Varanasi: Varanasi celebrated Naag Panchami with religious fervour and devotion on Monday, as devotees thronged the historic Nag Koop in Jaitpura, a well dedicated to snakes. The well is opened only once a year, on Naag Panchami, and draws devotees from far and wide.According to temple priest Shastri Chandan Pandey, Nag Koop is believed to be the only such sacred serpent well in the world. It is around 80 feet deep and is believed to be connected to the path leading from earth to Patal Lok, or Nag Lok. Devotees visit the site to seek protection from snake bites and perform rituals for relief from Kalsarp Yoga.The priest said the site is mentioned in the Kashi Khand of the Skanda Purana. The temple is associated with Nageshwar Mahadev and Karkoteshwar Mahadev, both linked to ancient legends of Lord Shiv and the serpent race.As per belief, King Janamejaya once performed a Nag Yagya to destroy snakes. Many serpents were killed or injured in the ritual. To save the serpent race, Nag Raj Karkotak is believed to have performed intense Panchagni tapasya at this site. Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva appeared before him in a self-manifested form and blessed him. Karkotak then departed for Patal Lok along with the serpent race from this very place.The tradition of offering milk to snakes is also linked to the same legend. It is believed that when many serpents were injured in Janamejaya’s yagya, Astik Muni stopped the ritual and poured milk on the wounded snakes to cool and heal them. Since then, devotees have offered milk and lava to Nag Devta on Naag Panchami.Devotees also worship images of snakes and install them in their homes. Many take water from the sacred well and sprinkle it at home, believing it removes the fear of snake bites. Special prayers are also performed at Nag Koop for relief from Kalsarp Dosh.The site is also associated with Maharshi Patanjali and Maharshi Panini. It is believed that both sages worshipped and meditated here, and that Patanjali composed the Yog Sutra and Mahabhashya at this place. Many devotees regard Patanjali as an incarnation of Sheshnag and celebrate Naag Panchami as his birth anniversary.A unique tradition was also seen in Varanasi, where children sold pictures of snakes while calling out, “Bade Guru aur Chhote Guru ka naag le lo.” According to the priest, Maharshi Panini and Maharshi Patanjali are locally remembered as Bade Guru and Chhote Guru.Traditional dangal wrestling competitions, an integral part of the festival, were also organised in several areas of the city. Foreign visitors were seen at akhadas, practising wrestling and taking part in the festivities.
