Nag Panchami at Nag Pokhari in Bhaktapur (photos)
Nag worship was first practised throughout the Vedic period. Nag is regarded the king of snakes in Vedic mythology.
KATHMANDU: Nag Panchami, which is observed every year on the day of Shrawan Shukla Panchami, is observed today by worshipping the snake and hanging it on the main door of the house.
It is religiously believed that by pasting a Nag painting in the house, you would be protected from snakes, snakes, and scorpions all year long, as well as the dread of fire, clouds, and lightning.
Nag worship was first practised throughout the Vedic period. Nag is regarded the king of snakes in Vedic mythology.
Water will be scarce if the Nag is enraged, hence there is a custom of worshipping the serpent for water as well.
This day is also known for Naga Puja, as recorded in the Varaha Purana, when Brahma had a talk with Nagaraja on Shrawan Shukla Panchami.
There are Nags in every house. The tradition of worshipping snakes has also been continued in the religious belief that if the snakes sitting under the foundation of the house move, the foundation of the house will collapse. The practice of considering Nagas as Vishnu and Shiva has existed since the Vedic Sanatan period.
As Lord Shiva wears a garland of snakes and Lord Vishnu sleeps on the bed of the rest of the snakes on the bed covered with a straw umbrella, both the gods are considered as snakes. On this day, there is a special crowd of devotees in Nagpokhari, Nagdah and Nagpokhari of Bhaktapur in the valley.
