Nag Panchami – Extremely Important Day for Rahu and Ketu Shanti Homam
Nag Panchami (Sanskrit: नाग पंचमी) is a traditional worship offered to serpents. It is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravana (July/August) according to the Hindu calendar. This year, it falls on the 9th of August, 2024, based on where you live.
The meaning of Naga is vast and enormous, extending beyond snakes. The transformational forces within and around us are all forms of Nagas, representing pure awareness. The most significant is the Kundalini Shakti (coiled serpent) within us. Naga Panchami honours these transformational forces, not just the worship of snakes.
The Significance of Nag Panchami
The abode of snakes is believed to be Patala Loka, the seven realms of the universe located below the earth, with the lowest realm known as Naga-Loka. This region of the Nagas is part of the creative force, and their blessings are sought for family welfare.
Nagas were born to Sage Kashyapa, grandson of Lord Brahma. Kashyapa’s wife Aditi is the mother of the 12 Adityas of the Deva clan, and his other wife Kadru, daughter of Daksha, is the mother of thousands of nagas. Both Devas and Nagas share the same father, signifying that positive and negative energies coexist within us. We must learn to subdue our poisonous nature and nurture the goodness within.
The Lunar Nodes and Their Significance
Rahu and Ketu
The lunar nodes represent serpents: Rahu is connected to the sarpas and Ketu to the nagas. These mystical creatures are full of wisdom and hidden treasures. If you have issues related to Rahu & Ketu, such as Kaal Sarpa dosha or sarpa dosha, or if you are running Rahu or Ketu mahadasha or antar dasha, worshipping the Nagas, especially on Naga Panchami, can bring their blessings for balance and prosperity.
Naga Panchami Rituals
1. Worship Lord Shiva
Chant or meditate on the Shiva Panchakshari Stotram, which opens with “Nagendra Haaraya.” This stotram addresses Lord Shiva as the one who wears the excellent of snakes as his garland. The symbolism is that managing the Rahu-Ketu axis in your chart can be worn as an ornament.
2. Pranayama and Sudarshan Kriya
These practices help us experience the power of Kundalini Shakti within us, the most important among the nagas.
3. Honour the Jyotirlinga of Rahu and Ketu
Use the mantras “Aum Namah Shivaya Namo Nageshwaraya” for Rahu and “Aum Namah Shivaya Namo Viswanthaya” for Ketu.
4. Dietary Observances
Avoid non-vegetarian food and have a simple sattvic meal. Avoid fried food. Milk-based products are allowed. Fasting is also beneficial.
5. Feed the Less Fortunate
Serve sattvic food to those less fortunate. Avoid feeding toxic or poisonous food such as alcohol and non-vegetarian items, as Rahu and Ketu represent poisons.
6. Worship Lord Ganesha
Chant “Aum Gam Ganapataye Namaha” as Lord Ganesha is associated with Ketu.
7. Worship Goddess Durga
Use the mantra “Aum Dum Durgaye Namaha” as Goddess Durga is associated with Rahu.
8. Worship Lord Vishnu
Lord Vishnu can protect us from the evil effects of Rahu and Ketu. Remember the story of Samudra Manthan, where Lord Vishnu attacks the demon Svarbanu with his Sudarshan Chakra, splitting him into Rahu and Ketu. Offer incense (representing Vayu tattva) to Lord Vishnu.
9. Light a Lamp
Light a lamp (representing Agni tattva) and offer it to Lord Vishnu.
10. Meditate on Lord Kubera
Visualize Lord Kubera with a mongoose, the only animal that can defeat a snake. If you have Rahu/Ketu in the 2/8th axis in your horoscope, it is recommended to have a picture of Lord Kubera with a mongoose in your office.
11. Make a Donation
Naga Panchami is an auspicious day for making donations. If possible, donate to a priest or a temple.
Understanding Rahu and Ketu Shanti
Rahu and Life Goals
Rahu, a karmic planet, highlights the necessity to work on specific areas of life ignored in past lives. To balance apparent dissatisfaction, one must go the extra mile to achieve satisfactory settlement in the present lifetime.
Ketu and Spirituality
Ketu represents karmic collections, spirituality, and supernatural influences. It signifies the refinement of materialism into spirit, causing sorrow and loss but turning individuals towards God. Ketu brings prosperity, good health, and wisdom, granting good health, wealth, and cattle to devotees.
The Orbital Cycle of Rahu and Ketu
Rahu and Ketu have an 18-year orbital cycle, always positioned 180 degrees apart. They are always seven houses apart in birth charts, providing clues about current life goals versus past life issues. Their placement in our birth chart indicates significant life insights.
A Special Puja and Yagya on Naga Panchami
Rahu Ketu Shanti Yagya Homam
- Date: 29 July 2025
- Link: Online Naga Panchami Puja
- Book now: +91 9171314313
Conclusion
Naga Panchami is a profound day to honour the transformational forces within and around us, represented by Nagas. The rituals and practices associated with this day help balance the energies of Rahu and Ketu, bringing prosperity and spiritual growth. By observing these rituals and understanding the significance of Rahu and Ketu, we can harmonize the energies in our lives, leading to a balanced and fulfilling existence.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Naga Panchami?
Naga Panchami honours the transformational forces represented by Nagas and helps balance the energies of Rahu and Ketu.
2. How do Rahu and Ketu influence our lives?
Rahu and Ketu influence our life goals and spiritual growth, representing karmic lessons and balance.
3. What rituals are performed on Naga Panchami?
Rituals include worshipping Lord Shiva, practising Pranayama, honouring Rahu and Ketu, observing dietary restrictions, and making donations.
4. Why is Lord Vishnu worshipped on Naga Panchami?
Lord Vishnu is worshipped for his power to protect against the negative effects of Rahu and Ketu.
5. What is the importance of Kundalini Shakti in Naga Panchami?
Kundalini Shakti, the coiled serpent within us, represents the most important transformative force honoured on Naga Panchami.
