which is awakened for the accomplishment of Yoga is also called Sarpini.
According to the Puranas, there is mention of twelve serpents in the chariot of Lord Surya. These twelve snakes become the carriers of his chariot every month. The serpent has been accepted as a god in Indian culture.In Indian culture, along with remembering God in the evening and morning, the names of the sacred serpents Anant and Vasuki are remembered. Which protects from snake venom and fear. In Devi Bhagwat, major snakes are mentioned daily. Our sages and sages have prescribed many fasts and worships in the worship of snakes.The fifth day of Shukla Paksha of Shravan month, is going to give immense pleasure to the snakes. 
'नागानामानंद करी '   
In Nag Puja, there is a tradition of bathing them with cow's milk. Snakes get coolness by bathing with cow's milk. There is a belief that the devotees also get freedom from the fear of snakes.In Nag Puja, snakes are depicted on the earth. Snakes are made from gold, silver, wood or clay and are worshiped with flowers, scent, incense, lamps and various types of offerings. And by reciting this mantra, the snakes are saluted.
सर्वे नागाः प्रीयन्तां मे ये केचित् पृथिवीतले। 
ये च हेलिमरीचिस्था ये अंतरे दिवि संस्थिता।।
ये नदीषु महानागा  ये सरस्वतिगामिनः।
ये च वापी तडागेषु तेषु सर्वेषु वै नमः।।  
That is, the snakes that reside in the earth, sky, heaven, sun rays, lake, water, well and pond etc.  May everyone be happy with us. We greet him again and again.India, a religious country, helps every living being see the soul and God through contemplation and gives the experience of unity.
समं सर्वेषु भूतेषु तिष्ठन्तं परमेश्वरम्
This vision alone makes one see God in every living being, human being, animal, bird, insect, kite etc. Develops affinity and kindness towards living beings.  Therefore, on Nag Panchami, snakes are revered and protected for us.  They protect our agricultural wealth from agricultural pests. They also play an important role in environmental protection and forest wealth. The festival of Nag Panchami inspires respect for snakes and their conservation and protection. That is why this festival is relevant even today as per ancient times and tradition.

(Writer is a renouned Astrologer, Vastu consultant & spritual healer. He is based in Pune. His nos are-9425006196,7574885030)