Shri Nag Panchami
Nagini
Nagas are semi-divine snake-like beings, capable of taking a human form. They tend to be very curious. According to traditions nāgas are only malevolent to humans when they have been mistreated. They are susceptible to mankind’s disrespectful actions in relation to the environment. They are also associated with waters—rivers, lakes, seas, and wells—and are generally regarded as guardians of natural treasure.
The Naga Shesha supports the Earth and serves as a bed for Lord Vishnu and his beloved consort, Lakshmi.
Vishnu and Lakshmi on Shesh Nag
According to legend, Mañjushri banished most of he Nagas from this Valley when he drained it, making it fit for advanced human civilization. The king of the Nagas, Karkotaka, took shelter with his tribe in the Tau Daha lake. There are stories of humans visiting his jeweled kingdom below.
Karkotaka-Nagaraj-at-Tau-Daha
Nag Panchami, the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravan, falls this year on August 1st. On this day people in the Valley (and also in much of India) worship the Naga serpent-gods who dwell half the year on earth, and the other half in the Patala underworld. Small painted pictures of Nagas are stuck with cow-dung over the thresholds of houses, and then worshipped with sacred Kusha grass, incense, lights, vermillion powder, and a food offering consisting usually of milk, or rice-water, honey, curds and boiled rice.
Nagas are believed to inhale stale air and exhale fresh air
Nagpanchami at Nag Pokhri
It is Important to honor the Nagas because they bring the nurturing rains to the Valley. Nagas are believed to inhale stale air and exhale fresh air, so that all living beings can thrive. They are environmentally corrective beings. Let us worship them with respect and devotion.
Here’s wishing you a wet and wild Nag Panchami!
Love & Pranams, Billy Forbes, Kathmandhu
