Historical background of Nag Panchami

We find references in History regarding the sarpyadnya (sacrificial fire of snakes) performed by king Janmejay, who was requested to stop the ritual by the sage Astik. It was the day of Shravan Shukla Panchami and hence the celebration of Nag Panchami. It has the implied meaning that in this universe, all the living beings have their assigned functions of God and He performs those functions through the living beings. Actually speaking, during monsoon, it is natural for the serpents and other rodents come out of their holes due to rain and thereby they are seen in the surroundings. They should not hurt the human beings that such prayers are offered to propitiate them for human safety.