रोहिणी
Rohini: The Beloved Wife of Chandra and the Celestial Constellation
Rohini, one of the daughters of Daksha, is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology. She is best known as one of the 27 wives of Chandra, the Moon God, who represents the 27 Nakshatras (constellations) in Indian astrology. Rohini’s story intertwines themes of love, jealousy, and divine retribution, underscoring the cosmic significance of the Nakshatras and their influence on human life.
Marriage to Chandra and the 27 Nakshatras
Rohini was married to Chandra, along with her 26 sisters, all of whom were the daughters of Daksha Prajapati, a progenitor in Hindu mythology. Each of these sisters represents one of the 27 Nakshatras, forming the foundation of the Vedic lunar zodiac.
- Daksha’s Condition: When Chandra married his daughters, Daksha secured a promise from him that he would treat all of them equally, without favoring one over the others.
- Rohini’s Beauty and Favor: Among the sisters, Rohini, known for her exceptional beauty and charm, became Chandra’s favorite. She captivated him with her grace and elegance, leading him to spend more time in her company, neglecting his other wives.
The Curse of Daksha
Chandra’s favoritism toward Rohini broke the promise he had made to Daksha. Enraged by this breach of trust and the resulting unhappiness among his other daughters, Daksha cursed Chandra:
- The Curse: Daksha decreed that Chandra would lose his luster and gradually fade away, plunging the world into darkness.
- The Consequences: The curse caused Chandra to wane, diminishing his brilliance and disrupting the natural cycles of time and life, which depended on the phases of the moon.
Redemption Through Shiva’s Grace
Desperate to escape the curse and regain his brilliance, Chandra sought refuge and performed penance in honor of Lord Shiva. Moved by Chandra’s devotion, Shiva partially lifted the curse:
- Shiva’s Boon: Shiva decreed that Chandra would wax and wane in a cyclic pattern, regaining his full brilliance periodically. This established the lunar cycle of waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha), which governs the Hindu calendar.
- Shiva’s Adornment: To honor Chandra’s penance, Shiva placed the crescent moon on his head as an ornament, earning him the title Chandrashekhara (He who wears the moon).
Rohini’s Prominence in Indian Astrology
Among the 27 Nakshatras, Rohini Nakshatra holds special significance in Vedic astrology.
| Nakshatra | Representation | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Rohini | Represented by a cart or chariot. | Associated with beauty, fertility, and creativity. It is ruled by Chandra and considered auspicious. |
| Other Sisters | Represent other Nakshatras | Together, they govern the moon’s transit through the zodiac, influencing time, seasons, and human destiny. |
Connections to Other Stories and Entities in Hindu Mythology
| Entity/Story | Connection to Rohini |
|---|---|
| Daksha Prajapati | Rohini’s father, who cursed Chandra for his favoritism. |
| Chandra (Moon God) | Rohini’s husband, who favored her above all others, leading to Daksha’s curse. |
| Shiva (Chandrashekhara) | Redeemer of Chandra’s curse, who incorporated the crescent moon into his divine iconography. |
| Nakshatras (27 Constellations) | Rohini and her sisters represent the 27 Nakshatras, integral to Vedic astrology and the Hindu lunar calendar. |
Symbolism in Rohini’s Story
- Favoritism and Its Consequences
- Rohini’s story serves as a reminder of the consequences of breaking promises and showing favoritism, even in divine relationships.
- Cosmic Cycles and Harmony
- The tale of Chandra’s curse and redemption reflects the cyclical nature of time and the balance required to maintain harmony in the universe.
- Astrological Influence
- Rohini’s position in Vedic astrology highlights the interconnectedness of mythology, celestial bodies, and human life.
- Divine Forgiveness
- Shiva’s intervention demonstrates the power of penance and divine grace to alleviate even the harshest of curses.
Rohini in the Context of Other Mythological Themes
| Theme | Connection to Rohini |
|---|---|
| Sibling Rivalry | The tension between Rohini and her sisters mirrors familial dynamics and jealousy. |
| Celestial Influence on Life | As a Nakshatra, Rohini’s myth emphasizes the belief in celestial bodies shaping destiny and natural phenomena. |
| Divine Justice | Daksha’s curse on Chandra reflects the moral laws governing promises and relationships in Hindu mythology. |
Legacy of Rohini
Rohini’s story, though deeply personal, is woven into the fabric of Hindu cosmology and astrology. Her beauty and the love she commanded from Chandra place her among the most celebrated Nakshatras, while the events surrounding her marriage underline the importance of balance, duty, and fairness.
The waxing and waning of the moon, integral to Hindu rituals and timekeeping, can be traced back to the myth of Rohini, Chandra, and Daksha. This tale, with its cosmic scale and human emotions, continues to inspire and instruct, illustrating the harmony between divine will and celestial order.