Mumbai: Nag Panchami, a significant festival in the Hindu calendar, is celebrated each year on the fifth day (Panchami Tithi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Sawan. This year, devotees across India will mark the occasion by offering reverence to serpent deities (Nag Devta) and performing special pujas dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to Hindu beliefs, worshipping Nag Devta on this day invokes the blessings of Lord Mahadev and helps in attaining relief from the feared astrological affliction known as Kaal Sarp Dosh.
It is considered especially auspicious to offer specific items to the Shivling on Nag Panchami. These offerings are said to please Lord Shiva, remove obstacles in life, bring success in education and career, improve health, and cleanse karmic debts. If performed with devotion, these rituals are believed to bring long-lasting peace, prosperity, and protection from snake-related doshas (defects) in the horoscope.
What to Offer on the Shivling This Nag Panchami
1. Honey
Offering honey on the Shivling is believed to attract financial prosperity. On Nag Panchami, devotees who anoint the Shivling with honey are said to experience success in examinations, improved health, and freedom from diseases.
2. Raw Milk
If your horoscope contains Kaal Sarp Dosh, it is strongly recommended to pour raw milk over the Shivling on this day, preferably during Brahma Muhurat (early morning). This ritual is associated with professional success and relief from astrological challenges.
3. Datura (Thorn Apple)
This sacred plant is dear to Lord Shiva. Offering Datura on the Shivling on Nag Panchami is said to fulfil wishes and eliminate financial difficulties.
4. Belpatra (Bael Leaves)
Belpatra holds special significance in Shiva worship. Offering these leaves on Nag Panchami is believed to eliminate monetary hardships and attract divine blessings.
5. Akshat, Chandan & Flowers
Rice grains (Akshat), sandalwood paste (Chandan), and fresh flowers may also be offered to the Shivling. Devotees are advised to apply a tripundra (three horizontal lines) of sandalwood to the Shivling as a mark of devotion.
6. Black Sesame Seeds
Performing an abhishek (ritual bathing) of the Shivling with water mixed with black sesame seeds is considered powerful for removing Kaal Sarp Dosh. This act is believed to cleanse past karmas and bring spiritual upliftment.
Remedies to Remove Kaal Sarp Dosh on Nag Panchami
- Recite the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and perform a full puja of Lord Shiva.
- Flow a silver or copper idol of a serpent couple (Nag-Nagin) in a holy river.
- Offer water to a Peepal tree and circumambulate it seven times.
- Donate black blankets or other essential items to the poor and needy.
(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not endorse or validate these claims.)