Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c35.s2.2

v4.c35.s2.2

The Nāgas are believed to have been born on the Pañchamī *tithi* of the bright half of the month Śrāvaṇa and the whole of India offers *pūjās* to the Nāgas on this day, except the Draviḍa brāhmaṇas; in Southern India the Mahrāṭa and the Kannaḍa women observe the previous day, the *chaturthi*, also as sacred to the Nāgas, a custom which is nowhere seen to be observed. It is a common sight all over India to meet with the Nāga images set up under big pipal trees by scores and worshipped occasionally. Childless people take a vow to set up the images of Nāgas in anticipation of being blessed with children and celebrate the Nāgapratishṭhā ceremony with great pomp and at great expenditure.