Tara, the wife of Brihaspati – The Guru of the Devas (the preceptor of the Devas), plays a significant role in Hindu mythology due to her involvement in a controversial affair with Chandra – The Moon (the moon god). Tara bore Brihaspati – The Guru of the Devas seven sons and a daughter, but she committed adultery with Chandra, which resulted in the birth of Budha – Mercury (the planet Mercury). This story is part of the larger cosmic conflicts between gods and their respective domains, linking to the lunar dynasty through Budha, who is an important ancestor in the Chandravansha lineage.
Connection to Other Entities and Stories:
- Chandra: As the moon god, Chandra is one of the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities) and is closely tied to the lunar cycles. His affair with Tara not only incited conflict between him and Brihaspati but also led to the birth of Budha, an important figure in Hindu astrology.
- Budha: The son of Chandra and Tara, Budha is considered the deity of wisdom, intellect, and the planet Mercury. His birth and subsequent union with Ila, the progenitor of the Chandravansha (lunar dynasty), form a significant part of royal lineages in Hindu mythology.
| Character | Relation to Tara | Role in the Story |
|---|---|---|
| Brihaspati | Husband | Guru of the Devas, angered by Tara’s affair with Chandra |
| Chandra | Lover | Moon god, had an affair with Tara, fathered Budha |
| Budha | Son | God of intellect and wisdom, connected to the lunar dynasty |
| Ila | Daughter-in-law (wife of Budha) | Connected Budha to the Chandravansha lineage |
Themes in the Story:
- Conflict and Reconciliation: The affair between Tara and Chandra created a divine conflict, but Budha’s birth ultimately led to the blending of celestial and royal lineages, symbolizing reconciliation.
- Celestial Influence: Both Chandra and Budha, being planetary deities, underscore the importance of the celestial realm in shaping human destiny and cosmic balance in Hindu mythology.
This myth is part of a larger cycle of stories that illustrate the intricate relationships between gods, celestial bodies, and royal lineages in Hindu tradition, particularly highlighting the importance of Budha as a key figure in astrological and genealogical contexts. The themes surrounding Tara’s story and Budha’s lineage resonate through epics like the Mahabharata, which preserve the legacies of the Chandravansha kings.
Sources & further reading
These themes are explored in greater depth across the following authoritative resources:
- Internet Sacred Text Archive, Mahabharata (Ganguli translation)
- Internet Sacred Text Archive, Ramayana of Valmiki
- Britannica, Mahabharata
- Britannica, Ramayana
- Bibek Debroy, The Mahabharata (10 vols., Penguin, 2010 to 2014)
External resources for further reading. Apam Napat is not affiliated with these publishers; citation does not imply endorsement.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Tara in Hindu mythology?
Who was Tara's husband?
Who was Tara's lover?
Who was Tara's son with Chandra?
Based on the classical texts of Hindu mythology, see our sources.