“Telugu People Celebrate Nagula Chavithi: A Festival Honoring the Sacred Bond with Nagas”
Unique Traditions and Legends Surrounding Nagulachavithi in Kartika Month”
M V Ramana
In a celebration deeply rooted in mythology and tradition, Telugu people observe Nagula Chavithi on Shukla Paksha Chavithi in the month of Kartika, venerating Nagas, or snakes, as a symbol of divine significance.
The mythology surrounding Nagas holds Lord Vishnu using them as his bed, Lord Shiva adorning them as jewels, and Vigneshwara incorporating them into his Yagnopaveet. The festival takes its name from the belief that worshiping snakes, known as Nagulu, alleviates the fear associated with them. The festival involves unique rituals and practices that contribute to its significance.
Nagula Chaviti Puja:
The festival involves a special bond between people and Nagas, marked by songs and offerings. Devotees wake up early on Kartika Shuddha Chavithi, perform a ritualistic bath, and then engage in puja. A Naga pratima or image is painted on walls and worshipped. Devotees also visit snake mounds, pouring milk into them and offering chalimi and sesame seeds. Elders believe that the presence of women during these rituals cools the area, and the rodents that typically inhabit these mounds become food for Nagas.
After the puja, devotees observe a day-long fast, preparing food items as an offering. It is believed that consuming this prasad removes the sufferings of the sick and remedies ear defects.
Characteristics of Nagas:
Twelve significant Nagas, including Ananta, Vasuki, Sesha, and Kaliya, are revered. Worshiping these Nagas monthly is believed to bring good fortune and protection from calamities. Farmers, especially, consider Nagas as friends, as they play a role in protecting fields from rodents that harm crops.
Lingapurana’s Story:
According to the Lingapurana, the birth of Nagas is associated with Lord Shiva. Tears shed by Lord Brahma in frustration turned into Nagas, emphasizing a connection between Santana (progeny) and Sarpapuja (snake worship). An ancient king named Shurasena’s worship resulted in the birth of a Naga with the ability to speak like humans, further linking human and Naga realms.
Lord’s Curse:
A poignant tale from the Lingapurana narrates a king’s daughter-in-law discovering her husband’s serpent form. The husband, cursed by Lord Shiva, reveals his true identity and the reason for his serpent form. Despite the curse, the wife’s unwavering love and acceptance demonstrate the festival’s underlying themes of devotion and acceptance.
In essence, Nagula Chavithi stands as a unique and revered festival in Telugu culture, combining mythological significance, rituals, and a deep connection with Nagas, symbolizing protection, fertility, and the harmony between humans and nature.
