ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Chandra Darshan is the observance of sighting the moon after the Amavasya (the new moon).
In Hinduism Chandra Darshan or Moon Sighting holds immense religious significance.
Devotees on this day worship Chandra Dev and offer special prayers.
It is believed to be very auspicious to see the moon just after the Amavasya.
This day after Amavasya is celebrated as Chandra Darshan in the honour of the Moon God.
The most favourable time for sighting the moon is just after sunset.
Predicting the most appropriate time for Chandra Darshan is a difficult job even for Panchang makers.
Chandra Darshan is observed with great fervour and devotion in different parts of the country.
Rituals during Chandra Darshan:
On the day of Chandra Darshan, Hindu devotees worship the Moon God.
Devotees observe a strict fast on this day to please Chandra Dev.
They do not eat or drink anything all through the day.
The fast is broken after sighting the Moon just after sunset.
It is believed that a person who performs all the ritualistic worship of Moon God on the day of Chandra Darshan will be bestowed with endless good fortune and prosperity.
Offering donations is also an important ritual on Chandra Darshan.
People donate clothes, rice and sugar among other things to Brahmins on this day.
Significance of Chandra Darshan:
In Hindu mythology, Chandra Dev or the Hindu Lord of Moon is considered to be one of the most revered deities.
He is also a significant ‘graha’ or planet of the ‘Navgraha’, which influences life on Earth.
Moon is known to be a favourable planet and is associated with wisdom, purity and good intentions.
It is believed that an individual with favourably placed Moon in his/her planet will live a more successful and prosperous life.
Furthermore Moon is even more influential in Hinduism as it follows the lunar calendar.
In Hindu mythology, Chandra Dev or the Moon God is also known to be the nurturer of animal and plant life.
He is married to the 27 Nakshatras, who are the daughters of King Prajapati Daksha and is also the father of Budha or Planet Mercury.
Hindu devotees therefore worship Moon God on the day of Chandra Darshan to seek His blessings for success and good fortune.
Chandra Darshan: A Celebration of the Moon’s Energy
In Hinduism, Chandra Darshan has great mythological importance. In Hindu mythology, the 27 daughters of King Daksha Prajapati—collectively known as the Nakshatras or the lunar mansions—were wedded to the Moon God (Chandra Dev).
Chandra Dev, however, gave more attention to Rohini than to the others because she attracted him more.
As a result, Chandra Dev’s other 26 wives complained to their father, Daksha Prajapati, who then cursed Chandra Dev, making him weaker and less attractive every day.
When Chandra Dev realized his mistake, he consulted Lord Shiva, who encouraged him to make amends and ask the other wives of Chandra Dev for forgiveness.
Chandra Dev began to worship the other wives and beg their pardon with the help of Lord Shiva.
Chandra Dev regained his luster and strength after the wives, who were pleased with his devotion, pardoned him.
To remember this occasion and ask Chandra Dev’s blessings, Chandra Darshan is observed.
It is thought that praying to Chandra Dev on this day will bring luck, wealth, and happiness into one’s life.
The celebration is also linked to Lord Vishnu, who is said to have assumed the shape of a fish on this day to prevent the Vedas from being destroyed in the flood.
The blessings of Chandra Dev and Lord Vishnu might therefore be sought on Chandra Darshan, which is regarded as a very auspicious day.
Rituals, Traditions, and Offerings
In Hinduism, Chandra Darshan is a significant festive that is joyfully and fervently observed. Following are some of the Chandra Darshan rites, customs, and offerings:
Fasting: On the day of Chandra Darshan, devotees keep a fast that is only broken when they see the moon in the evening sky. Some people also eat fruits, milk, and other light food as part of a partial fast.
Puja: Devotees worship Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Chandra Dev through puja (worship). They chant mantras, offer flowers, incense, and lights, and ask for their blessings.
Holy dip: On the day of Chandra Darshan, taking a holy dip in a river or holy pond is thought to be lucky. This is seen as being lucky and cleansing of all sins.
Moon gazing: Devotees wait for the moon to rise after completing the puja before paying reverence by gazing at it. They ask Chandra Dev’s blessing and offer prayers to him.
Donations: On the day of Chandra Darshan, it is desirable to give food, clothing, and money to the poor and needy. This is thought to bring blessings and good karma.
Special food offerings: Devotees prepare special food offerings for Chandra Dev, which could include fruits, grains, and sweets. They present these to Chandra Dev before taking them as prasad (holy food) and eating them.
Mantras and hymns: On the day of Chandra Darshan, devotees chant mantras and hymns to Chandra Dev and Lord Vishnu.
Chandra Gayatri and Vishnu Sahasranama are a couple of the more well-known mantras.
A time for reflection, devotion, and seeking divine favors, Chandra Darshan is a sacred occasion.
Devotees expect to obtain the blessings of Chandra Dev and Lord Vishnu for a fruitful and happy life by adhering to the rituals and traditions connected with this occasion.
Why is Chandra Darshan Important?
The term Chandra Darshan refers to sighting of the moon.
This takes place once a month when it can be seen for the first time after Amavasya or new moon.
Hindus associate a lot of religious significance to this day and the moon is sighted immediately after sunset.
The moon can be seen only for a short time of about an hour on this day.
As the name implies, the day is dedicated to Lord Chandra or the Moon God.
Hindus render special prayers to the god and observe a fast in His honour.
They consider it lucky to see the moon on this day as it is said that doing so helps them to be bestowed with happiness and prosperity.
Chandra Darshan Rituals
Devotees make it a point to wake up in the early morning hours on the day of Chandra Darshan and take a bath.
They offer their sincere prayers to the deity and undertake a fast for the whole day without eating or drinking anything.
The fast is broken only in the evening after sighting the moon and offering Him arghya as prasad.
Women undertake a fast with the belief that the lord will help them get relief from problems in their marital lives.
It is also said that the god will bless their life partners with a healthy and long life.
Donating alms to brahmins and the needy is yet another important ritual observed by worshippers on Chandra Darshan.
The alms can be in the form of goods and eatables. Some common choices of offerings on this day are rice, clothes and sugar.
There is a belief that if the rituals with a devout mind on each Chandra Darshan day, the Moon God will bestow His devotees with good fortune in their lives.
Importance of Chandra Worship
Chandra Dev is represented as one of the most esteemed deities in Hindu mythology.
He is also considered as the important graha among the Navagrahas and has a profound impact in the life of an individual.
The Moon God is related to wisdom, good intentions and purity.
The deity is associated with silver metal and pearl gemstone.
Monday is the day deity dedicated to the lord and white is believed to be His favourite colour.
A person with the Moon favourably positioned in his/her horoscope will lead a prosperous and successful life.
This is generally the fourth position. If the moon is wrongly placed in one’s horoscope, it is recommended that he/she performs the Grah Shanti Chandra pooja to overcome the malefic or ill-effects of the positioning of the Moon.
In Hindu mythology, the moon is believed to have a great influence on earth.
In other words, Moon God is represented as the nurturer of plant and animal life on earth.
Hindu legends also make references of His wedding to the 27 Hindu nakshatras. He is also addressed as the father of the planet Mercury.
Hindus pay their obeisance to their forefathers and perform a pitra pooja on Chandra Darshan day to seek their blessings for a happy and successful life.
Devotees who pray wholeheartedly to Chandra Dev and undertake a fast in His honour along with chanting of powerful and sacred mantras on Chandra Darshan are blessed with a purified mind.
They get rid of evil intentions and negative thoughts that tend to clout their mind.
Followers of the Moon God engage themselves actively in full moon meditation.
This meditation helps to heal troubled minds. Meditating on the banks of River Ganges on Chandra Darshan day helps in increasing the spiritual growth of devotees.
The fast undertaken on this day helps in balancing the three key elements of vata, pitta and kapha in the human body.
This will, in turn, promote their sound health and cure them of diseases like jaundice, skin and nerve problems, fluid accumulation and mental retardation.
Devotees give great importance to worshipping the Moon God and performing Chandra pooja because the moon is believed to control the five senses of an individual.
The five senses are under the control of the mind and the mind is in turn ruled by the Moon.
The devotees must sit facing the north-western direction when worshipping the deity and chanting His mantra.
Chandra worship should be started on the bright fortnight from any Monday.
One of the most popular mantras recited is the Chandra Gayatri Mantra – Amrit Tatvaay Dheemahi Tanno Chandra Prachodayat.
Another popular Chandra mantra is Om Sheetamshu Vibhamshu Amritashu Namah.
Benefits of Chandra Pooja
There are various benefits of performing a Chandra Pooja.
The benefits are said to increase multifold when it is done on Shivaratri.
The pooja assists those who perform it wholeheartedly get relief from psychological problems like depression, anxiety and stress.
It also helps an individual develop a cordial relationship and strengthen ties with his/her mother.
The pooja paves way for developing a control over one’s wavering mind and puts an end to his/her illusions and confusions.
Individuals are blessed by the Moon God with increased memory power and the ability to focus or concentrate in what he/she plans to do.
Doing a Chandra Pooja helps to resolve conflicts encountered in daily life as well as find a solution for debt related issues and regain lost wealth.
Chandra Darshan
According to Hindu mythology, Chandra Dev is one of the most revered deities.
He is also a significant part of the ‘Navgraha’ planets, which influences life on Earth. The Moon is generally considered a favourable planet.
It is associated with wisdom,
purity and good intentions.
It is believed that an individual with a favourably placed Moon in his/her planet will live a more successful and prosperous life.
The Moon has more significance in Hinduism as it follows the lunar calendar.
In Hindu mythology,
Chandra Dev or the Moon God takes care of animal and plant life.
He is married to the 27 Nakshatras,
who are the daughters of King Prajapati Daksha and is also the father of Lord Budha.
Hindu devotees pray to the Moon God on the day of Chandra Darshan to seek his blessings for success and good fortune.
Chandra Darshan falls on the first day when the moon rises after a new moon day.
A new moon day is called as Amavasya.
The first sighting of the moon after a new moon cycle has immense religious significance.
Devotees tend to observe a fast throughout the day and break it after sighting the new moon on the auspicious day of Chandra Darshan.
One of the most important parts of this day is the worship of the forefathers, known as Pitra in Sanskrit.
Many worship their ancestors to help them achieve Moksha (completing the circle of life and death) and also attain their wishes and blessings for a good fortune.
Significance of Chandra Darshan
About Chandra Darshan:
Chandra Darshan is sighting the moon after the ‘Amavasya’ or no moon day.
In Hinduism, the day has immense religious significance.
Devotees worship Lord Moon and offer special prayers on this day.
It is believed to be very auspicious to sight the moon just after the Amavasya.
The day after Amavasya is celebrated as Chandra Darshan to honour Moon God.
The most favourable time for sighting the moon is just after sunset.
Chandra Darshan is observed with great fervour and devotion.
Significance of Chandra Darshan:
In Hindu scriptures, Chandra Dev or Lord Moon is considered to be one of the most revered deities.
He is a significant ‘graha’ or planet of the ‘Navgraha,’ which influences life on the Earth. Moon is known to be a favourable planet.
It is associated with wisdom, purity and mental health.
It is believed that a person with favourably placed Moon in the Horoscope may have a more successful and prosperous life.
Moon is more influential in Hinduism as it follows the lunar calendar.
Chandra Dev or the Moon God is known to be the nurturer of plant and animal life.
He is married to 27 Nakshatras, who are the daughters of King Daksh Prajapati.
He is the father of Lord Budha or Planet Mercury.
Hindu devotees worship Moon God on the day of Chandra Darshan to seek His blessings for success and good fortune.
Celebrations and Rituals:
As per the traditional Hindu calendar, on this day the moon is sighted for the first time after Amavasya or no moon day.
Hence, it is celebrated as Chandra Darshan.
Chandra Darshan is celebrated by fasting for the whole day and breaking the fast after sighting the moon after sunset.
As per astrology, Chandra Dev is a planet, and it represents softness, sensitivity, emotions and mind.
He is the Lord of vegetation as it is believed that Devas drink Soma using the moon as a cup.
He is depicted with two hands.
His one hand holds a club and the other one has a Lotus.
As per Hindu legends, Chandra Dev rides across the entire sky every night on a chariot drawn by ten white horses.
There are various stories associated with Chandra Dev.
The most popular ones are associated with Ganesh Chaturthi, Rahu and Ketu and Somnath Mandir.
On the day of Chandra Darshan, devotees worship the Moon God by observing a strict fast to please Lord Moon.
They avoid eating or drinking anything throughout the day.
The fast is broken after sighting the Moon.
It is believed that the devotee who performs the ritualistic worship of Moon God on the day of Chandra Darshan will be bestowed with good fortune and prosperity.
Offering donations is also an important ritual on Chandra Darshan.
People donate clothes, rice, and sugar to Brahmins on this day.
Chandra Darshan All You Need to Know
In Hinduism, Chandra or the Moon is considered one of the most important and revered deities.
Chandra is also a significant ‘graha’ or planet of the Navgraha that influences all life on earth.
Since Hindus follow the lunar calendar, the Moon plays a very important role for them.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Chandra is married to the 27 Nakshatras,
who are the daughters of King Prajapati Daksha and is also the father of Budha or planet Mercury.
The Moon is a favorable planet or star in Hindu mythology and is associated with purity,
wisdom, and good intentions. It is believed when the Moon is favourably placed in an individual’s horoscope,
it makes their life much more vibrant and meaningful.
Chandra Darshan is an important day which comes right after the day of Amavasya or the ‘no moon day’
Chandra Darshan Tithi and Rituals:
Devotees observe a strict fast on this day to please Chandra Dev.
They do not eat or drink anything all throughout the day and the fast is broken after sighting the Moon just after sunset.
It is believed that a person who performs all the rituals of on the day of Chandra Darshan will be bestowed with endless good fortune and prosperity.
A few devotees also offer donations as a party of an important ritual on Chandra Darshan.
People also donate clothes, rice, and sugar among other things to the poor on this day.
Chandra Darshan
Chandra Darshan in the honor of the Moon God is the celebration and observance of sighting the moon, day after the ‘Amavasya’ (the no moon day).
In Hinduism this day holds immense religious significance and devotees on this day worship Chandra Dev and offer special prayers since it is believed to be very propitious to sight the new moon just after the Amavasya which literally translates to ‘new moon night’ and an optimal day to pray for salvation.
The moon which appears after Amavasya is called the new moon, observing this moon is known as Chandra Darshan.
Significance of Chandra Darshan in Hindu Mythology
The moon has special significance in Hindu mythology because many important rituals are carried on this day.
Many women pray on Amavasya for long lives of their husbands and for the removal of obstacles in married life.
One of the most important part of this day is the worship of forefathers, known as Pitra in Sanskrit.
Many worship them to help them achieve Moksha (completing the circle of life and death) and also attain their wishes and blessings for a good fortune.
Rituals During Chandra Darshan
On the day of Chandra Darshan, Hindu devotees worship the Moon God.
Devotees observe a strict fast on this day to please Chandra Dev.
They do not eat or drink anything all through the day.
The fast is broken after sighting the Moon just after sunset.
It is believed that a person who performs all the ritualistic worship of Moon God on the day of Chandra Darshan will be bestowed with endless good fortune and prosperity.
Offering donations is also an important ritual on Chandra Darshan. People donate clothes, rice and sugar among other things to Brahmins on this day.
Chandra Darshan Importance
In Hindu mythology, Chandra Dev or the Moon God is considered to be one of the most revered deities.
He is also a significant ‘graha’ or planet of the ‘Navgraha’, which influences life on Earth.
Moon is known to be a favourable planet and is associated with wisdom, purity and good intentions.
It is believed that an individual with favourably placed Moon in his/her planet will live a more successful and prosperous life.
Furthermore, Moon is even more influential in Hinduism as it follows the lunar calendar.
In Hindu mythology, Chandra Dev or the Moon God is also known to be the nurturer of animal and plant life.
He is married to the 27 Nakshatras, who are the daughters of King Prajapati Daksha and is also the father of Budha or Planet Mercury.
Hindu devotees, therefore, worship Moon God on the day of Chandra Darshan to seek His blessings for success and good fortune.
Time for Chandra Darshan
The most favourable time for sighting the moon is just after sunset though predicting the most appropriate time and the first day for Chandra Darshan is a difficult job even for Panchang makers.
The moon is visible only for a short span of time on the first day of Chandra Darshan and that is just after the sunset.
In other words, the moon sets about one hour after sunset and can be sighted only after sunset due to being in the same horizon as that of the sun.
Chandra Darshan is observed with great fervour and devotion in different parts of the country.
Chandra Darshan: Things You Should Follow While Watching Full Moon
The Moon is one of the benefic planets of astronomy, which influences the human’s mind.
It is a significator of mental strength, thinking abilities and wisdom.
Basically, the Chandra Grahan is to observe the full Moon by worshipping the Lord Chandra Dev.
This day arrives after the night of Amavasya, no Moon day.
Devotees organize puja in their house and also keep a fast for an entire day.
This day brings an opportunity to earn good wealth and fortune.
Let’s unfold what ancient myths reveal about following Chandra Grahan.
The Ancient Legends
The story revolves around Lord Chandra and the wife of Brihaspati (planet Jupiter), Tara. It is said that Chandra Dev was really impressed by the beauty of Tara. And therefore, he ran away with her to get married.
After secretly getting married, the couple also gave birth to Budha (planet Mercury).
When Brihaspati learned about the facts, he was ready to rage war.
But soon, the matter was settled down with the intervention of other Gods.
Later, the reunion of Tara and Brihaspati left Chandra upset and away from fulfiling his desires.
Then, Chandra Dev married King Daksha’s 27 daughters, where he used to spend more time with Rohini.
Seeing this, others wives of Chandra Dev became angry and informed the king.
King Daksha cursed Chandra, which he partially removed by the grace of Lord Shiva.
Another legend says that once, Lord Ganesha was returning home on a full moon night riding on his shrew.
A snake crossed their path in such a way that Lord Ganesha lost his sitting position and fell on the ground.
As soon as he took the tumble, Modaks came out of his mouth. Looking at Lord Ganesha, Chandra Dev couldn’t stop his laugh, which made Lord Ganesha furious.
Then, Lord Ganesha cursed Moon that it will never be in full size.
So, devotees avoid observing Moon on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Why Moon is Called Soma?
As mentioned in Hindu myths, the Moon is a medicinal deity.
But it is also used for Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva (as Somanatha), Yama and Kubera.
Soma is known to be a special drink.
Whoever drinks it may get blessed with the immortal soul.
Earlier, it was consumed by Lord Indra Dev and Lord Agni Dev.
The waxing of the Moon represents the recreation of drink, Soma.
Some Hindu myths also suggest that Hindu deities prefer to drink Soma.
Thus, being a Vedic lunar deity, Moon is also known as Soma.
Some Hindu scriptures depicts Soma as a white-colored deity wielding a mace and riding on a chariot drawn by three or more white horses (up to ten).
Soma is considered the Moon-deity in Buddhism and Jainism.
About Sahasra Chandra Darshan
When a person observes a full Moon for the 1000th time in his or her lifetime, it is known as Sahasra Chandra Darshan.
Also, this incident should take place before an individual’s 81st birthday.
If a person watches the full Moon for the 1000th time before celebrating his/her 81st birthday, it is known as Sahasra Chandra Darshan.
To calculate Sahasra Chandra Darshan, multiply 79 years by 12 + 24 new moons + 28 extra months to get the total number of 1000.
Best Time To Have Chandra Darshan
While the most auspicious timing of Chandra Darshan is just after sunset, many believe that the sight can also be seen once the moon reaches a 90 degree rising peak in the sky.
The whole event will be between 12:46 AM to 10:04 PM.
Those who are following the fasting rituals, can break their fast after witnessing the full Moon in the sky.
Ending Note
A number of people in India observe Chandra Darshan as a part of worshipping Lord Chandra Dev.
People believe that if you keep a fast on full Moon day, you may get your wishes fulfiled.
Lord Chandra Dev may bestow mental strength, wisdom and sincerity in your life.
Thus, there is a significance behind watching the full moon, Chandra Darshan.
The Story of Chandradeva
While the Sage Daksha’s curse leading to the moon (Chandradeva) waxing and waning is popular, the story behind the curse is known by a few.
This is the story narrated by Vaishampayana to Janamejaya in the Shalya Parva.
Shalya Parva is the ninth of the eighteen books of the Mahabharata.
Prajapati Daksha was the son of Brahma in his first manvantara (human incarnation). Out of Daksha’s many other daughters, he got twenty-seven of them married to Chandradeva- the Moon God.
These twenty-seven daughters are often viewed as the twenty-seven Nakshatras (lunar stars) on the Moon’s orbit.
Twenty-seven daughters of Daksha sage helped the man on earth to calculate the time and change of seasons.
When Prajapati Daksha gave away his daughters on marriage to Chandradeva, he asked for a promise.
The promise was that Chandradeva would never look down upon any of his daughters.
He would forever treat all the 27 daughters with equal love and care.
On learning about this, Chandra promised that he would treat his wives with equality.
The Rajasuya Yagna
Once, Chandradeva decided to perform the greatest of all yagna (a sacred sacrifice). This was the Rajasuya Yagna translating to fire worship.
To invite the other deities, he first visited Satyalok.
It was where Lord Brahma resided. Chandra invited Lord Brahma and received his blessings.
He then visited Devaloka (the place of residence of Gods) to invite Lord Indra and other Devas to attend the Yagna.
Chandradeva then requested Brihaspathi to preside as the main priest to perform the Yagna to which Brihaspathi agreed.
Chandradeva was taught the vedas and divine skills by his guru, who was none other than Brihaspathi himself.
Brihaspati, The Guru of Gods
Lord Indra who was the King of Gods himself, appointed Brihaspati as the chief priest.
A priest was very important because it was Dwapara Yuga, a time when rituals were the most significant aspect of people’s lives.
Brihaspati was the master priest and scholar and hence he attained the name Deva Guru (Teacher of Gods).
Sage Brihaspati was married to Tara.
Here, Brihaspati represents the planet Jupiter and Tara means “star.”
In ancient India, a woman’s participation in the rituals is as important as a man’s participation.
All rituals were established in a form that did not leave space to disregard women in any sense.
By this logic, a man could neither perform a ritual without his wife nor receive fruits of the ritual without his wife by his side.
Hence, Brihaspati’s wife Tara added value to his life and he needed him by his side.
Chandradeva and Tara
Sage Brihaspati and his wife Tara presided the Yagna.
As the yagna progressed, Chandra began to attain a divine and beautiful form.
His beauty was so mesmerizing that all the Apsaras (Angels), and Devalok women, including Tara began to fall for Chandradeva’s beauty.
Seeing this, all the Devas left the Yagna furiously.
Sage Brihaspati’s wife Tara instantly fell in love with Chandradeva and decided not to return to a loveless marriage with the old sage.
When Brihaspati sent a word to her to return, she declined to come back. Later, Brihaspati sent his messengers to Chandradeva asking to send Tara back home.
He reminded Chandra that it was against the norm to keep Tara, as she was his gurupatni and thus like a mother to him.
Mahabharat Episode 1: Brihaspati’s Curse and Tara’s Child
Chandradeva replied, “I am not keeping Tara forcefully, and she is staying with me at her own accord if Tara wants to go, she can, I shall not try stopping her”.
The sage accused Chandra of adultery, but Chandra refused to be concerned with anything that his guru had to say.
Tara and Chandradeva were more than happy being together and he was not willing to let go.
For Brihaspati, it was not just about losing his wife but losing his job, his prestige, his place in society, and he would not be able to enter Devaloka, the gods’ world, anymore. He then sought help from Lord Indra. Lord Indra confronted Chandra and asked him to return Tara to Brihaspati.
Chandra reminded Indra of his own liaison with Sage Gautam’s wife Ahalya, except that in this case, Tara had come to him voluntarily.
Chandradeva & Tara’s Child
Lord Indra compelled Tara to come back.
This was the first time that someone was compelled to stick to a certain family structure.
When Indra said, “You have to come back,” Tara answered, “No, my love is up there.”
He said, “Your emotions do not matter. Your dharma is to be with Brihaspati, because unless you stay with him, my rituals will go bad.
Sage Brihaspati has refused to perform my rituals unless you come back.” So, she was brought back.
Deva Guru Brihaspati then finds Tara has conceived. Upon questioning her about the father, she tells him that it was Chandra himself.
Later upon the birth of the baby, Guru did not like to bring up Chandra’s baby and asks her to return the baby back to him.
This child was brought up by Chandradeva and later came to be known as Budhha (Mercury).
Initially, he asks his wives to take care of the baby.
Of the twenty-seven wives, only two of his wives- Krithika and Rohini care for the baby.
The other twenty-five wives refuse to take care of the baby.
Between Krithika and Rohini, Rohini cares a lot more for the baby.
After learning about his wives and their attitude towards the baby, Chandra decided to take action.
He reciprocates his love for his wives in the same manner, ignoring the twenty-five wives and caring only for Krithika and Rohini.
Daksha’s Curse
Chandradeva, hence, was so fond of Rohini that he spent most of his time with her. Disturbed by this, the other daughters went to Daksha and cried that Soma hardly pays any attention to them and lives mostly with Rohini.
They complained to their father regarding this sort of injustice to them.
As a loving father Daksha repeatedly warned Chandradeva.
But he never paid attention and this angers Sage Daksha.
Daksha realizes that Chandra has broken his promise of loving all his wives equally and curses Chandra in his anger.
He cursed Chandra that he will have to suffer from ‘Kshay’- deterioration of body within a short period of time.
He curses Chandra to contract an incurable disease.
As a consequence, all creatures dependent on the moon too started decaying.
Only a small portion of the moon was visible.
Affected by the curse, the moon took refuge in the ocean.
Without the moon, the balance of Nature soon became disturbed and many lives depend on the light of the moon started suffering
Chandra then realizes that despite several boons from Lord Shiva, he does not have the power to stop Sage Daksha’s strange and mystic powers of his curse.
He then approaches Lord Indra.
At his presence, Lord Indra reminds Chandra that it was all due to his unjust deeds in the past.
Past Curses of Chandra
Firstly, when he was young, Chandra gets cursed by Lord Ganesha. Once, Lord Ganesha was walking home after eating a heavy meal filled with sweets.
Ganesha felt very heavy and slipped and fell down.
He then picked up a snake running by, to wear it as a belt to hold his dress over his waist, and began walking again.
When Chandra saw this scene, he could not control his laughter and burst upon Ganesha.
Seeing his arrogance, Lord Ganesha curses that Chandra becomes weak.
Lord Brahma then explained to Lord Ganesha, the purpose of Chandra’s birth and his significant planetary position.
Lord Ganesha, then, modifies his curse and lets Chandra wear only on one day in a year.
This was on the day of Vinayaka Chathurthi, the month of Shravana (mid-August to mid-September).
Next, Chandra got cursed by Lord Brahma and later released from the curse. This was because Lord Brahma realized Chandra’s planetary position.
Now, Chandradeva again got cursed by Daksha Prajapati. Lord Indra explains that this time, the effect of the curse is much stronger.
Due to this, Chandra is unable to release himself from it.
Saying this, Lord Indra asked Chandra to approach Lord Brahma, as he is the only one who can save him from this.
At Brahmapura
Upon Lord Indra’s advice, Chandra reaches Brahmapura where Lord Brahma resides. He asks for his forgiveness and a solution to remove Daksha’s curse from affecting him.
To this Brahma says, “Even though Daksha is my son, he has received strange mystic powers and several boons.
Further, he is invincible and this fact has made him very proud of his achievements, and Daksha in no way would listen to me, even if, I, as his father advised him.”
Lord Brahma adds saying that Lord Shiva was Chandra’s last resort.
He asks him to go and fall at his feet. It is believed that he advised Chandra to perform that ‘Mahamritunjaya Mantra’ to appeal to Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva – The Rescuer
On the advice of Lord Brahma, Chandradeva performed one of the hardest penances of ‘Mahamritunjaya Mantra’ composed by rishi Markandeya in the Prabhas region.
Lord Shiva, on the very occasion of Mahashivratri appeared in front of him and informed him that he could not get rid of the curse because what he had done was also unjust.
By this time, Chandra has already lost his beauty in the past fourteen days and was left with only one day to completely look miserable.
Chandra surrendered himself to Lord Shiva and begged his forgiveness.
He pleases Lord Shiva that henceforth, he will do only what Lord Shiva asks him to.
Lord Shiva told that Daksha’s curse cannot be completely ignored. In order to make Chandra free from the curse, Shiva had to place him on his head as Daksh’s curse doesn’t get in vain.
Chandra looked like a curved bowl on Shiva’s matted hair and the last part of his beauty, remained forever, and Sage Daksha’s curse could not affect Chandra further.
Lord Shiva then granted Chandra with a boon that he would wither for fifteen days and then grow to his full size, for the next fifteen days.
Lord Shiva said Chandra, “From tomorrow, your radiance and beauty will increase day by day and you will shine in all glory in fifteen days, however, Sage Daksha’s curse cannot be completely removed,
so, in the next fifteen days after you shine, your radiance will deteriorate each day and will lose your radiance according to Daksha’s curse,
when you are left with one day’s radiance, you will stop there, due to my interference and will not deteriorate further, but, grow in radiance for the next fifteen days.
This way, you will grow in radiance and beauty for fifteen days and shine in all glory on the fifteenth day and will lose each day’s radiance and beauty in fifteen days and will be left with one day’s radiance and beauty on the fifteenth day.
You will now, influence every living being on earth with your planetary position and be a giver of life force through your Waxing and Waning periods.”
The day when Chandra is fully deteriorated is called ‘Amavasya’ (No Moon Day) and when Chandra is fully radiant in his original form, it is called ‘Pournima’ (Full Moon Day).
According to Lord Shiva’s boon, Chandradeva is said to wane during Krishnapaksha and during Shuklapaksha (the brighter part of the lunar fortnight), Chandra is said to wax.
After getting such a divine boon from Lord Shiva, Chandradeva built a huge temple.
He named the Jyotirling in the temple as ‘Somnath Mahadev’. Here Som means Chandra himself and Mahadev is Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva as Chandrashekara
It is well known that Lord Shiva is known as Mahakaal, which means that he is beyond time.
The waning and waxing of the moon is controlled by Lord Shiva because he can control time.
With this incident, Lord Shiva is known to be ‘Chandrashekara’. The word ‘Chandra’ means moon and Shekhar means ‘crest’ or ‘peak’.
Because the moon adorns the head of Lord Shiva, which is the peak -point of any human being, he is called Chandrashekhara.
It is believed that after this incident, Chandra learned a lesson and began to spend equal time with each of his twenty-seven wives.
He spends about 1 day in each Nakshatra (constellation). It is about 13.20 degrees thereby covering 360 degrees.
The Nakshatra where the moon is located on a particular day is the birth star of the person according to the Hindu calendar.
Chandrasekhara Ashtakam
रत्नसानु शरासनं रजताद्रि शृङ्ग निकेतनं
शिञ्जिनीकृत पन्नगेश्वर मच्युतानल सायकम् ।
क्षिप्रदग्द पुरत्रयं त्रिदशालयै रभिवन्दितं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः ॥
I seek refuge in him, who has the moon, Who made the mountain of jewels into his bow, Who resides on the mountain of silver, Who made the serpent Vasuki as rope, Who made Lord Vishnu as arrows, And quickly destroyed the three cities, And who is saluted by the three worlds, And so what can the God of Death do to me?
पञ्चपादपपुष्पगन्धपदाम्बुजदूयशोभितं
भाललोचनजातपावकदग्धमन्मथविग्रह।म् ।
भस्मदिग्धकलेवरं भवनाशनं भवमव्ययं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः ॥
I seek refuge in him, who has the moon, Who shines with the pair of his lotus-like feet, Which are worshipped by the scented flowers of five kalpaka trees,
Who burnt the body of God of Love, Using the fire from the eyes on his forehead,
Who applies ash all over his body, Who destroys the sorrow of life, And who does not have destruction, And so what can the God of Death do to me?
मत्तवारण मुख्यचर्म कृतोत्तरीय मनोहरं
पङ्कजासन पद्मलोचन पूजिताङ्घ्रि सरोरुहम् ।
देव सिन्धु तरङ्ग श्रीकर सिक्त शुभ्र जटाधरं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः ॥
I seek refuge in Him, who has the moon, Who is the stealer of minds because of his upper cloth, Made of the skin of the ferocious elephant,Who has lotus-like feet which are worshipped, By Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, And who has matted hair drenched by drops, Of the waves of the holy river Ganga, And so what can God of Death do to me?
यक्ष राजसखं भगाक्ष हरं भुजङ्ग विभूषणम्
शैलराज सुता परिष्कृत चारुवाम कलेबरम् ।
क्ष्वेडनीलगलं परश्वध धारिणं मृगधारिणम्
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः ॥ 5 ॥
I seek refuge in him, who has the moon, Who is friend of Lord Kubera, Who destroyed the eyes of Bhaga, Who wears serpent as ornament, Whose left part of the body is decorated, By the daughter of the king of mountain, Whose neck is blue because of the poison, Who is armed with an axe, And who carries a deer with Him, And so what can God of Death do to me?
कुण्डलीकृत कुण्डलीश्वर कुण्डलं वृषवाहनं
नारदादि मुनीश्वर स्तुतवैभवं भुवनेश्वरम् ।
अन्धकान्तक माश्रितामर पादपं शमनान्तकं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः ॥ 3 ॥
I seek refuge in Him, who has the moon, Who wears the ear studs made of a curling serpent, Who is the great one being praised by Narada and other sages, Who is the Lord of the entire earth, Who is the killer of Anthakasura. Who is the wish-giving tree to his devotees, And who is the killer of God of Death, And so what can God of Death do to me?
भेषजं भवरोगिणा मखिलापदा मपहारिणं
दक्षयज्ञ विनाशनं त्रिगुणात्मकं त्रिविलोचनम् ।
भुक्ति मुक्ति फलप्रदं सकलाघ सङ्घ निबर्हणं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः ॥
I seek refuge in Him, who has the moon, Who is the doctor who cures sorrowful life,
Who destroys all sorts of dangers, Who destroyed the fire sacrifice of Daksha, Who is personification of three qualities, Who has three different eyes, Who bestows devotion and salvation, And who destroys all types of sins, And so what can God of death do to me?
भक्तवत्सल मर्चितं निधिमक्षयं हरिदम्बरं
सर्वभूत पतिं परात्पर मप्रमेय मनुत्तमम् ।
सोमवारिन भोहुताशन सोम पाद्यखिलाकृतिं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः ॥
I seek refuge in Him, who has the moon, Who is worshipped as darling of devotees, Who is the treasure which is perennial, Who clothes Himself with the directions, Who is the chief of all beings, Who is beyond the unreachable God, Who is not understood by any one, Who is the holiest of every one, And who is served by moon, water, sun, earth, Fire, ether, boss and the Wind And so what can god of death do to me?
विश्वसृष्टि विधालिनं पुनरेवपालन तत्परं
संहरं तमपि प्रपञ्च मशेषलोक निवासिनम् ।
क्रीडयन्त महर्निशं गणनाथ यूथ समन्वितं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः ॥
I seek refuge in Him, who has the moon, Who does the creation of the universe, Who then is interested in its upkeep, Who at proper time destroys the universe, Who lives in every being of the universe, Who is plays day and night with all beings, Who is the leader of all beings, And who is like any one of them, And so what can god of death do to me?
मृत्युभीतमृकण्डसूनुकृतस्तव शिव सन्निधौ
यत्र कुत्र च पठेन्नहि तस्य मृत्युभयं भवेत् ।
पूर्णमायुररोगितामखिलाथ सम्पदमादरं
चन्द्रशेखर एव तस्य ददाति मुक्तिमयत्नतः ॥
He who reads this prayer, Composed by the son of Mrukandu, Who was fear struck with death, In the temple of Lord Shiva, Will not have fear of death, He would have full healthy life, With all grains and all wealth, And Lord Chandra Shekara, Would give Him, Salvation in the end.
About Chandra Darshan
Chandra Darshan is the ceremony of sighting the moon on new moon day after the ‘Amavasya’ i.e., the no moon day.
This day holds enormous spiritual importance. People worship Chandra Dev on this day.
They offer special prayers and dedication.
This day is celebrated as Chandra Darshan in the honour of the Moon God.
Chandra Darshan is observed with great fervour and devotion.
Those people who are running the dasha period of planet Moon in their birth chart or having moon in weak position get the Chandra puja done on this day..
Rituals during Chandra Darshan :
- On this day, Hindu devotees worship the Moon God.
- They observe fast on this day to please Chandra Dev.
- They do not eat or drink anything throughout the day.
- The fast is broken after sighting the Moon just after sunset.
- It is said that a devotee who carries out all the ritualistic and solemn ceremonies of Moon God on the day of Chandra Darshan is bestowed with endless good fortune, prosperity and well being.
- Donations and charity work is considered as an important ritual and ceremony on Chandra Darshan.
- Devotees donate clothes, rice and sugar among other things to Brahmins on this day.
Significance of Chandra Darshan
In Hinduism, Chandra Dev or the Hindu Lord of Moon is regarded to be one of the most revered deities.
He is also a significant ‘graha’ i.e.,
planet of the ‘Navgraha’.
He influences life on Earth.
Moon is known to be a positive and favourable planet and is associated with knowledge, virtue, wisdom and good intentions.
It is said that an individual with positively placed Moon in his/her planet will live a more successful and prosperous life.
Chandra Dev or the Moon God is also said to be the supporter of animal and plant life. He is married to the 27 Nakshatras, who are the daughters of King Prajapati Daksha and is also the father of Budha or Planet Mercury.
Hindu devotees therefore worship Moon God on the day of Chandra Darshan to seek his blessings for success, victory, triumph, successfulness and good fortune.