The symbolism of snakes in our board games
In India, snakes are considered divine beings. They are seen as attendants of Shiva and guardians of subterranean treasures. On the day of the festival, many communities observe a fast and perform a puja at an auspicious time. Snake symbols are drawn using turmeric or sandalwood paste on walls or floors as a form of reverence. Milk, turmeric flowers, and sweets are offered to idols or live snakes.
Against this background — and with a growing understanding of the need to protect rather than vilify our wildlife — many have wondered why, in the traditional game of Snakes and Ladders, snakes are chosen to symbolise vices.
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New Indian Express
a day ago
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The symbolism of snakes in our board games
In July, many parts of India celebrate Naga Panchami — a festival related to the worship of snakes. Snake veneration spans continents and belief systems, often embodying transformation, fertility, protection, and cosmic wisdom. They are revered and feared, worshipped and dreaded — inspiring a complete duality of feeling and emotion. In India, snakes are considered divine beings. They are seen as attendants of Shiva and guardians of subterranean treasures. On the day of the festival, many communities observe a fast and perform a puja at an auspicious time. Snake symbols are drawn using turmeric or sandalwood paste on walls or floors as a form of reverence. Milk, turmeric flowers, and sweets are offered to idols or live snakes. Against this background — and with a growing understanding of the need to protect rather than vilify our wildlife — many have wondered why, in the traditional game of Snakes and Ladders, snakes are chosen to symbolise vices.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
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Fourth Sawan Somwar 2025: The last (fourth) Monday of the holy month of Sawan is falling on tomorrow, 4th August. This whole month is considered very special for Lord Shiva, and among all the days, Mondays are most important for his worship. According to beliefs, this day is fully dedicated to Lord Shiva (Bholenath). Devotees across the country offer prayers with full devotion and perform rituals for blessings and peace. This year, the last Sawan Somwar is even more special as four lucky yogas will take place in the morning – Indra Yoga, Ravi Yoga, Brahma Yoga and Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga – from 7:04 AM to 9:12 AM. Also, Ekadashi Tithi will start in the afternoon during the Pradosh Kaal and continue into the night. Grand Rudraksha Aarti in Kashi on This Day On 4th August, a beautiful and grand Rudraksha Shringar Aarti will be performed in the evening at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It's a tradition to decorate and worship Lord Mahadev with special offerings, prayers, and aarti every Monday during Sawan in Kashi. Shubh Muhurat (Auspicious Timings) for Puja Brahma Muhurat: 4:20 AM – 5:02 AM Morning Sandhya: 4:41 AM – 5:44 AM Abhijit Muhurat: 12:00 PM – 12:54 PM Vijay Muhurat: 2:41 PM – 3:35 PM Godhuli Muhurat: 7:10 PM – 7:31 PM Evening Sandhya: 7:10 PM – 8:13 PM Amrit Kaal: 1:47 AM to 3:32 AM (on 5th August) Nishita Kaal: 12:06 AM to 12:48 AM (on 5th August) Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga: 5:44 AM – 9:12 AM Ravi Yoga: All day Sawan Somwar Puja Samagri Here's a list of things you can collect for the puja: Flowers, 5 types of fruits and dry fruits, gemstones, gold/silver, donation money (Dakshina), puja utensils, kusa mat, curd, pure ghee, honey, Ganga water, scented water, five types of liquids (panch ras), perfume, sandalwood paste, sacred thread, 5 sweets, bel leaves, dhatura, bhang, berries, mango buds, barley sprouts, tulsi, mandaar flowers, cow milk, sugarcane juice, camphor, incense sticks, oil lamp, cotton, sandalwood powder, and decorative items for Lord Shiva (Mahadev) and Goddess Parvati (Maa Gauri). 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Step 6: Fasting and Offering Keep a fast the whole day and break it in the evening with fruits. Offer fresh fruits or sweets to Lord Shiva as bhog. Fourth Sawan Somwar: How to Do Jalabhishek on 4th August Step 1: Bath and Purity Start the day with a proper bath, wear clean clothes and calm your mind. Step 2: Gather Puja Items Ganga water or clean water Bel leaves Milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar (for full abhishek) Dhatura, bhang, sandalwood, flowers, rice Incense, oil lamp Panchamrit (optional) Step 3: Clean the Shivling First, rinse the Shivling with water. Step 4: Perform Jalabhishek Slowly pour water from a copper or bronze pot over the Shivling while chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' or 'Om Tryambakam Yajamahe…' Step 5: Offer Other Items Then pour milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar one by one. Rinse again with clean water. Offer bel leaves, flowers, dhatura, and other items. Step 6: Apply Sandalwood and Light Lamp Put sandalwood paste on Shivling, light incense and oil lamp. Step 7: Aarti & Prayers Sing Shiva Aarti like 'Om Jai Shiv Omkara…' and share your wishes with the Lord. Step 8: Distribute Prasad Apologise for any mistakes in the puja and distribute the prasad to family or neighbours. Why People Observe Sawan Somwar Fast Unmarried girls are believed to get a good life partner. Married women get blessings for a long and happy marriage. This fast brings good health, mental peace, and children. It removes problems from life with the blessings of Lord Shiva. 4 Auspicious Yogas on 4 August On the final Sawan Somwar, these 4 yogas will make the day even more powerful for spiritual activities: Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga Ravi Yoga Brahma Yoga Indra Yoga What to Do on Sawan Monday After your morning bath, do abhishek with water, milk, curd, honey, etc. In the evening, perform joint aarti of Shiva and Parvati. Chant Shiva mantras throughout the day. Avoid heavy (tamasic) food and help those in need. How to Offer Water to Shivling – The Right Order First to Lord Ganesha Then to Lord Kartikeya After that, to Ashok Sundari (centre of Shivling) Next to Goddess Parvati Then to Lord Shiva Then pour water on Vasuki Naag wrapped around the Shivling Lastly, offer water to Nandi Maharaj (Shiva's vehicle) Important Mantras to Chant - Om Namah Shivaya - Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, - Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat. - Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi, - Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat. Happy Sawan fourth Somwar wishes and messages 2025 to share Happy Sawan's last Somwar! May Bholenath remove all your sorrows and bless you with peace, love, and strength. On this fourth Somwar of Sawan, may Lord Shiva's blessings fill your heart with devotion and your life with happiness. May Mahadev bless you on this sacred Sawan Monday with health, prosperity, and protection from all evil. As the final Somwar of Sawan arrives, may your prayers reach Bholenath and all your wishes come true. May Shiva's divine energy bring healing to your body, calmness to your mind, and light to your soul. Happy Sawan Monday! Let's bow to Lord Shiva on this holy day and seek his love, guidance, and blessings for a better tomorrow. On the fourth Somwar of Sawan, may Nandi carry your prayers straight to Shiv ji's feet and return with blessings for your family. This sacred Somwar, may you be surrounded by Shiva's protection, Parvati Maa's love, and eternal peace. Wishing you a blessed Sawan Somwar! May your devotion bring you closer to the Almighty and farther from your worries. As the bells ring in the temple today, may your heart echo with joy and your life with Shiva's grace. On this last Sawan Monday, may Mahadev hold your hand and walk with you through every storm in life. Let the chants of 'Om Namah Shivaya' calm your soul and lead you towards light, love, and liberation. May today's Rudrabhishek cleanse your life of negativity and bring divine glow into your path. With folded hands and open heart, offer your love to Bholenath today – he's always listening. May Shiva and Parvati Maa bless your family with unity, joy, and countless moments of peace. Happy Sawan Somwar! On this divine Monday of Sawan, may every drop of water you offer on Shivling bring countless blessings your way. Sawan's fourth Somwar is here – may your prayers bloom like bilva leaves and bear fruit in your life. May the power of Mahadev destroy your fears, doubts, and pain, and gift you peace and courage. With every chant of 'Har Har Mahadev,' may your troubles dissolve and your spirit rise. On this final Monday of Sawan, send your prayers with faith – Shiv Shambhu never leaves a devotee empty-handed. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
