As the sacred month of Sawan unfolds, each date becomes spiritually charged, offering devotees an unparalleled opportunity to seek blessings and divine protection. Among the most powerful days in this holy month is Nag Panchami, observed on the Panchami tithi of Shukla Paksha in Sawan. In 2025, Nag Panchami falls on July 29, a date when devotees across the country gather to honor Nag Devtas (serpent deities) and perform special rituals to appease Lord Shiva, also revered as Bholenath, the ultimate destroyer of negativity.
On this auspicious day, worshipping Lord Shiva with devotion and precision can lead to the destruction of all sins, liberation from doshas like Kaal Sarp Dosh, and the removal of obstacles and distress from life. As serpents are believed to be closely associated with Lord Shiva—symbolizing power, fearlessness, and the cycle of rebirth—offering them respect and conducting Shiva Puja earns immense spiritual merit.
Significance of Nag Panchami in Sawan
Nag Panchami holds a profound place in Hindu tradition, especially during the spiritually vibrant Sawan month. The day is specifically marked to venerate serpent gods, considered divine messengers and protectors. Serpents, especially Sheshnag, Vasuki, Takshak, and others, are intricately tied to Hindu cosmology.
In Shaivism, Lord Shiva’s ornament is the snake Vasuki, wrapped around his neck, representing control over fear and ego. Hence, offering milk, worshipping snakes, and simultaneously offering prayers to Lord Shiva create an incredibly potent spiritual experience. According to Vedic beliefs, these rituals purify the soul, grant peace, and wash away sins accumulated over many lifetimes.
When is Nag Panchami 2025?
Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Tithi Begins: 05:17 AM, July 29
Tithi Ends: 03:56 AM, July 30
This 24-hour window is ideal for performing spiritual rituals and making divine offerings.
Benefits of Worshipping Lord Shiva on Nag Panchami
Performing Shiva Puja on Nag Panchami with devotion and proper rituals brings about:
Removal of Kaal Sarp Dosh
Destruction of past karmic sins
Relief from legal or financial troubles
Peace and harmony in the household
Fulfillment of long-pending desires
Protection from black magic and evil eye
Spiritual growth and mental clarity
How to Worship Lord Shiva on Nag Panchami: Step-by-Step Rituals
1. Perform Abhishek of Shivlinga with Milk
Begin the day early with a pure heart and body. Visit a Shiva temple or set up a clean worship area at home. Perform Abhishek (ritual bathing) of the Shivling using:
Pure cow milk
Gangajal (holy Ganges water)
Honey
Curd
Ghee
Sugar
This Panchamrit Abhishek pleases Lord Shiva and purifies the devotee’s mind, body, and soul.
2. Use the Shodashopachar Puja Vidhi (16-Step Worship)
According to Astrologer Ajay Kaushik, Lord Shiva should be worshipped with the Shodashopachar method, involving sixteen sacred offerings:
Padya (Washing of feet)
Arghya (Offering of water)
Achaman (Purification sip)
Snan (Bathing)
Vastra (Offering of clothes)
Yagyopaveet (Sacred thread)
Abharan (Jewelry)
Gandha (Fragrance/sandal paste)
Pushpa (Flowers)
Dhoop (Incense)
Deep (Lamp)
Naivedya (Food offering)
Tambul (Betel leaf)
Stotra Patha (Recitation of hymns)
Tarpan (Offering to ancestors)
Namaskar (Prostration)
Each step holds profound symbolic significance and strengthens the devotee’s connection with the divine.
Offer Milk to Snakes or on the Shivlinga
One of the core traditions of Nag Panchami is to offer milk to live snakes, usually through snake charmers, or to pour it on a Shivling. Doing so is believed to:
Appease the serpent gods
Free one from snake-related fears and bad dreams
Remove the negative effects of Rahu and Ketu
Nullify Kaal Sarp Yog in one’s horoscope
It is important to note: do not force-feed snakes. Offer symbolic milk or perform the ritual on idols and pictures if live snakes are not accessible.
Mantras and Stotras to Chant on Nag Panchami
1. Shiva Mantra
“Om Namah Shivaya”
Chant this mantra 108 times using a Rudraksha mala for mental peace and divine energy.
2. Nag Devta Mantra
“Om Sarpa Devaya Namah”
Chant this while offering flowers and milk to snake idols or images.
3. Kaal Sarp Dosh Nivaran Mantra
“Om Rahuve Ketuve Namah”
Reciting this mantra can help reduce the impact of planetary doshas and protect the native from misfortune.
4. Shiva Stotra (Rudrashtakam)
Recite the Rudrashtakam or Shiva Panchakshara Stotra to attain peace, knowledge, and divine grace.
Food and Fasting on Nag Panchami
Many devotees observe a Nag Panchami Vrat (fast) to demonstrate their devotion and enhance the efficacy of their prayers.
Avoid salty or spicy food
Consume only milk, fruits, and satvik items
Offer kheer, coconut, and honey to Lord Shiva
Feed brahmins or poor children after rituals
Visit Temples and Offer Jal to Shivlinga
On this day, large crowds visit iconic Shiva temples and Nag temples across India:
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
Trimbakeshwar Temple, Nashik
Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain
Nag Vasuki Temple, Prayagraj
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Dwarka
Offering Ganga Jal and Bael leaves on the Shivling at these temples on Nag Panchami is considered supremely auspicious.
Important Do’s and Don’ts on Nag Panchami
Do’s:
Worship both Nag Devtas and Lord Shiva
Perform Abhishek and Shodashopachar puja
Chant powerful mantras with sincerity
Feed milk, grains, and jaggery to snakes or Brahmins
Maintain purity of mind and speech
Don’ts:
Avoid digging the earth—snakes are believed to reside underground
Don’t kill or harm snakes under any circumstance
Refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, or alcohol
Avoid speaking ill or engaging in arguments
Conclusion: Transform Your Life This Nag Panchami
The sacred festival of Nag Panchami in Sawan month offers a rare celestial alignment where the energies of Lord Shiva and Nag Devtas converge to bless devotees. By performing the right rituals, reciting powerful mantras, and showing sincere devotion, we can not only eradicate sins and misfortunes, but also invite peace, prosperity, and spiritual elevation into our lives.
May Lord Bholenath and the Nag Devtas bestow their blessings on you and your family this Nag Panchami 2025.
