In Pics: Nag being worshiped at Nag Pokhari

KATHMANDU: Shrawan Shukla Panchami means today Nag Panchami. Hindus are celebrating Nag Panchami today by worshiping nag or snakes at home. Similarly, nag worship is also performed in various Tal Talaiyas today.

Today, snakes and scorpions are worshiped by pasting pictures of snakes on the front door of the house. There is a popular belief that worshiping poisonous creatures like snakes on Nag Panchami reduces the fear of snakes. In the valley, today fairs are held at Basuki of Pashupati, Nag Pokhari of Naxal, Toudah of Chobhar, Nagdah of Lalitpur etc.

Last year, due to COVID-19, devotees worshiped outside the pond complex at Nag Pokhari in Naxal, Kathmandu. This time devotees are allowed to enter the pond area. Certain priests perform regular puja on the snake statue in the pond located here.

Legends

There are numerous legends and folklore stories in Hinduism that emphasize the significance of snake worship. Kashyapa, a grandson of the universal creator Lord Brahma, married two daughters of Prajapati Daksha, Kadru and Vinata, according to Hindu Puranas and the Mahabharata. Kadru then gave birth to the Naga race, while Vinata gave birth to Aruna, who became the sun god Surya’s charioteer, as well as the great eagle Garuda, who became Vishnu’s carrier.

Naga Panchami is also a day when Akhara, traditional Indian wrestling gyms, celebrate the mystical symbolism of the snake as a symbol of virility and kundalini energy.

In the picture, the snake worship performed at Nag Pokhari:-

-Saroj Basnet/MK