Chandra
Moon God, God of Night and Plants
Deity
Place of Origin: India
Origin Date: Vedic period (1500–500 BCE)
Domain: Moon, night, plants, medicinal herbs
Symbols: Moon, chariot, white horses, antelope
Attributes: Moon, night, plants, medicinal herbs
Epithets: Soma, Rajanipati (Lord of the Night), Industrial
Equivalents: Chandra's role as the moon god can be loosely compared to deities like Selene (Greek mythology) or Luna (Roman mythology) in their roles associated with the moon and night.
Religion: Hinduism
Sacred Texts: Chandra is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas, Puranas, and epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The Rigveda, one of the oldest Vedic texts, contains numerous hymns dedicated to Chandra.
Iconography: Chandra is typically depicted as a beautiful and youthful figure, riding a chariot drawn by ten white horses or an antelope. He is shown with a serene and calming appearance, symbolizing his role as the personification of the moon and the night.
Relations: Surya (sun god), Rohini (favorite wife), Budha (son)
Description
Chandra is one of the principal deities in Hinduism, known as the Moon God and the God of Night and Plants. He is often depicted as a beautiful and youthful figure, riding a chariot drawn by ten white horses or an antelope. Chandra's significance lies in his role as the personification of the moon and his influence over the night, plants, and medicinal herbs. He embodies the qualities of beauty, calmness, and the cyclical nature of time.
Narratives
Role in the Vedas:
Chandra is a central figure in the Vedas, where he is praised for his soothing light and his role in the growth of plants and herbs. He is often invoked in hymns for his blessings of health, fertility, and prosperity. Chandra's association with the moon and its phases is also highlighted in these ancient texts.
Marriage to the Nakshatras:
Chandra is married to the 27 Nakshatras (lunar mansions), who are the daughters of the sage Daksha. His waxing and waning phases are said to be influenced by his interactions with his wives. Each Nakshatra represents a specific segment of the moon's path, and Chandra's movement through them is believed to affect various aspects of life on Earth.
Chandra and Tara:
Chandra's love affair with Tara, the wife of Brihaspati (the guru of the gods), is a well-known story. Chandra abducted Tara, leading to a conflict between the gods. Eventually, Tara was returned to Brihaspati, but she was already pregnant with Chandra's child, Budha (Mercury). This story highlights Chandra's passionate and sometimes impulsive nature.
Chandra and Ganesha:
In one story, Chandra laughed at Ganesha's appearance, leading to Ganesha cursing him. As a result, Chandra's light began to wane. To appease Ganesha and lift the curse, Chandra apologized and was forgiven, but the curse was modified so that Chandra would wax and wane, symbolizing the moon's phases.
Chandra and Rohini:
Among his 27 wives, Chandra had a special affection for Rohini, which caused jealousy among the other Nakshatras. They complained to their father, Daksha, who cursed Chandra to lose his luster. To mitigate the curse, Chandra performed penance and was partially restored, leading to the moon's waxing and waning phases.
Chandra and the Churning of the Ocean:
During the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the gods and demons to obtain the nectar of immortality, Chandra emerged from the ocean along with other divine beings and treasures. His emergence symbolized the importance of the moon in the cosmic order.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Chandra
Chandra is one of the principal deities in Hinduism, known as the Moon God and the God of Night and Plants. He is often depicted as a beautiful and youthful figure, riding a chariot drawn by ten white horses or an antelope.
Core Beliefs
Moon God: Chandra is believed to be the Moon God, embodying the qualities of calmness, beauty, and fertility. His presence ensures the growth of plants and herbs, and he is associated with the soothing light of the moon.
God of Night and Plants: Chandra is also associated with the night and the growth of plants and herbs. His role emphasizes the importance of the moon in the natural world and its influence on agriculture and health.
Symbol of Calmness and Beauty: Chandra represents calmness and beauty, emphasizing the importance of tranquility and aesthetics in achieving well-being and harmony.
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Chandra is often depicted as a beautiful and youthful figure, sometimes shown with symbols of the moon and night, such as a crescent moon and a lotus flower. He is also depicted riding a chariot drawn by ten white horses or an antelope, symbolizing his swift and graceful nature.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Chandra include the crescent moon, the lotus flower, and the chariot. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke his presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Chandra are passed down through generations, maintaining their significance in Hindu culture and mythology. He is a symbol of calmness, beauty, and the influence of the moon.
Practices of Worship
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform various rituals and ceremonies to honor Chandra. These include offerings of food, flowers, and other goods to seek his favor and protection. Rituals often take place at night to align with his connection to the moon and the night.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Chandra can be found throughout India and other regions with Hindu populations. These sites are often adorned with statues and images of Chandra, where devotees can offer prayers and make offerings.
Offerings: Offerings to Chandra typically include food, flowers, and items related to the moon and night, such as white rice and white flowers. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Karva Chauth: Karva Chauth is a festival dedicated to Chandra, celebrated by married women who fast and pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The festival includes rituals and offerings to seek Chandra's blessings for marital harmony and prosperity.
Chandra Darshan: Chandra Darshan is the observance of the first sighting of the moon after the new moon. Devotees offer prayers and perform rituals to seek Chandra's blessings for health, fertility, and prosperity.
Cultural Celebrations: Chandra's story may be included in cultural celebrations and festivals that honor Hindu heritage and traditions. These gatherings often include music, dance, and storytelling.
Prayers: Devotees pray to Chandra for protection, calmness, and the successful practice of their spiritual beliefs. Traditional prayers often invoke his role as the Moon God and the God of Night and Plants.
Chandra's role as the Moon God and the God of Night and Plants embodies the core values and beliefs of Hinduism, emphasizing the importance of calmness, beauty, and the influence of the moon.