The curse on Chandra Deva

Swapna

The curse on Chandra Deva

Chandra Deva is a royal figure in Hindu mythology. A god with a charming appearance and a pleasant face, who is full of compassion and care. His human form is the founder of the Lunar dynasty, and his crescent form is an adornment on Lord Shiva’s head. His calm and cool personality adds to his sattvic nature, but despite his soft etiquette, how did he end up in the grips of a bizarre curse?

The personified form of Chandra(moon), Image Source- Sagar World

Chandra had married all the 27 daughters of Daksha, with an oath to love everyone equally and keep them happy. He was indeed very overjoyed to get such loving wives, and Dakshya was equally elated to get a deserving son-in-law. However, things did not remain the same and everything got imbalanced.

Chandra's love and affection for one of his wives, Rohini, grew over time, and his other wives began to feel deprived and worthless in the process. Soon, the news reached Dakshya’s ears, and he came to confront him. However, nothing changed, and his love for Rohini grew stronger with each passing day.

When the news again reached Dakshya, he was furious. It was like nothing in the world could now save Chandra from his rage. The enraged sage moved towards him, with anger at being cheated. As soon as he arrived, he did not take any time to curse him.

"May your light fade away gradually, making you vanish forever."

Chandra was perplexed, and with each passing day, he could feel his death approaching.

Chandra’s upset face radiated grief with the thought of constant waxing and waning. Shiva had never seen this glowing face so dull and, thus, decided to bless him with a boon. He accepted the crescent shape of the moon as his constant companion, who would adorn his head forever.

From that day, Shiva was named Chandrasekhar, (one who had a moon on his head), and a day was dedicated to both Shiva and Soma (Chandra), which is Somavara (Monday). Chandra accepted his curse and continued to illuminate the world during his brightest days. According to legends, his 27 wives also accompany him as Nakshatras (Rohini, Kritika, Uttarashada, etc.) and hold an important significance in the Hindu calendar.

According to Hindu mythology, Chandra Deva was born not only once but thrice. His repetitive birth gave him the name Trijanmi (one who has been born thrice). Chandra was first born in the hands of Lord Brahma. He was again reborn to Sage Atri and his wife, Anusuya. However, this time his birth proved to be detrimental to the world. He was so full of radiance that his beam was difficult to adjust. Chandra was sunk inside the khirasagara (ocean of milk) to keep the world safe. He was again reborn during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean).

He almost lost all his hopes, but suddenly he was reminded of Lord Indra. He rushed to him and asked for help. Indra guided him towards the God of Gods, Shiva, as he was the only one who could help Chandra now. Without thinking twice, Chandra went to Mount Kailash to meet Shiva. His desperation did not let him wait till Shiva completed his meditation. However, he restrained himself from making any more blunders by interrupting him.

Chandra’s magnetic eyes were filled with terror, and his white hands trembled with fear. But, a slim ray of hope flashed in front of him when Shiva opened his eyes and noticed the petrified Chandra. Before he could explain anything, Shiva interrupted, “There is nothing I can do to reverse your curse, Chandra, but I can surely limit its consequences.” He modified the curse such that Chandra would continue to brighten during the 15 days (Shukla paksha) and wane during the other 15 days (Krishna Paksha).

This incident marked the first no-moon and full-moon days we know of today. When Chandra is at his brightest, complete with his original circular shape, the day is known as Poornima or full moon day, and when Chandra loses all his power and disappears, the day is known as Amavasya or no moon day.