Mathura 2016.08.08 (VT): Nag Panchami was celebrated grandly in Mathura yesterday. Temple, homes, ashrams and maths all worshiped Nag Devata (Lord of Snakes) and offered them milk. Snake charmers were also offered donations in cash and kind during the occasion. A small fete was also organised at Nag Tila located at Kampu Ghat.
Nag Panchami is a traditional worship of snakes or serpents observed by Hindus. The worship is offered on the “Shukla Paksh Panchami” (fifth day of bright half of the lunar month) of Shravan, according to the Hindu calendar.
The abode of snakes is believed to be Patal loka, (the seven realms of the universe located below the earth) and the lowest of them is also called Naga-loka, the region of the Nagas, as part of the creation force and their blessings are sought for the welfare of the family. Serpent deities made of silver, stone or wood, or paintings of snakes on the wall are given a bath with milk and then revered.
People started celebrating Nag Panchmi early at their homes yesterday. Women made sketches of snakes on walls from black colour mixed with milk. These snakes were then worshiped by offerings of milk and fruits.
Devotees also worshipped and encircled the Nag Devta situated at the Nag Tila in Kampu Ghat. The temple was decorated with flowers with the diety of nag devta situated in the middle of it.
Dola Baba of Shri Vidya Peet performed “Kal Sarp Yoga Shanti Yagya”at his Shreeji temple. Religious mentor of Dwarikadheesh temple Jyotirvid Ajay Telang too did the yagya at Garud Govind temple to celebrate the festival.
Celebration at Kaliya Mardan temple during Nag Panchmi
Tourism Minister Om Prakash with Mr. Vineet Narayan worshipping at Kaliya Mardan temple, Jaint Village
The Braj Foundation also organised a small celebration at the Kaliya Mardan temple located at Jaint village near Chattikara. The celebration was organised to mark the Nag Panchmi festival, and was inaugurated by the State Tourism Minister Om Prakash.
The Minister also announced a financial help of four crore rupees for the restoration of Jay Kund at Ajayvan.
A shobha yatra was also organised with Thakur Shrinath Ji sitting in a palanquin. Later on Mr. Om Prakash also worshipped the Lord and took his blessings.
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