It is also evident from our Ancient architecture (Caves of Ajanta) where the images of the rituals of the snake worship have been found.
Nag Panchami is such a
festival where snakes are being worshipped. People consider snakes as their god and worship them. This festival falls during the Shravan month (July/August) accordingto Gregorian calendar.
This year Nag Panchami falls on 7th August 2016. It is believed that the snakes have been the savoir of human race from demons; also the earth is balanced on thehead of Shesh Naag.
Stories related to Naag PanchamiIt is said that long before Aryans arrived in India there was a clan named Nagaas. It is said that snake worship was quite popularamong them and it can be proved from the evidences derived from Indus Valley civilization of 3000 B.C. After the Naga culture gradually got incorporated into Hinduism,The indo Aryans also started accepting many of the snake deities as their Gods.
There are some more reasons because of which Hindus have a special position and respect for snakes. In Hindu religion, the thousand-headed Shesh Nag symbolizesEternity and holds the entire spherical earth on it head. Also, the Shesh Nag is a resting couch for lord Vishnu who is a part of the Hindu male Trinity(Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are the other two). Lord Shiva wears snake as his ornament around his neck. A popular legend says that Lord Balram who was the elder Brother of Lord Krishna was the incarnation ofShesh Naag on earth. These many things make it even more important for Hindus to worship snakes.
Buddhists and Jains have a special position for snakes in their culture. For them the snake is a sacred creature with divine qualities. It is because some of theirancient text says that the snake Cobra saved the life of Buddha and the Jain Muni Parshwanath.
The famous author, Kautilya, mentioned in great detail about cobras in his work "Arthashastra". It was also a widely popular belief in ancient India that if theyworship snakes, they won't cause harm to them and their family. Although, there is no specific reason as to why Naag Panchami is observed in India. But it’s beena very long that people are worshiping snakes with religious significance and social importance.
Start a Conversation
Post comment