Nag Panchami 2026: Why Snakes Are Worshipped, Rituals & Famous Nag Temples in India

On Nag Panchami 2026, snake deities are worshipped. This day is observed on the Shukla Paksha Panchami Tithi of Sawan. Even Sikh communities honour and worship snakes on this auspicious day in prayer for health, longevity and ample good fortune. It is said that offering prayers on this day can offer you protection from snake-bites and negative influences stemming from Sarpa Dosha.

Nag Panchami 2026 takes on an especially holy aura this year, as it is a celebration of LordShiva and will fall under the auspicious sawan somvar. Lord Shiva’s fascination with snakes in Hinduism, his connection with Lord Krishna and Kaliya Nag, a comprehensive guide to Nag Panchami 2026 is right before you. 

Nag Panchami 2026 Date & Puja Timings

Nag Panchami 2026: The Panchami tithi is on August 16th 2026 (Sunday) at about 04:52 PM lasting till almost 05:00 PM on August 17th 2026 (Monday) which will last for close to 27 long hours. Because of that the Nag Panchami 2026 would be celebrated on the bases of Udaya Tithi. It will be celebrated on August 17th because it will not be on Sunrise on August 17th.

The sacred timing of the Nag Panchami puja will occur between 05:51 AM – 08:29 AM. The puja duration will last approximately between two hours and 37-38 minutes. These timings are approximate and one should always consider their respective pachang calendar or the local astrologer to find exact and auspicious timings.

Keep in mind some Gujarati traditions of Nag Panchami Muhurat are celebrated in September in their Calendar.

Spiritual & Religious Significance of Nag Panchami

1.Power & Fertility - This animal represents the energy of creativity, and a symbolic representation of regeneration or growth and transformation. 
Protection: NagDevata’s (the snake gods) provide you with protection against the hostile influences of planets and will protect you from snake-bites too.

2.Cosmic Energy:snakes are viewed as a personification of the dormant Kundalini Shakti that leads to the awakening of the inner consciousness to obtain spiritual bliss. 

3.Guardianship: Serpents keep watch over souls which are lost in Patala Loka or they may help you find treasure buried in the earth. It's not just Hinduism which considers the snake revered in many aspects, so has ancient India. Lord Shiva is also a Naga king and a cobra is also worn round his head, Lord Vishnu rests on the Naag (serpent) Shesh Naag and Lord Krishna had a fight with a giant snakeKaliYa Naagto end the distress of a lot of his devotees.Legend says King Janamejaya had planned to burn down all snakes with a sacrificial fire, on this Panchami date, but a devotee of snakes,Astik, intervened and saved all of them, making the practice of snake worship more widespread along with snake mythologies. The chief Nagas such as Ananta, Vasuki, Padma, Mahapadma, 
The primary goal behind this puja is for the family members with the gift of healthy children, abundant wealth and a prosperous long life.
This helps protect from any rivals and enemies. Additionally, because snakes often come out of their holes during the monsoon (season which coincides with Nag Panchami observance).
Spiritual experts affirm that snakes, a symbol of positive energy,  are guides who can help alleviate life’s many struggles. Those with Sarpa Dosha (indicated by certain unfavourable planetary configurations in their horoscopes) can seek solace and resolution through prayers to the serpent deities.

Nag Panchami Rituals & Puja Vidhi

This puja of Nag Panchami is very easy and there is only need of faith in full heart. One has to wake early in the morning, get fresh by bath, put on new clothes, decorate a mandap to Nag Devta with sandal/haldi/rice flour paste by clay or silver or iron or any other metal by representing the nine snakes. If worshiping at the anthill, worship by not disturbing the animal inside to offer your prayers.
In pooja thali fill up milk, water, sandal/haldi/paste, flowers, akshata, durvah grass, sweets, lamp, dhoop.
When performing a havan or abhishek, offer milk. Chanting a Nag Mantra (Nag Gayatri mantra is best, or the "Om Namaha Shivayaha,") do aarti and then perform pooja prasad. You can fast on Nag Panchami to please Nag Devta. Keep your meal healthy and vegetarian along with no onion, garlic, fermented food. 

Nag Panchami Dos and Don'ts

Dos of celebration- The best Muhurta when the pooja is to be done should be done. The prayers should be at a perfect time with offering flowers, fruits and sweets along with milk to Nag Devta. 
Draw a picture of Naga or Nava Naga or effigy at the main gate in case negative powers are present there.
Visit the nearest Nag Temple along with your full family to get wishes from the Nag Devta. Keeping up with a religious fast (vrat) on this Nag Panchami is considered beneficial on health grounds for gains in spirituality. 
Don'ts of celebration - No plowing lands, dig, or plant a tree, which will be harmful to live-animals particularly snakes. No meat with heavily processed and fried food, don't waste food or water, or milk for all of these things.
Don't sleep on the floor.
No argument with any one, just be careful, calm and sweet. Do not do any tedious labour related to the digging of soil and working in fields. The best Nag Temples in India to celebrate Nag Panchami.

Famous Nag Temples in India to Visit

1. Nag Vasuki Temple, Prayagraj- It lies on the edge of the river Ganga in Daraganj of Prayagraj. The ancient temple is devoted to Lord Vasuki, who is also known as the king of the Nagas.
2. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Kerala- The shrine is placed in the village Mannarasala in Kerala.This place is called the residence of thousands of snakes which brings good luck to anyone having snakecurses.
3. Nagchandreshwar Temple, Ujjain- This shrine belongs to Lord Shiva who is adored as the Ruler of snakes and is called Nagchandreshwar. The doors of the temple are opened on Nag Panchami only once in a year. 
4. Kukke Subramanya Temple, Karnataka- This place is located in Karnataka devoted to Lord Subramanya (Nagaraja-God of all snakes) but the divine being Vasuki worshiped in the temple.
5. Bhujanga Nag Temple, Gujarat- The temple located in the middle of hills and formed by the eruption of an ancient volcanic peak at Gujarat and it is devoted to the last Nag serpent and there you can take a holy dipped bath.
Kerala- Get connected with snake gods at the Mannarasala Nag Devta temple which is one of the most famous temples all over India as it is the home to thousands of snakes and you can also get Naga-darshan here. 
Karnataka- At Kukke Subramanya temple, you can get immense positive energies as this temple has a close association with the Nag deity.
Prayagraj- At Nag Vasuki Temple situated close by the Holy river Ganga here you can get blessings from the king of serpents. 

Conclusion

Nag Panchami 2026 is a sacred occasion dedicated to the worship of Nagas and is believed to bring prosperity, protection, and blessings. If you are planning a spiritual trip to Varanasi, staying at Tripli Hotels can make your visit more comfortable and convenient. Travellers looking for hotels near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Varanasi can choose a stay that offers easy access to the city's important temples and ghats. Tripli Hotels is also a convenient option for those searching for hotels for pilgrims in Varanasi, especially when temple visits and spiritual experiences are an important part of the journey.If your trip continues to Rajasthan, Udaipur offers a beautiful mix of heritage, culture, lakes, and temples. For travellers looking for a budget hotel in Udaipur near City Palace, Tripli Hotels can be a comfortable base for exploring the city's iconic attractions. Whether you are visiting Nag temples in Varanasi or exploring the cultural side of Udaipur, choosing the right stay can make your overall travel experience more convenient and memorable.