चन्द्र
Chandra, also known as Soma, is a significant deity in Hindu mythology, revered as the Moon and one of the Navagrahas, a group of nine celestial bodies that play a crucial role in astrology. According to myth, Chandra emerged from the ocean of milk, which was churned by both the Asuras (demons) and Devas (gods). His radiant form earned him the status of a planet, and he is considered one of the Devas.
However, Chandra’s character is also marked by his weakness and impulsiveness. He was involved in an illicit relationship with Tara, the wife of his guru Brihaspati, resulting in the birth of Budha (Mercury). This union was considered a deadly sin, and Budha grew to resent his father for his role in his birth. In Indian astrology, Mercury and the Moon are often depicted as rival planets.
Chandra later married the 27 daughters of Daksha, a Prajapati (a creator god), who are known as the Pleiades. Daksha imposed a condition on Chandra: he must love all his wives equally, without favoring one over the others. Unfortunately, Chandra found himself more drawn to Rohini, one of his wives, and was unable to keep this promise. This led to Daksha’s anger and a curse that caused Chandra to lose his divine luster. Chandra underwent many penances to regain some of his lost radiance, which is reflected in the cycles of the Moon’s phases.
In another version of the myth, Chandra is said to be the son of the sage Atri and his wife Anasuya, born through the divine grace of Brahma. According to this story, the power of Brahma entered Atri and was born as Chandra to his wife. This myth highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of Chandra’s character, who is both a powerful deity and a flawed individual.
Some closely related entities in Hindu mythology include:
- Asuras: Demons who, along with the Devas, churned the ocean of milk to produce the Moon.
- Devas: Gods who, along with the Asuras, churned the ocean of milk to produce the Moon.
- Brihaspati: Chandra’s guru, whose wife Tara was involved in an illicit relationship with Chandra.
- Budha (Mercury): The son of Chandra and Tara, who is often depicted as a rival to the Moon.
- Daksha: A Prajapati who is the father of the 27 daughters of the Moon and imposed a condition on Chandra to love them all equally.
- Pleiades: The 27 daughters of Daksha, who are married to the Moon.
- Atri: A sage who, along with his wife Anasuya, is said to be the father of Chandra in some myths.
- Anasuya: Atri’s wife, who is said to be the mother of Chandra in some myths.
- Brahma: The creator god who is said to have granted the power of creation to Atri, resulting in the birth of Chandra.