Nag Panchami 2026: Know the Shubh Muhurat, Puja Rituals and What to Offer on the Shivling

New Delhi: Preparations have started in temples and pagodas for Nag Panchami which is coming in the last phase of Sawan. This festival, which is celebrated every year on Shravan Shukla Panchami, will fall on Monday, August 17. On this day, worship of Nag Devta along with Lord Shiva is considered to have special significance. In many parts of the country, devotees perform Jalabhishek in temples from early morning, while prayers are also performed as per rituals in homes. Experts of astrology and theology say that this day is considered important for both Shiva worship and snake worship.

When will Panchami Tithi start?

• According to the Panchang, Shravan Shukla Panchami Tithi will start at 4:52 PM on August 16 and end at 5:00 PM on August 17.
• Based on Udaya Tithi, the festival of Nag Panchami will be celebrated on 17th August.
• The auspicious time for puja is from 6:04 am to 8:39 am. During this period, special puja, consecration and aarti will be organised in most of the temples.

How can puja be done at home?

• On Nag Panchami, the puja is started by wearing clean clothes after taking bath in the morning.
• A picture, statue or traditional symbol of the Nag Devta is installed at the place of worship.
• After this, flowers, grains, milk and other worship materials are offered by lighting a lamp.
• Many families also listen to the story of Nag Panchami on this day.
• After the completion of the puja, Lord Shiva is remembered and wishes for the happiness, prosperity and good health of the family.

What is offered to Shivalinga?

On this day, Jalabhishek has special significance in Shiva temples. Devotees first offer water and then offer raw milk, Belpatra, Dhatura, sandalwood, honey, Akshat and Kaner flowers. The mantra 'Om Namah Shivay' is chanted during the puja. Rudrabhishek and special aarti are also held in many temples, which are attended by a large number of devotees.

What are the popular beliefs regarding Nag Panchami?

In Indian tradition, the serpent god is considered a symbol of nature and protection. In mythology, there is special mention of the serpent sitting around the neck of Lord Shiva. For this reason, the importance of Nag Panchami coming in Sawan increases further. Many people perform special puja on this day and pray for the prosperity of their family and freedom from the troubles in life. Some devotees also perform religious rituals on this occasion to appease Kaalsarp Dosh.

What things should be kept in mind during puja?

Pundits say that worship should be done from the heart and with simplicity. It is not right to catch a snake and force feed it. Experts are also against it. It is better that you worship in front of the photo or idol of the snake god. If you go to the temple, take care of cleanliness and do not litter. Just remember Shiva and the serpent god with devotion, this is the real worship of this festival.