####****II Nag Panchmi : The Festival of Snakes II****####

 II Nag Panchmi : The Festival of Snakes II

On the fifth day of the bright half of Shravan people worship the snake, “nag”. The day is known as “Nag Panchami”. Naga Panchami is the festival of snakes celebrated on the fifth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Shriven. The festival falls during the rainy months and is believed to counter the increased possibility of a snake bite during this time. People visit temples specially dedicated to snakes and worship them. Shiva temples are also favoured places for veneration as snakes are considered dear to him. In South India, people craft images of snakes using cow dung on either side of the entrance to the house to welcome the snake god. Some go to worship the snake which is believed to be hiding in the holes of anthills. Or else a five hood snake is made by mixing “gandh” (a fragrant pigment), “halad-kumkum” (turmeric powder), “chandan” (sandal) and “keshar” (saffron) and placed on a metal plate and worshipped. This practice of worshipping the snake on this day is related to the following story.

The Snake and the Farmer----     A farmer was ploughing his field. At the edge of the field there was an anthill which he inadvertently destroyed with the plough, and thus the young serpents that were hiding in it were killed. The mother snake had casually gone out. When she came back she could not find her young ones. At last she found them cut into pieces. She was furious and understood that the farmer had killed them. She was bent on taking revenge.

At night when the farmer was sleeping with his wife and children, the snake came full of anger. She began to bite the feet of the farmer, and then one by one the feet of his wife and children. All began to cry. But the eldest daughter happened to be out of the house that night. Then the snake remembered that on the occasion of her wedding, the girl had gone to the house of her father-in-law. “I will not spare her either,” the snake resolved.

The snake ran towards the neighbouring village. She stopped before the door of a house, and saw a young girl inside. She recognized her as the farmer’s eldest daughter. The snake went in determined to bite her. But then she saw the young girl with joint hands worshipping the snake she had made out of “gandh”, and the nine “nagkule” (young snakes). She had offered them “nagane” (gram soaked and parched), “lahya” (rice blown out by parching), and “durva” (grass sacred to Ganpati), and she was praying with great devotion, “O God Snake, don’t be angry if I have committed any mistake. Accept my worship. Look after my people at home and in my father-in-law’s house. Do not bite anyone. Forgive any fault we may have committed inadvertently.”

With this the snake was pleased and came before the girl. She opened her eyes and got frightened at the sight of the snake. But the snake said, “Don’t be afraid. I shall not bite you. Tell me who you are and where your house is.” Then the snake knew well that the girl was the farmer’s daughter and felt very sorry for having killed all her people.

The snake told the girl what had happened, but told her not to cry. She gave her some nectar and told her to sprinkle it on her dead people, and with this they all came back to life.

Krishna and the Kaliya Snake---     Nag Panchami is also connected with the following legend of Krishna. Young Krishna was playing with the other cowboys, when suddenly the ball got entangled in the high branch of a tree. Krishna volunteered to climb the tree and fetch the ball. But below the tree there was a deep part of the river Yamuna, in which the terrible snake Kaliya was living. Everybody was afraid of that part of the river.

Suddenly Krishna fell from the tree into the water. Then that terrible snake came up. But Krishna was ready and jumping on the snake’s head he caught it by the neck. Kaliya understood that Krishna was not an ordinary boy, and that it would not be easy to overcome him. So Kaliya pleaded with Krishna: “Please, do not kill me.” Krishna full of compassion asked the snake to promise that henceforth he would not harass anybody. Then he let the snake go free into the river again.

On Nag Panchami day the victory of Krishna over the Kaliya snake is commemorated. For this reason Krishna is known as “Kaliya Mardan”. Snakes are believed to like milk. As this is the day of the serpents, devotees pour milk into all the holes in the ground around the house or near the temple to propitiate them. Sometimes, a small pot of milk with some flowers is placed near the holes so that the snakes may drink it. If a snake actually drinks the milk, it is considered to be extremely lucky for the devotee. The festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm by all, especially women.

As most rivers in India are in spate during the month of Shriven, poisonous snakes come out of their subterranean abodes and creep about in plenty all over the place. Many also float on flooded rivers running through the countryside. Mortality from snakebites must have been considerable to prompt people to worship the nagas to seek protection from them. Because of the fear, nagas were elevated to a divine status by the Hindus. The serpents are believed to have the capability to change their shape at will. When in human form, they are depicted as beautiful women and handsome men.

Naga Panchami is observed indifferent ways in different parts of India. It is one of the most ancient fasts, and finds mention in the Puranas. It is believed to be one of the most auspicious days of the entire year. According to the Bhavishya Purana, when men bathe the snakes called Vasuki, Takshaka, Kaliya, Manibhadra, Airavata, Dhritarashtra, Karkotaka and Dhananjaya with milk on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Shriven, they ensure freedom from danger for their families.

In some parts of southern India, figures of snakes are drawn with red sandalwood paste on wooden boards, or clay images of snakes coloured yellow or black are purchased. These are then worshipped and offered milk. Snake charmers wander about with all sorts of snakes, to which people offer milk. The snake charmers are paid some money for allowing this Serpent worship developed gradually from the fear of serpents that must have taken a heavy toll on life, particularly at the beginning of the rainy season. In the Ashvalayana Grihyasutra, the Paraskara Grihyasutra and other Grihyasutras, a rite called Sarpabali or 'offerings to serpents' was performed on the full moon night of Shriven. However the reason that it was moved from the full moon night to that of the fifth night of the bright fortnight is not apparent. It may be due to the slight change in the time of the onset of the rains.

 

 

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Nāg Panchamī (Devanagari: नाग पंचमी) is a festival during which religious Hindus in some parts of India worship either images of or live Nāgas (cobras) on the fifth day after Amavasya of the month of Shraavana. Traditionally, married young women visit their premarital households to celebrate the festival. Especially in villages in India, a traditional aspect of the celebration involves joyous swinging by young women on swings temporarily hung on tree branches.

According to Puranic mythology, Brahma’s son Kashyapa had four wives. The “first” wife gave birth to Devas; the second, to Garudas; the third --named Kadroo--, to Nāgas; and the fourth, to Daityas. Nāgas were the rulers of Pātāl-Loka.

The following Sanskrit names of Eight Great Nāgas, namely, Ananta, Vāsuki, Padmanābha, Kambala, Shankhapāla, Dhārtarāshtra, Takshaka, and Kaliya:

अनन्तं वासुकिं शेषं पद्मनाभं च कम्बलम् |
शंखपालं धार्तराष्ट्रं तक्षकं कालियं तथा ||

Transliteration: Anantam Vāsukim Shesham Padmanābham cha Kambalam; Shankhapālam Dhārtarāshtram Takshakam Kāliyam tathā

According to mythology, Lord Krishna had conquered Naga Kālia and put an end to his evil deeds on Nāga Panchamī. According to one mythology, theKathmandu valley used to be a vast lake. When human beings started to drain the lake to make space for settlements, Nagas became enraged. To protect themselves against the wrath of Nagas, people gave the latter certain areas as pilgrimage destinations, restoring thus harmony in nature.

According to another mythology, a king used his Tantric powers to force Nagas to return to the land rains which they had taken away. The Nagas gave in to the king’s Tantric power, but in recognition of their power to control rains, the king established Naga Panchami festival.

During the festival, Nepalese traditionally post pictures of Nagas above the doors of their homes to ward off evil spirits, offer prayers to Nagas, and place food items such as milk and honey in their fields for Nagas. A few men wearing demon masks dance in the streets as a part of a ritual. Hindus in Nepalhave their own myths and legends surrounding Nagas, which lead them to celebrate Nāga Panchamī on a large scale....

In South India----

On this day married women and the girls wake up early in the morning, take head bath, arrange the things necessary for puja and start to reach a nearest AntHill(Snake's Home). They offer puja and Milk to the Ant Hill and pray to Snake God(Indian Cobra - Lord Subramanya's Incarnation) for the Wellness of their brothers and their family. This day is like RakshaBandhan for South Indian Hindus. If there is no AntHill nearby, they offer milk and puja to the snake statues erected in the nearby temples. A portion of Milk taken for puja is taken back home and offered to everyone at home as prasadam(Thirtham).

They invite their brothers to their home. They immerse a flower in the left over milk and apply it on their brothers' back and perform Arathi for their Wellbeing. They also gift them as per their wish and also the brothers of the women wish for their wellbeing and gift them as per their wish.

Sweets like Kadubu(Kannada, Kudumulu in Telugu), Nuchununde(Kannada, Kanduntalu in Telugu - A spicy item made of dal cooked in steam) are prepared, offered to Lord and then distributed. This festival is observed on the fifth day of Shravana month of Hindu Lunar Calendar after the amavasya of Ashada month.

This festival tries to bring the Married Women and their Brothers together for family welfare.

Nair: Nagavanshi Kshatriya Clan----

--Nairs, the indigenous inhabitants of Kerala State are one of the nagavanshi kshatriya clans in India. The name of the capital city of Kerala State itself is one of the pointing evidence. The name of the city is Thiruvananthapuram (Thiru-Anantha-Puram), which is derived from The Great Anantha Naga who is also known as Great Serpent Adishesha . Nair families maintain Sarpakavu in all main houses. The region of kerala itself was known as Patala-Loka in antient times. The AnanthaPadmanabha Swami Kshetram is another landmark of Thiruvananthapuram where the deity Mahavishnu is in eternal rest over Anantha The Great Serpent. The expertise in The Martial Art "Kalarippayattu" stands as bestowed quality of Nairs to be the rulers of Patala-Loka.....

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NAGA DOSHAM-----

Who is not afraid of snakes? So also we are scared about these two, Naga Dosham and K

alasarpa Dosham. But there is no need for such fear. Read this Article, Learn about Naga Dosham, and your fears will take leave of you. If the Girl and Boy horoscopes are matched properly, there is no need to worry.

Now we will see what is Naga Dosham?

HOW TO IDENTIFY NAGA DOSHAM IN A HOROSCOPE.

In the Rasi Chart of the Horoscope, if RAHU or KETHU are found in Lagnam & 2 - 4 - 5 - 7 - 8 -12th houses from Lagnam or Chandran Naga Dosham is present.

WHAT ARE THE ILL EFFECTS OF NAGA DOSHAM ?1st & 2nd House.

1. Rahu or Kethu in 2nd place from Lagnam or Chandran may lead to difference of opinions , small small fights, Peace and Happiness at home will be disturbed,. In extreme cases it may lead to Separation either temporarily or permanently.

4th House.

2. Rahu or Kethu in the 4th house may be the reason for Chest pain or ailment, wife's ill health, and unhappy married life.

In some cases it can also lead to Disputes about Property.
5th House

3. Rahu or Kethu from lagnam or Chandran in 5th house is also Naga Dosham. This can lead to Abortion and affect the prospects of getting Children. But if the 5th House Owner (Adhipathi) is in association with a friendly planet, this bad effect will reduce and will give way for begetting children.

7th House

4. Rahu or Kethu in 7th hose from Lagnam or Chandran is KALATHRA Dosham. This may affect wife's health, Misunderstanding and fighting between the Couple. In some cases it can lead to separation. But if the 7th house Adhipathi or Sukran are strong and friend

ly Kalatra Dosham will disappear.

8th House

5. Presence of Rahu or Kethu in the 8th house from Lagnam or Rasi is also Naga Dosham. Because of this one may suffer from Health related problems or Bites from Poisonous creatures. There could also be misunderstanding and fights between the couple. In extreme cases separation of the couple could happen. But if the 8th house is looked at by a good planet or if the 8th House Adhipathi is strong these bad effects will disappear.

12th House

6. Rahu or Kethu in the 12th place from Lagnam and Rasi is also Naga Dosham. Due to this infighting in the family, wasteful Expenditure, sufferings from ill health and ailments, Poisonous bites from insects, could happen. But if the 12th house Adhipathi is strong or if the 12th house is seen by a good

Planet their will be relief from the bad effects.

NAGA DHOSHAM AND MARRIAGE COMPATIBILITY

1. Naga Dosham is NOT present in both Girl and Boy horoscopes. Marriage will be recommended.

2. Naga Dosham is present for Boy and Girl. Marriage can be Recommended.

3. Naga Dosham is seen in Boy's Horoscope and not in Girl horoscope. Marriage cannot be
Recommended.

4. In a Boy's horoscope Rahu or Kethu is in 2-4-7-8-0r 12th place, but it is being looked at by a Sacred planet.

For this Girl's horoscope with or without Naga Dosham Can be matched and marriage Recommended.

But this will be Madhyamam. Good and Bad will be mixed in the married life of this couple.

CONCLUSION

Persons with Naga Dosham in their horoscope should go to the Temple in Kalahasthi, Thirunallar, or Thirunageswaram and do special Pooja / prayer to get rid of the ill effects of Naga Dosham.

KALASARPA DOSHAM------

WHAT IS KALASARPA DOSHAM

You are aware that that there are 12 houses in the Rasi Chart of a horoscope. Each house is
30degrees. Total 12x30=360Degrees. Rahu and Kethu will always be 180degrees apart. Now when all the other 7 Grahams. (Sun-Moon-Jupiter-Venus-Saturn, Mercury & Mars) and Lagnam are within 180 degrees or on one side of Rahu & Kethu, it is known as Kalasarpa Dosham. Some people call it as Kalasarpa Yogam. On the other side of Rahu & Kethu 5 houses should be vacant. There should not be any Graham in these 5 houses. Even if one house is occupied there will be No Kalasarpa Dosham.

See the examples given below.

EXAMPLES OF KALASARPA DOSHAM IN HOROSCOPES

Fig.1

This example shows Rahu and Kethu 180 degrees apart.

The Positions of Rahu and Kethu will be different in many

Horoscopes, but it will always be opposite each other.

Fig.2

Sun - Guru - Lagnam - Sukran - Sani - Chandran - Chevvai -

Budhan are in Right side of Rahu & Kethu.

X X X X X > 5 houses on Left side are vacant.

Fig.3

Sukran and Budhan are on the left side of Rahu & Kethu.

Sun-Guru-Sani-Lagnam-Chandran & Chevvai are on Right side.

Grahams are on Both sides of Rahu & Kethu.

When one or more Grahams are seen in both sides of Rahu &

Kethu there is No Kalasarpa Dosham.

CONCLUSION

Kalasarpa Dosham will be present in many Horoscopes. Such persons should go to Khalahasthi, Thirunallar or Thirunageswaram and perform special Pooja / Milk Abishekam to clear the ill effects of Kalasarpa Dosham.

The concerned person should visit one of the 3 places and do the Pooja / Prayer. Doing this by Proxy will not ward off the Dosham. It is enough to do this once.

We hope your doubts and fears about Kalasarpa Dosham must have cleared after reading this article.

However if you still need any clarification you may consult your Astrologer

RAHU AND KETHU In many of the Girl or Boy horoscopes Rahu or Kethu will be in Lagnam. For such horoscopes it will be better to select horoscopes with Rahu or Kethu in Lagnam and compare the Horoscopes as usual.