
Naga Devatha Puja is a sacred Hindu ritual dedicated to Naga Devatas, the serpent deities believed to protect and bless individuals with health, wealth, and prosperity. The Naga deities, often associated with Lord Shiva, are invoked to remove doshas (flaws), bring harmony, and protect families from ancestral curses. This puja is particularly significant for those seeking relief from Naga dosha or serpentine afflictions, which are believed to arise due to planetary positions or past karmas.
The puja is performed on auspicious days like Nag Panchami, the full moon day, or on specific Rahu Ketu transit days. It is also commonly observed by families who have ancestral connections to serpent worship. The puja begins with the cleaning of the house and puja area, creating a pure environment for the ceremony.
A Naga idol or image, usually of a serpent or a snake with multiple heads, is placed on a clean altar. Devotees offer milk, honey, sesame seeds, rice, fruits, and flowers to the Naga deity as a mark of reverence. Special offerings like coconuts and betel leaves are also presented, and kumkum (vermilion) is applied to the deity’s image.
The priest chants specific mantras and stotras, such as the Naga Stotra and Rahu Ketu Stotra, to invoke the blessings of the Naga deities. The Kalasha Sthapana (placing of a sacred pot) may also be performed during the puja. The ritual typically includes reciting sacred hymns and prayers for the protection and well-being of the household.
The puja concludes with the aarti, and the prasadam is distributed among family members. Performing Naga Devatha Puja is believed to mitigate ancestral curses, eliminate negative energies, and bring prosperity, health, and peace to the family.