Derived from Shri Deonath Maharaj (Anturli) discourse

Nag Panchami is an important festival in the month of Shravan There are many understandings and understandings about this festival.

So let us understand it in three aspects:

1. Mythological Background

When we look at the Puranic story of Nag Panchami, we realize that agriculture was the main occupation in those times. There were no sophisticated systems like today. People had to work very hard. Tools like ploughs, harrows, spades, sickles, axes, and shovels were used. Physical labor was intense.

Snakes, frogs, pigs, rats, birds, etc used to inhabit the farmlands. As they caused damage, they were often killed. But in reality, they are the farmers friends, and they should be protected. To instill this idea, these creatures were brought into the fold of worship. As a result, even today, people do not kill snakes. They invite them respectfully and release them outside. This highlights the noble intention of protecting living beings.

2. Health Significance

Nag Panchami occurs during a season when the risk to health is relatively high. In the month of Ashadha, people eat fried foods, but in Shravan, the emphasis is on steamed or boiled food.

On Nag Panchami, certain rules are observed like not using iron griddles (tawa), not cutting vegetables, etc. These have a deeper purpose-health preservation. Due to heavy rains, water often becomes contaminated. Consuming it can lead to infections, digestive disorders like vomiting and diarrhea. This festival becomes a reminder to maintain a proper diet during this season.

"Nag Panchami" also metaphorically signifies the harmony of five elements:

• The five sense organs (jnanendriyas)
• The five action organs (karmendriyas)
• The five great elements (mahabhutas)
• The five vital energies (pranas)
• The five objects of the senses (vishayas)

This five-fold alignment or integration is what is called "Panchikaran". The word Nag (serpent) symbolizes sense-objects. Since the senses and sense-objects are interrelated, the term "Nag" is used as a metaphor for them.

3. Spiritual Significance

Nag Panchami also holds great spiritual importance. In the context of yoga philosophy, it represents the worship of Kundalini energy. Saint Mauli (Sant Dnyaneshwar) beautifully describes it as:

"Nagini's offspring bathed in vermillion."

Just as a snake sits with its hood raised, it resembles a yogic asana (posture). The coils represent a kund (reservoir) of energy, and the hood or phanā symbolizes the upward movement of this energy. The snake around Lord Shiva’s neck is also a symbol of this.

On this auspicious day, yogis commence their yogic practices or worship Shiva along with Parvati.

In the Guru Charitra, there's a story known as the Seemantini Akhyan. Seemantini performs a Monday fast (Somvar vrat). Her husband drowns in a river and reaches the netherworld (Patal), the realm of the Nagas. The Nagas protect him, give him nectar (amrit), and bring him back. This suggests that "Nag" is not just a snake but refers to a race or class of beings.

The Shrimad Bhagavatam narrates the story of King Parikshit, who dies due to the bite of Takshaka, a Naga. Names like Takshaka, Vasuki, Kaliya, Dhritarashtra, Sheshanag, and Padma are found in the Puranas as prominent serpent-kings.

In short, when seen through the lens of yogic science, Nag represents a path to Amrit, the nectar of immortality. There is a legend that a gem (Nagmani) rests on the hood of a serpent. This is actually a symbolic description of the Kundalini energy. Over time, various emotions and beliefs have been added to the original idea, giving the festival new dimensions.

Therefore, protect the snakes, conserve nature—because that is where divinity truly lies.

Jai Shrinath!