Naga Mandala Rituals: Naga Panchami 2023 at Sadhguru Sannidhi, Bengaluru
Last updated on February 22nd, 2024 at 09:12 am
Sadhguru Naga Quote
There is an innate longing within human beings to go beyond all limitations. Naga is a living deity created as an access point to Perceive Life on a larger scale.
On the auspicious occasion of Naga Panchami 2023, a festival honoring the revered serpent, a captivating event unfolded at Sadhguru Sannidhi in Bangalore. The event featured the ancient practices of Naga Mandala Pooja and Ashleshabali Pooja, creating an enchanting ambiance reminiscent of traditional village fairs.
Amidst the gathering, the Naga Mandala Pooja took centerstage, a ritual steeped in tradition aimed at invoking the blessings of the sacred serpent, the Naga.
On August 21, 2023, between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM, the esteemed ritual unfolded in the gracious presence of Sadhguru, infusing the event with a deeply sacred and reverential ambience. The event commenced with a poignant moment as Sadhguru himself offered an Arati to the Naga.
*Image credit – Isha foundation
The Naga Mandala Pooja, performed by skilled Udupi Vaidyas, was a cherished process to seek the grace of the Naga. Naga is believed to bestow various blessings, including spiritual growth, prosperity, and harmony, holds a special place in the hearts of those present.
A highlight of the gathering was the mesmerizing Naga Mandala Nritya, a ritual dance that unfolded in the midst of the fervor. Executed by two talented artists, this dance was accompanied by traditional music, harmonizing with the spiritual essence of the occasion. The Naga Mandala Nritya is believed to evoke the divine presence of the Nagas, enveloping the event in an aura of mysticism.
In the warm embrace of tradition, participants found themselves transported to a realm where the mystical and the earthly converged. The event didn’t just celebrate Naga Panchami; it became a conduit for participants to experience the timeless connection between humanity, spirituality, and the sacred forces that shape our lives.
As the event progressed, it held a mesmerizing sway over all in attendance. The harmonious mix of age-old traditions, devotion, enchanting music, and rituals created an immersive experience, filling each heart with serenity and the potential for spiritual growth.
Sadhguru’s Nag Panchami Message
The Naga represents that dimension which cannot be perceived by the senses. It is because of that, in the yogic culture maximum attention was given to Naga. Well, Adiyogi is carrying a Naga around his throat because this represents that aspect of you, where you’re able to perceive something which your senses cannot perceive. Where the five senses fail, there the work of the Naga begins.
The Fascinating Nagaradhane Tradition in Karnataka
Nagaradhane, also known as Nagamandala, is an ancient custom tracing back to the Vedic Ages, deeply rooted in the coastal regions of Karnataka, India. This mesmerizing ritual pays homage to the serpent deity, symbolizing fertility and life.
The ritual centers around the intricate Naga Mandala, a captivating spectacle where a priest, guided by the serpent spirit (Naga-patri), dances fervently around the design. Accompanied by melodious tunes from musicians (Vaidya), the possessed Naga-patri embodies the energy of the serpent, while Nagakannika, a male disguised as a female, dances around the Mandala. This unique dance-worship is a vibrant portrayal of cultural grandeur, with each movement steeped in tradition.
The Mandala itself, an ornate representation of a coiled serpent, is adorned with five distinct colors – white, red, green, yellow, and black. The performers’ artistry, coupled with the rhythmic beats of ‘Dakke’ drums and ‘Naga Swara’ instruments, crafts an entrancing experience for participants and spectators alike.
Beyond its religious significance, Nagamandala is a conduit for seeking blessings from the serpent god, enriching participants’ lives with divine favor. This captivating celebration thrives in the coastal Karnataka region, particularly in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, where it stands as a timeless testament to cultural richness and spiritual devotion.