The holy month of Shravan is one of the most sacred periods dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. During this month, devotees offer prayers to seek his blessings. Among the many festivals celebrated in Shravan, Nag Panchami holds a special place. On this day, devotees worship Nag Devta, as nagas are closely associated with Lord Shiva, who adorns the divine Naag Devta, Vasuki, around his neck. In this blog, you will learn everything about Nag Panchami 2026, including the Nag Panchami puja, its spiritual significance, why snakes are worshipped, and the traditional sarp mantra.
Naga Panchami is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Nag devta (serpent deities). Celebrated during the holy month of Shravan, this Nag Panchami festival reflects the deep connection between nature and human beings. According to Nag Panchami Katha, it is believed that devotees offer prayers to seek protection, prosperity, and blessings from Lord Shiva snake (serpent deities).
The word Nagas means serpents (snakes) and panchami refers to the fifth day of the lunar fortnight. Every year, Sawan Nag Panchamifalls on Shravan Shukla Panchami and is dedicated to honoring the naga devta.
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Event |
Date |
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Nag Panchami 2026 |
Wednesday, August 17 2026 |
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Panchami Tithi Starts |
August 16, 2026, at 04:52 PM (according to your local Panchang) |
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Panchami Tithi Ends |
August 17, 2026, at 05:00 PM (according to your local Panchang) |
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Ideal Time for Nag Panchami Puja |
6:04 AM – 8:39 AM (check your local Panchang for the exact Muhurat) |
According to Hindu mythology, the story of the Nagas begins with Sage Kashyapa and his wife, Kadru. She wished to become the mother of powerful offspring, and then Kadru performed intense penance and prayed for a special blessing. Moved by her devotion, Sage Kashyapa granted her wish. In time, Kadru gave birth to one thousand serpent sons, who came to be known as the Nagas. Among them were some of the most revered serpent beings in Hindu tradition, including Ananta (Sheshnag), Vasuki, Takshaka, and Karkotaka, each of whom holds a significant place in Hindu scriptures and mythology.
Naga Panchami has its roots in ancient Vedic and Puranic traditions, where snakes were worshipped as divine guardians of water, fertility, and the earth. It centers around worshipping snakes (Nagas) for protection, prosperity, and ecological harmony.
To avenge his father Parikshit's death, King Janamejaya performed the Sarpa Satra Yagya to destroy all snakes. The sacred chants became so powerful that snakes from everywhere began falling into the fire, and even Takshaka and Lord Indra were pulled towards it.
The gods sought help from Goddess Manasa, who sent her son Astika to the yagna. Astika impressed the king with his wisdom and asked him to stop the sacrifice. Honoring his promise to a Brahmin, King Janamejaya ended the yagna and saved the serpent race.
In Hindu tradition, serpents are not seen as ordinary creatures but as powerful symbols of divine energy, protection, and transformation. Their connection with gods, spirituality, and nature makes them an important part of Hindu beliefs and rituals.
The serpent symbolises Kundalini energy in yogic philosophy. Known as Kundalini Shakti or the "serpent power," it is believed to be a dormant spiritual energy coiled three and a half times at the base of the spine (the Muladhara or Root Chakra). Through meditation and spiritual practice, this energy awakens, leading to higher awareness.
As mentioned, in Hindu scriptures, snakes are closely associated with Shiva, especially Vasuki naag, the King of Serpents. During the churning of the Samudra Manthan, Vasuki served as the rope, and Shiva consumed the deadly Halahala poison to protect the universe. Impressed by Vasuki's sacrifice and devotion, Shiva accepted the serpent as an ornament around his neck. It symbolizes his mastery over fear and ego.
Lesson: The story represents selflessness, devotion, and the power of controlling fear and destructive forces.
According to Hindu mythology, Sheshnag, also known as Adishesha or Ananta, is the king of all serpents and the eternal companion of Lord Vishnu. He represents eternity, strength, and balance. As Lord Vishnu's most devoted devotee, Sheshnag is believed to constantly sing His praises through all of his many hoods, expressing unwavering devotion and eternal service.
Nagas are believed to be the guardians of rivers, underground treasures, and natural resources. They symbolize fertility, abundance, and prosperity, representing the connection between nature's blessings and human well-being.
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Major Nag Nagni |
Their Significance |
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Sheshnag |
The king of serpents associated with Lord Vishnu is worshipped for protection and stability. |
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Vasuki Naag |
Vasuki played a major role during Samudra Manthan and is worshipped for courage and strength. |
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Takshaka Naag |
A powerful Naga king from Hindu scriptures, known as a guardian of the Nagas. |
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Karkotaka Naag |
A mystical Naag deity associated with wisdom, transformation, and protection. |
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Padma Naag |
Represents purity and divine energy. Worshipped for harmony and good fortune. |
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Mahapadma Naag |
One of the eight great Nagas, associated with prosperity and protection. |
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Ananta Naag |
Symbolizes eternity and is linked with Lord Vishnu, worshipped for peace and balance. |
Now that we have discussed the Nag Panchami festival, Nag Panchami Story, when is Nag Panchami, and Nag Devta origin, let's now learn about the Nag Panchami Puja Vidhi, Sarp Mantra, and Pooja Samagari.
Here is a detailed guide about the Nag Panchami Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step) -
First thing, start your day by cleaning your home or temple where you will perform the Nag Panchami pooja. It is believed that a clean and peaceful space invites positive energy and creates the right atmosphere for worship.
Place a Naag Devta idol or a picture of the serpent deities on a clean wooden platform (chowki). You can also place a Lord Shiva idol nearby, as Nag Devta is closely associated with Mahadev, who is depicted with a snake coiled around His neck.
Offer milk (to a Naga idol), turmeric (haldi), kumkum, fresh flowers, and durva grass. These items symbolize purity, respect, prosperity, and divine blessings. Avoid offering milk to live snakes, as it can be harmful to them.
During Nag Panchami puja, chant Shiv mantra or sarp mantra while offering bhog or prayers. Chanting the sarp mantra with focus is believed to calm the mind and strengthen spiritual connection.
Light a diya and incense sticks, then perform the aarti while praying for your family's health, protection, and prosperity.Important Tip - The most meaningful Naga Panchami puja is performed with sincerity, compassion, and respect for all living beings, not by disturbing or feeding wild snakes.
Below are mentioned all the essential puja samagri and their significance. Use the following checklist to prepare for the Naga Panchami puja.
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Nag Panchami Pooja Item |
Their Significance |
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Milk |
It represents purity and devotion, |
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Fresh Flower |
Cooling the Serpent Deity |
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Turmeric |
It symbolizes purity, fertility, and auspiciousness. |
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Kumkum |
Honor and devotion |
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Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) |
Creates a spiritual atmosphere or calm ambience |
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Diya (Oil Lamp) |
Represents divine light and wisdom |
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Durva Grass |
Associated with blessings and prosperity |
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Fruits |
Gratitude and offering to the deity |
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Sweets or Prasad |
Sharing divine blessings |
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Nag Devta Murti or Image |
Main deity for worship |
Navnag Stotra: Focuses on the nine principal Nagas for victory and overcoming fears.
अनन्तं वासुकिं शेषं पद्मनाभं च कम्बलम्।
शङ्खपालं धृतराष्ट्रं तक्षकं कालियं तथा॥
Meaning: The mantra invokes the blessings of these sacred serpent deities, seeking their protection, peace, prosperity, and freedom from fear and negative influences.
Naag Gayatri Mantra: The Nag Gayatri Mantra is chanted to seek the blessings of Nag Devta for protection, peace, and freedom from fear and obstacles.
ॐ नागराजाय विद्महे विषदंताय धीमहि तन्नो सर्पः प्रचोदयात्॥
Meaning: We meditate upon the King of Serpents, the one with the powerful venomous fangs. May that divine Serpent guide, inspire, and protect us.
Sarva Naga Stuti: This prayer is chanted to offer universal reverence to all Nagas across the earth, sky, and heavens, seeking their collective blessings.
सर्वे नागाः प्रीयन्तां मे ये केचित् पृथिवीतले।
ये अन्तरिक्षे ये दिवि तेषु सर्वेभ्यो नमः॥
Meaning: I offer my respectful salutations to all the serpent deities who dwell on Earth, in the sky, and in the heavenly realms. May they be pleased and bless me with protection, peace, and prosperity.
Mantra for Protection: Historically and traditionally revered, this mantra calls upon the divine energies to protect devotees from poison, negative forces, and fear.
ॐ कुरुकुल्ले हूँ फट् स्वाहा॥
Meaning: I bow to Goddess Kurukulla and invoke her divine energy. May her blessings remove obstacles, attract positive opportunities, and inspire wisdom and success.
Sacred Shiva mantra: It is believed that the Shiva mantra purifies the mind, reduces fear, and invites the blessings of Lord Shiva, who wears Vasuki around his neck.
ॐ नमः शिवाय॥
Meaning: I bow to Lord Shiva, the Supreme Divine, with reverence and devotion.
Note: The true power of any mantra lies in chanting it with sincerity, faith, and focused intention rather than simply repeating the words.
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Mistakes |
Why You Should Avoid |
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Don’t harm snakes |
We value snakes and never harm them, as they are vital to the ecosystem. |
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Don’t capture wild serpents |
Avoid catching wild snakes for rituals, as it is unsafe and harmful. |
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Avoid superstitious practices |
Follow traditions with faith, not myths that harm people or wildlife. |
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Avoid plastic decorations |
Use eco-friendly decorations to keep the celebration nature-friendly. |
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Respect local traditions |
Celebrate the festival by honoring your region's customs and values. |
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Force-feed milk to live snakes |
Snakes do not naturally drink milk, and consuming it can harm them. Instead, offer milk symbolically to the deity or idol. |
In the festival, every prayer carries faith, gratitude, and more than just a ritual. The Nag Panchami story reminds us that Nag Devta represents protection, divine energy, and the balance of creation between humanity and nature. When you follow the Nag Panchami puja vidhi and chant the sacred sarp mantra, you not only honor your home tradition but also strengthen your connection with Lord Shiva.
As you celebrate Nag Panchami 2026, let every offering come from devotion, every mantra from faith, and every action reflect compassion for all living beings.
Q1. Why do we celebrate Nag Panchami?
Ans. Nag Panchami is celebrated to worship Nag Devta and seek blessings for protection, prosperity, and harmony with nature.
Q2. What is the story behind the Naga?
Ans. According to Hindu mythology, Nagas were born as the serpent sons of Sage Kashyapa and Kadru and are considered divine beings.
Q3. How is Nag Panchami celebrated?
Ans. Devotees worship Nag Devta by offering prayers, chanting mantras, performing puja, and seeking blessings on this sacred day.
Q4. How to celebrate Nag Panchami at home?
Ans. First, clean your puja space, place a Nag Devta idol or their image. Then start worshiping by offering prayers, chanting mantras, and performing aarti with devotion.
Q5. What should we not do on Nag Panchami?
Ans. Avoid harming or capturing snakes, using plastic decorations, and following practices that disturb wildlife. Never do any kind of activity that harms animals.
Q6. Which god is worshipped on Nag Panchami?
Ans. Devotees worship Nag Devta, along with Lord Shiva, as serpents hold a special connection with Mahadev.
Q7. What is the date of the Nag Panchami festival?
Ans. Nag Panchami 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
Q8. Can we keep a Naga Idol at home?
Ans. Yes, devotees can keep a Nag Devta idol at home and worship it with faith and respect.
Q9 . Is offering milk to snakes necessary?
Ans. No, offering milk to live snakes is not necessary and can harm them. Offer milk symbolically to the idol instead.
Q10. What are the benefits of Nag Panchami fasting?
Ans. Devotees observe fasting to seek blessings, remove fears, and strengthen their spiritual devotion.
Q11. Which Sarp mantra should be chanted on Nag Panchami?
Ans. Devotees can chant Nag Gayatri Mantra, Navnag Stotra, and “Om Namah Shivaya” on Nag Panchami.
