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 In Hindu religion and mythology, the snake is one of the most significant and frequently recurring symbols. Strangely, it is the symbol of both birth and death, reconciling these contradictions within itself. Snake worship precedes idol worship, and while practices have evolved to focus more on deities conceived as
superhumans, snake worship is still prevalent in all parts of India.
In ancient India, there was a clan called Nagas whose culture was highly developed. The Indus Valley civilisation of 3000 B.C. gives evidence of the popularity of snake-worship amongst he
Nagas. This was in pre-Aryan times. The Naga culture was later drawn into Hinduism. In Jainism and Buddhism too, the snake is considered sacred. It is believed that a cobra saved the life of Buddha and another protected the Jain Muni
Parshwanath.
 Rationalists cry themselves hoarse that pouring milk into places where snakes live is actually injurious to them, but the faithful will not listen. In Tamil
Nadu, in the months of Thai and Aadi, it is considered auspicious to visit a Devi temple on Fridays and offer milk.
At home, women draw figures of snakes on the walls of their homes, using a mixture of black powder, cow dung and milk. Then offerings of milk, ghee, water and rice are made. It is believed that snakes will never harm those who perform this
puja.
The snake is also, of course, worn around the neck of Lord Shiva, symbolising his representation of both creation and destruction. Traditionally, the snake is said to be the enemy of
Garuda, the golden eagle which is Lord Vishnu's vehicle. But it must be remembered here that Lord Vishnu rests on Adi
Sesha, the thousand-headed serpent. Some of the manifestations of Adi
Sesha, who is always with the Lord, are Lakshmana, Balarama, and, in more recent times, the Vaishnavite saints Ramanuja and
Nammazhwar.
So, in truth, this cosmic clash seems to be more a matter of a natural enmity between these two beings - one a reptile and another a bird - on this earth. In heaven, one presumes, there is peaceful coexistence! The fifth day in the month of Shravana (July-August) is celebrated as Naga Panchami all over India.
Here are some of the legends associated with snake worship: On this day, a farmer who was tilling his fields accidentally killed some young serpents. The mother then bit the farmer and his family and they all died, save one of his daughters, who was praying to the Nagas at that time. Her devotion resulted in their coming back to life. Another legend revolves around
Kaliya, the snake that inhabited the waters of the River Yamuna, whose venom poisoned the river and killed the crops and animals in the region. The young Krishna overcame Kaliya or Kalinga by dancing on his head. The tradition of Naga Panchami has prevailed since then.
For a more logical explanation to this practice, this season is the time when it is raining in most parts of India. Serpents come out of their holes to escape the flood waters. They might seek shelter in gardens or homes. Praying to them on this day will bring favour rather than injury.
 Celebrations:
 Battis Shirala is a tiny, obscure village in the south of
Maharashtra. It is said that this area has a greater snake population than anywhere else in the world. The festivities are at their most colourful in this village.
In Kerala, snake temples are crowded on this day and worship is offered to stone or metal icons of the cosmic serpent Ananta or
Sesha. Puja rooms in many Kerala homes have a silver or copper cobra that is worshipped and offered milk and sweets as families pray for the welfare of their children and for prosperity.
In Punjab, the festival is celebrated in September-October and is called Guga
Naumi. A snake made of dough is taken round the village in a basket, and an offering of flour and butter is made from each house. The 'snake' is then buried.
In West Bengal and parts of Assam and
Orissa, the snake deity worshipped on Naga Panchami is the Goddess
Manasa.
The exact nature of the ritual might vary in different parts of India, but the belief behind the worship is the same -- the snakes and the deities whom they represent will shower their blessings on the devotee.
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