Dr. Chinmay Pandya (Vice Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya): According to Hindu calendar, Nag Panchami is the second biggest festival of Shravan month. In Shravan, the favourite month of Lord Shiva, worshipping his followers is also important in many ways. This time Nag Panchami (9th August) festival has come with Siddhi Yog, Amrit Siddhi Yog and Ravi Yog. It is believed that worshipping the serpent god on Nag Panchami day removes troubles from the life of the devotee and also brings happiness and prosperity in the house.

In Hindu mythology, snakes are depicted as associates of Lord Shiva and Vishnu and are considered a symbol of power and wisdom. Snakes are also considered deities in Hinduism. On the day of Nag Panchami, there is a tradition of worshiping eight snakes - Anant, Vasuki, Padma, Mahapadma, Takshak, Kulik, Karkat and Shankh.

In mythology, there is a mention of a gem on the head of a snake. The underworld is always illuminated by the glow of gems. The King of Snakes has authority over all kinds of gems. Our India is an agricultural country, snakes protect the fields, so one of its names is Kshetrapal. Animals, rats etc. are the elements that harm the crops of the farmer. By destroying such elements, snakes directly and indirectly help in keeping the fields of the farmers green.

We should have the vision to see the qualities of a snake. A snake does not bite anyone without reason. A snake does not want to waste its accumulated power i.e. poison by biting someone. Just like a human being does not waste his power, austerity capital or wealth earned over the years. According to mythology, when the ocean was being churned by the gods and demons, Vasuki the serpent became the medium of the work. This is a kind of message that if such creatures also come on the right path, then they can contribute greatly in the upliftment of society and nation.