- By Kashish Rai
- Tue, 05 Nov 2024 10:40 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Nagula Chavithi 2024: A significant festival in Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka, Nagula Chavithi takes place four days after Deepavali Amavasya, during the Karthika month. Primarily observed by married women, this celebration honours the Serpent Gods, or Nag Devatas, seeking their blessings for the well-being and prosperity of their children. On this day, devotees worship live snakes as representatives of the revered serpent deities in Hinduism. It's believed that offerings made to snakes reach the serpent gods, ensuring their protection and goodwill. This ancient tradition promotes reverence for nature and its creatures. This year, Nagula Chavithi is being observed on 5th November 2024.
Nagula Chavithi 2024: Date And Time
Nagula Chavithi 2024 Date: 5th November 2024
Chavithi Tithi Begins: 11:24 PM, 4th November 2024
Chavithi Tithi Ends: 12:16 AM, 6th November 2024
Nagula Chavithi 2024: Shubh Muhurat
The Nagula Chavithi shubh muhurat for puja is from 10:59 AM to 01:10 PM.
Nagula Chavithi 2024: Significance
In Hinduism, snakes are revered as sacred symbols, and worshipping them is believed to reach the serpent gods. During Nagula Chavithi, devotees honour live snakes as representatives of these divine beings. Twelve prominent serpent gods are worshipped on this day, including:
Ananta, the infinite; Vasuki, the powerful; Shesha, the cosmic serpent;
Padma, the lotus-born; Kambala, the shell-bearer;
Karkotaka, the mountain-dweller;
Ashvatara, the horse-rider;
Dhritarashtra, the steadfast;
Shankhapala, the conch-protector;
Kaliya, the dark serpent;
Takshaka, the carpenter;
and Pingala, the golden-hued
These serpent gods are invoked through rituals and offerings, seeking their blessings and protection. By worshipping these deities, devotees pray for prosperity, good health, and happiness. Nagula Chavithi honours the sacred connection between humans and nature, recognizing the significance of snakes in Hindu mythology and their role in maintaining cosmic balance. This ancient tradition reinforces reverence and respect for all living creatures.
Nagula Chavithi honours Serpent Gods, seeking blessings for children's well-being and prosperity, observed by married women after Deepavali. (Image Source: Freepik)
Nagula Chavithi 2024: Rituals
On Nagula Chavithi, devotees wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes. They prepare a special puja area, decorating it with flowers, leaves, and rangoli designs. Married women fast from dawn to dusk, praying for their children's well-being. They offer prayers to the serpent gods, reciting mantras and chanting hymns. The main ritual involves worshipping live snakes, or replicas, as representatives of the serpent gods. Devotees offer milk, fruits, flowers, and vermilion, seeking blessings and protection.
The puja ritual concludes with the offering of naivedya (food) and tamboolam (betel leaves and nuts). Devotees light lamps, burn incense and perform aarti to the serpent gods. In some regions, women tie threads or sacred squares (rangavalli) around the snake's body, symbolising their prayers. After sunset, the fast is broken, and families gather to share traditional meals. The festival promotes harmony with nature, recognising snakes as sacred creatures.
Nagula Chavithi Puja Mantra: सर्वे नागाः प्रीयन्तां मे ये केचित् पृथ्वीतले।
ये च हेलिमरीचिस्था येऽन्तरे दिवि संस्थिताः॥
ये नदीषु महानागा ये सरस्वतिगामिनः।
ये च वापीतडगेषु तेषु सर्वेषु वै नमः॥
अनन्तं वासुकिं शेषं पद्मनाभं च कम्बलम्।
शङ्ख पालं धृतराष्ट्रं तक्षकं कालियं तथा॥
एतानि नव नामानि नागानां च महात्मनाम्।
सायङ्काले पठेन्नित्यं प्रातःकाले विशेषतः।
तस्य विषभयं नास्ति सर्वत्र विजयी भवेत्॥
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)