Ritualistic worship of cobra (snake) is done every year on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the Shravan month of Hindu lunar calendar, that is on the day of ‘Nagpanchami’ so as to receive blessings from the Snake God (Nag Dev) and also to liberate our family forever from the fears of Snake God. On this day, ritualistic worship of snakes made from mud is done at few places while at other places ritualistic worship of snake hill is done.
At places where snake hill is present, and ritualistic worship of it is done together, but due to the lockdown in view of corona virus pandemic, the same would not be possible. Also, at places where the rules of lockdown are little relaxed and where it is possible to follow social distancing and other recommended rules and perform the ritualistic worship of the snake hill individually, then same can be done as per the tradition. The below article gives information of what is to be done at places where it is not possible to go out of the house and also where the ritualistic worship of snake hill cannot be done together in a gathering.
1. Ritualistic worship of Cobra (snake)
1 A. Drawing an image of snake
with a mixture of turmeric and sandalwood powder, draw a image of single cobra snake (or of 9 cobra snakes) on the wall or on a wooden stool (paat). And worship the snake God at that particular place. By reciting the mantra अनंतादिनागदेवताभ्यो नमः ! (Anantadi nagdevtabhyo namah), offer perfume, flowers etc. on the snake images.
1 B. Ritualistic worship involving sixteen specific substances (‘Shodoshopachar pujan’)
For those of whom it is possible to do the ritualistic worship of snake God involving sixteen specific substance, should do so.
1 C. Ritualistic worship involving five steps (Panchopachar pujan)
For those of whom it is not possible to do the ritualistic worship involving sixteen specific substances, should do the ritualistic worship of snake God involving the five steps and keep milk, sugar, puffed rice as offering to the snake God. Also, as per the (kul) household tradition ‘kheer’ (desert prepared from milk and rice) can also be offered. (Ritualistic worship involving five steps : This worship is done by offering holy perfume, turmeric and vermillion powder, flower [ durva (Bermuda grass), holy basil and Bel leaves can also be used if available], lit incense stick, lit oil lamp and food offering in the orderly manner.
2. Prayers to be offered to snake God after the worship !
‘O Snake God, I have done the worship of Snakes on this fifth day of the bright fortnight of the Shravan month (Nagpanchami). Please be pleased with this worship and always keep me happy. Also, please forgive me if I have made any mistakes while doing this worship. Let all my wishes be fulfilled with your blessings. Let there never be development of any fear of snake poison within my family lineage. This is my humble prayer unto your holy feet”
Detailed information on the topic, ‘How to do detailed worship of Nagpanchami?’ is available on the website of Sanatan Sanstha. If interested please do visit the below link.
https://www.sanatan.org/en/a/38_nagpanchami.html
https://www.sanatan.org/en/a/103143.html
– Mr. Damodar Vaze, Director, Sanatan Purohit Pathshala, Sanatan Ashram, Ramnathi, Goa (08.07.2020)
