क्यों मनाई जाती है नागपंचमी | नागपंचमी कथा | Why is Nagpanchami celebrated | Naarad Vani | नारद वाणी

Summary

The script narrates the mythological origins of Nag Panchami, a Hindu festival celebrated in the month of Sawan. It tells the story of Kadru, the mother of serpents, who cursed her sons to burn to ashes during the snake sacrifice by King Janamejaya. The curse was a result of a deceptive bet with Vinita over the color of a horse's tail. The script also explains the significance of milk offerings to snakes on this day, as well as fascinating facts about the physical characteristics and life cycle of serpents, including their growth and the number of their invisible feet.

Takeaways

• 🇮🇳 India is a country with diverse festivals celebrated by various religions and communities, especially in Hinduism.
• 🌟 Nag Panchami is a significant festival celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Sawan.
• 📜 The story behind Nag Panchami is rooted in mythology, involving characters like Kadru, the mother of serpents, and her offspring.
• 🐍 The tale narrates a bet between Kadru and Vinita over the color of a horse's tail, which leads to a curse and a prophecy.
• 👑 The curse foretells a future king, Janamejaya, from the Pandava dynasty, who will perform a snake sacrifice that will affect the serpents.
• 🐉 The serpents seek Brahma's intervention, who assures them of a savior in the form of a sage who will stop the sacrifice.
• 🙏 The sage, as prophesied, protects the people and stops the snake sacrifice, which is celebrated as Nag Panchami.
• 🌿 The festival is a day of special celebration in the serpent world, with a belief that snakes are not afraid of milk offerings on this day.
• 🍼 The practice of offering milk to snakes on Nag Panchami is believed to bring protection from snake bites.
• 🦄 The script also delves into the anatomy of snakes, including the belief that their teeth and fangs change color over time.
• 📖 The story concludes with a reminder that more mysteries and secrets related to Nag Panchami are to be explored in future episodes.

Q & A

What is the significance of Nag Panchami in Hindu culture?

Nag Panchami is a significant festival in Hindu culture celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Shravan. It is dedicated to the worship of snakes.

Who is Nagmata Kadru, and what is her story?

Nagmata Kadru is a daughter of Daksha Prajapati and the wife of Maharishi Kashyap. She is known for having a thousand snake sons. The story involves her placing a bet with her sister Vinita about the color of a horse's hair, leading to a series of events where she tries to deceive her way to victory.

What role do Kadru's sons play in her scheme?

Kadru's sons refuse to participate in her deceitful scheme to make the horse's hair appear black by coiling around it, arguing that it is immoral.

What curse does Kadru place on her sons, and what is its significance?

Kadru curses her sons to be burnt and destroyed in the serpent sacrifice of King Janamejaya. This curse sets the stage for the future involvement of Astika Muni, who ultimately saves them.

Who is Astika Muni, and what role does he play in the story?

Astika Muni is a sage born from the union of Kadru's descendants and a Brahmin. He plays a crucial role in stopping King Janamejaya's serpent sacrifice, thereby saving the snakes from extinction.

Why is the day of Nag Panchami considered special for snakes?

Nag Panchami is considered special because it is believed that on this day, Astika Muni saved the snakes from King Janamejaya's sacrifice. It is also a day when snakes are worshipped to seek protection from snakebites.

What are some rituals performed on Nag Panchami?

Rituals include offering milk to snakes, performing poojas, and making symbolic images of snakes from clay or dough, which are then worshipped.

What is the significance of offering milk to snakes on Nag Panchami?

Offering milk to snakes on Nag Panchami is believed to appease them and protect devotees from snakebites. It is also considered a way to honor and show respect to the snake deities.

What does the story from the Bhavishya Purana mention about the creation of snakes?

The Bhavishya Purana mentions that Kadru received a boon from Maharishi Kashyap to have a thousand snake sons, making her the mother of all snakes.

What is the lifespan and physical characteristics of snakes according to the Bhavishya Purana?

According to the Bhavishya Purana, snakes have a lifespan of up to 120 years if they survive various threats. They are said to have 240 tiny legs, similar to the hairs of a cow, which are not visible to the naked eye.