Comprehensive Guide on How to Worship Sheshnag in Hinduism
Worshiping Sheshnag, a divine serpent in Hindu mythology, is considered auspicious for seeking protection, wisdom, and strength. The rituals around this puja focus on simplicity, devotion, and eco-friendly practices, emphasizing purity and environmental awareness.
1. Cleanliness and Preparation
Before beginning any puja, cleanliness and mental purity are paramount in Hindu rituals.
Body and Mind Purification: Start with a bath to cleanse the body. During this, wear clean, preferably new clothes. Mentally, calm the mind by sitting in meditation for a few minutes.
House and Puja Space: Ensure the place where the puja is to be performed is clean and organized. Wash the floor with water and, if possible, sprinkle Ganga Jal (holy water from the Ganges) to purify the space.
2. Timing of the Puja
Preferred Time: Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) is ideal for worshiping Sheshnag, typically between 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM. However, evening puja is also acceptable, especially after sunset.
Days for Special Significance: Worship on Nag Panchami is particularly powerful, as it is the traditional festival dedicated to serpent deities like Sheshnag.
3. Attire – What Color Clothes to Wear
White or Yellow: White symbolizes purity and is often recommended for any form of spiritual worship. Yellow represents sanctity and devotion. Both colors are ideal for performing the Sheshnag puja.
Avoid synthetic or silk fabrics, opting instead for natural fibers like cotton or khadi to align with eco-friendly principles.
4. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly & Traditional)
Use traditional and biodegradable items to minimize environmental impact.
- Sheshnag Murti or Image: A clay or metal idol of Sheshnag, avoiding plastic or synthetic materials.
- Kalash (Water Vessel): Filled with clean water and a few drops of Ganga Jal.
- Eco-Friendly Puja Thali: Made of metal (bronze, copper) or banana leaves for placing items.
- Flowers: Use fresh flowers like jasmine, lotus, and hibiscus. Avoid plastic or synthetic flowers.
- Beetal Leaves & Durva Grass: As offerings.
- Sandalwood Paste: Made naturally from sandalwood powder.
- Akshat (Unbroken Rice): Natural rice grains.
- Deepam (Oil Lamp): A brass or clay lamp with cotton wicks, lit using sesame oil or ghee.
- Camphor (Kapoor): Natural camphor for Aarti.
- Fruits: Preferably seasonal and local.
- Turmeric and Kumkum: Natural, organic powders.
5. Simple Steps of Sheshnag Puja
Invoke Lord Ganesha: Before starting the Sheshnag puja, invoke Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles by reciting the mantra:
- "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah"
Preparation of Puja Thali: Arrange all items such as flowers, fruits, incense, and diya on the eco-friendly thali.
Placing the Idol/Image: Place the idol or image of Sheshnag on a clean surface, like a platform or altar. Surround it with fresh flowers and Durva grass.
Offering Water (Abhishekam): Perform abhishekam (ritual bath) with clean water (or Ganga Jal), milk, and then water again.
Offerings:
- Flowers and Durva Grass: Place these around the idol.
- Sandalwood Paste: Apply sandalwood paste on the forehead of the idol or image.
- Incense and Lamp: Light the incense sticks and oil lamp, waving them in a circular motion in front of the deity.
Prasad Offering: Offer fruits, betel leaves, and sweets made for the puja as Prasad (food blessed by the deity).
Chanting Mantras and Prayers: Recite Sheshnag mantras for blessings and protection:
- "Om Anantaya Namah" (Salutation to the infinite one)
- "Anantam Vaijayantam ca Seshaṃ ca Garuḍaṃ Tathā Sva-Kṛtāṃśena teṣāṃ ca Kṛṣṇas Tu Bhagavān Svayam"
You can also read excerpts from the Vishnu Sahasranama as Sheshnag is closely linked to Lord Vishnu.
Aarti: Perform Aarti by waving the lamp (Deepam) and camphor in circular motions before the deity. Sing a traditional aarti song or simply recite:
- "Om Jai Jagadish Hare"
Silent Prayer: Sit in silence after the Aarti and meditate on Sheshnag’s qualities, asking for strength, protection, and wisdom.
6. Prasad to Be Prepared
Prepare simple, eco-friendly sweets or food offerings (Prasad) such as:
- Kheer (Rice Pudding): Made with milk, rice, and jaggery.
- Panchamrit: A mixture of milk, honey, ghee, curd, and sugar.
- Fruits: Any seasonal fruit can be offered.
Make sure to prepare the food items in a clean environment and with devotion.
7. How to Conclude the Puja
Final Prayers: Thank Sheshnag for blessings by chanting the final mantra:
- "Om Sarvamangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike, Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute."
Offer Water: Sprinkle a few drops of water around the puja area to signify purification and completion.
Distribute Prasad: Share the prepared Prasad with family, friends, and even animals or birds as a form of gratitude.
8. Importance and Benefits of Sheshnag Worship
Protection and Stability: Worshiping Sheshnag ensures the devotee receives protection from negative energies, misfortunes, and obstacles in life.
Wisdom and Knowledge: Sheshnag symbolizes the cosmic balance and the infinite wisdom of the universe. Devotees often experience mental clarity and spiritual insight after the puja.
Spiritual Growth: Regular worship promotes discipline, focus, and growth in spiritual practices.
9. What to Do with Puja Leftover Items (Eco-Friendly Disposal)
Flowers and Organic Items: Collect used flowers, Durva grass, and other biodegradable materials in a compostable bag. These can be added to a home compost pile or buried in the soil to return to nature.
Ashes and Lamp Wicks: If you used oil lamps or camphor, the ashes can be sprinkled in a garden or in flowing water, like a river, as a sign of respect to nature.
Water: The leftover water from the Kalash can be poured on plants or trees as a form of blessing and eco-friendly disposal.
Prasad: Ensure no food is wasted. Share the Prasad with family or distribute it to the needy, as it is considered blessed food.
Worshiping Sheshnag with devotion, purity, and eco-friendly practices not only benefits the worshiper spiritually but also promotes environmental sustainability. It connects us deeply with nature and the divine forces, symbolizing the protection and wisdom embodied by Sheshnag.