Worshiping Nag Devata (Serpent God) holds great significance in Hinduism. The Nagas, or serpent deities, are believed to protect people from evil and bring prosperity. Worshiping Nag Devata is especially prominent during festivals like Nag Panchami, but you can also offer prayers on regular days. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the essential elements of worshiping Nag Devata, including cleanliness, puja materials, eco-friendly practices, and simple steps for the ritual.
1. Cleanliness and Time of Worship
Before starting any puja, maintaining personal and environmental cleanliness is vital.
- Personal Hygiene: Bathe before starting the puja. Ensure your clothes are clean, preferably freshly washed.
- Home or Puja Area Cleanliness: Clean the area where you intend to perform the puja, ideally near a snake mound or temple. If at home, create a sacred corner with a picture or idol of Nag Devata.
- Auspicious Time: Worship can be performed on any auspicious day, but early morning is preferred. For Nag Panchami, consult a priest or calendar for the exact muhurat (auspicious time).
2. What to Wear
- Color of Clothes: Light-colored clothes, especially yellow or white, are considered auspicious. These colors symbolize purity and devotion.
- Avoid Black: Black is generally avoided in most Hindu rituals as it is associated with negative energies.
3. Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required
It is important to use traditional and eco-friendly materials to preserve the environment and follow age-old customs. Here’s a list of the basic puja items:
- Nag Devata idol or picture: Use a clay or metal idol, or simply use a symbolic drawing.
- Water: For offering and cleaning purposes.
- Milk: As Nagas are fond of milk; use fresh and organic milk.
- Honey, Ghee (clarified butter), and Curd: For offering in a small quantity.
- Turmeric powder, Kumkum (vermilion), and Sandalwood paste: These are essential for tilak (marking the idol) and puja.
- Flowers: Offer fresh, eco-friendly flowers like lotus, jasmine, or marigold.
- Fruits: Seasonal fruits for prasad like bananas, mangoes, or coconuts.
- Bilva (Bael) leaves: Considered sacred and are offered during the puja.
- Incense sticks (Agarbatti): Made from natural products like sandalwood or herbs.
- Camphor (Kapoor): For performing the aarti (ritual of light).
- Earthen lamp (Diya): Made from clay, filled with ghee for lighting.
- Rice grains (Akshat): Used during the offering.
- Betel leaves and betel nuts: Symbolize prosperity and are offered during the puja.
- Sweets: Prepare eco-friendly sweets at home like jaggery-based laddus or kheer.
4. Simple Steps for Nag Devata Puja
The puja process is simple and meaningful if done with devotion:
- Purify Yourself: Bathe and wear clean clothes.
- Prepare the Puja Area: Clean the space, and arrange all the puja items neatly.
- Light the Lamp: Light the earthen lamp (Diya) filled with ghee.
- Invoke Nag Devata: Close your eyes and silently pray to Nag Devata, asking for protection and blessings.
- Offer Water: Sprinkle some water on yourself and around the puja area to purify it.
- Abhishekam (Ritual Bath): Pour water, milk, honey, ghee, and curd over the Nag Devata idol or symbolically at the snake mound (if outdoors). This is a sacred bath, believed to please the deity.
- Apply Tilak: Mix turmeric, kumkum, and sandalwood paste to offer as a tilak to the deity.
- Offer Flowers and Bilva Leaves: Place fresh flowers and bilva leaves at the feet of the idol or symbolic Nag Devata.
- Light Incense and Camphor: Light the incense sticks and offer the aromatic smoke to the deity. Then light camphor and perform aarti (circling the flame in front of the deity while chanting prayers).
- Chant Mantras and Prayers: Chant the following Nag Devata mantras:
Nag Devata Mantra:
Ananta Vasuki Shesha, Padmanabha Cha Kambala, Shankhapala Dhritarashtra, Takshaka Kaaliya Phani, Iti Ashtanam Naganam Cha, Patheyam Smarana Mangal.
This mantra invokes eight revered serpent deities and seeks their blessings.
- Offer Prasad: Place fruits, sweets, and other offerings (like kheer or laddus) in front of the deity.
- Perform Aarti: Conclude the puja by performing aarti with the lamp and camphor while chanting the mantras.
5. Prasad to be Prepared
Prepare simple and eco-friendly prasad at home, such as:
- Kheer: Made from rice, milk, and jaggery.
- Jaggery Laddus: Made from sesame seeds and jaggery.
- Fruits: Seasonal fruits like bananas and coconuts.
Ensure that the prasad is sattvic (pure), fresh, and made with devotion.
6. Mantras and Prayers
You can chant the following prayers for Nag Devata:
- Om Namah Shivaya (a mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva, often invoked during Nag worship).
- Nag Panchami Prayer: Acknowledge Nag Devata’s role in protecting you and express your gratitude.
7. Concluding the Puja
After the puja and aarti, conclude the ritual with:
- Offering Water: Sprinkle some water around and on yourself.
- Thank the Deity: Close your eyes and silently express gratitude to Nag Devata for protection and blessings.
- Distribute Prasad: Distribute the prasad among family members and neighbors.
8. What to Do With the Puja Leftover Items
It is essential to dispose of the puja items in an eco-friendly manner:
- Flowers and Organic Offerings: These can be composted or offered into a river (preferably only flowers and organic materials).
- Milk and Honey: If poured during abhishekam, it can be poured around a tree, snake mound, or garden.
- Camphor Ashes: Can be collected and disposed of in a flowerbed or natural place.
- Reuse Items: If you used an idol, clean it, and store it safely for future use. Avoid discarding idols in water bodies.
9. Importance and Benefits of Worshiping Nag Devata
- Protection: It is believed that worshiping Nag Devata shields you from the ill effects of Sarpa Dosha (planetary imbalances) and negative energies.
- Prosperity and Fertility: Worship of Nagas is closely linked to fertility and prosperity. It brings peace and prosperity to the household.
- Spiritual Growth: The serpent symbolizes the kundalini energy in Hinduism. Regular worship is believed to enhance spiritual growth and awaken the kundalini.
10. Benefits of Eco-Friendly Puja
- Respect for Nature: Using eco-friendly products helps protect the environment and honors the deities who are often associated with nature.
- Healthier: Traditional materials like organic milk, flowers, and fruits are healthier to handle and consume compared to chemical-laden products.
- Sustainability: This approach supports the sustainability of rituals for future generations without causing harm to the ecosystem.
By following this eco-friendly and spiritually enriching guide, you will not only honor Nag Devata but also contribute to a sustainable way of practicing Hindu rituals. Always remember that devotion is key, and simple, heartfelt worship holds more value than elaborate offerings. May Nag Devata bless you with protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth!