Nag Panchami: The Story Behind Snake Worship

Nag Panchami stands out as one of India’s most intriguing festivals — a day dedicated to the reverence of serpents, where milk is offered at their shrines, and prayers are made for protection against snakebites and the well-being of families. Yet beneath this tradition unfolds a compelling narrative from the Mahabharata, brimming with themes of anger, revenge, and the profound journey of forgiveness.

Nag Panchami: The Story Behind Snake Worship

"Nag Panchami: The Story Behind Snake Worship" - Discover the Mahabharata story of Parikshit, Takshaka, and Janamejaya, which explains why Indians celebrate Nag Panchami and worship serpents with devotion.

The Roots of Enmity: Khandava Forest

The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the fiery destruction of the Khandava Forest. To assist Agni, the fire god, Arjuna and Krishna ignited the forest in flames. In this devastating blaze, innumerable beings met their tragic fate. Among them were numerous serpents, kin to Takṣaka, the formidable king of serpents.

Takṣaka always remembered this loss. For generations, his hatred brewed beneath the surface, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. That moment arrived when King Parikshit, the grandson of Arjuna, made a fateful error.

Parikshit’s Mistake

One day, while hunting in the forest, King Parikshit became thirsty and weary. He entered the hermitage of Sage Śamīka to ask for water. The sage, absorbed in meditation, remained silent.

Feeling disrespected, Parikshit acted rashly. He picked up a dead snake and placed it around the sage’s neck in mockery. This single act set in motion his downfall.

The Curse and Takṣaka’s Revenge

When the sage’s son, Śṛṅgi, learned what had happened, he cursed Parikshit: within seven days, he would die from the bite of Takṣaka.

This was the moment Takṣaka had been waiting for. Seizing the opportunity, he struck Parikshit on the seventh day, fulfilling the curse and finally avenging the death of his serpent kin from the Khandava Forest fire.

Janamejaya’s Great Serpent Sacrifice

Parikshit’s son, Janamejaya, was devastated by his father’s death. Burning with anger, he resolved to annihilate the serpent race. He ordered the performance of a massive Sarpa Satra (serpent sacrifice).

Through powerful mantras, priests summoned serpents from every corner of the world into the sacrificial fire. Thousands of snakes perished, and even Takṣaka, who sought protection under Indra, was being dragged into the flames. The entire serpent race stood at the edge of destruction.

The Wisdom of Āstika

At this crucial moment, a young sage named Āstika, born of a human father and a serpent mother, arrived. Compassionate and wise, he pleaded with Janamejaya to stop the sacrifice. He reminded the king that vengeance would not bring peace and that forgiveness is the true strength of a ruler.

Moved by his words, Janamejaya halted the sacrifice. Takṣaka and the surviving serpents were spared, restoring balance between humans and serpents.

Why Nag Panchami Is Celebrated

This story forms the foundation of Nag Panchami. The festival commemorates the survival of the serpent race and emphasises respect for serpents, who are seen not only as protectors of nature but also as beings of divine energy.

On Nag Panchami, people offer prayers, milk, and flowers to serpent deities, seeking their blessings for protection and prosperity. The festival also honours the cosmic connection of snakes with deities like Shiva (Vasuki around his neck), Vishnu (resting on Ananta Shesha), and the divine Kundalini energy within humans.

The Lesson for Us Today

The saga of Takṣaka, Parikshit, Janamejaya, and Āstika illustrates that anger and vengeance perpetuate endless cycles of destruction, but compassion has the power to bring healing.

Nag Panchami, then, is not merely about snakes — it is about forgiveness, harmony, and honouring all forms of life.