चन्द्र
Chandra
The Moon God
Sacred Stories
Divine tales and sacred legends
The Curse of Waning
Chandra married all 27 daughters of Daksha but favored Rohini above the others. Angered by this partiality, Daksha cursed Chandra to wane and lose his luster. Through Shiva's intervention, the curse was modified so Chandra would wax and wane periodically.
Father of Budha
Chandra is the father of planet Mercury (Budha), born from his union with Tara, the wife of Jupiter (Brihaspati). This led to a great celestial conflict, eventually resolved by Brahma, and Budha became one of the Navagrahas.
The Nectar Bearer
During the churning of the cosmic ocean, Chandra emerged carrying the divine nectar (amrita) in his crescent form. He became the lord of plants and herbs, nourishing them with his cooling rays and controlling the tides.
Timeline of Events
Birth from Ocean
Emerged during churning of cosmic ocean
Daksha's Curse
Cursed to wax and wane for favoritism
Birth of Budha
Fathered Mercury, the planet of intellect
Sacred Iconography
Understanding the divine symbols and their meanings
Crescent Moon
Waxing and waning crescent
Cycle of time, growth and decline, tidal influence
White Complexion
Radiant white or silver appearance
Cooling nature, calming energy, night's light
Deer Chariot
Chariot pulled by ten white horses or antelopes
Speed across night sky, grace and beauty
Amrita Cup
Holding pot of nectar
Emerged from ocean churning with amrita, nourishes plants
Sacred Temples
Holy places of worship and pilgrimage
Chandra Sarovar
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Sacred lake associated with Chandra
Somnath Temple
Gujarat
Temple dedicated to Soma (Chandra) and Shiva
Festivals & Celebrations
Sacred Mantras
Powerful chants to invoke divine blessings
ॐ सोमाय नमः
Om Somaaya Namah
"Salutations to Lord Soma (Chandra)"
Benefits: Mental peace, emotional balance, fertility
दधिशङ्खतुषाराभं क्षीरोदार्णवसम्भवम्। नमामि शशिनं सोमं शम्भोर्मुकुटभूषणम्॥
Dadhishankhatushaaraabham Ksheerodaarnavasamb havam, Namaami Shashinam Somam Shambhormuktabhooshanam
"I bow to Chandra, white like curd and conch, born from ocean of milk, adorning Shiva's crown"
Benefits: Calmness, mental clarity, health
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