Navagrahas-Chandra-The Moon

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Chandra (The Moon)

Planetary Attributes of Chandra

Attribute	Details
Name	Chandra (Moon)
Caste	Vaishya
Other Names	Nilavu, Soman, Kalangal, Nisapathi, Pirai, Kalaiyinan, Uduvinventhan, Kalanidhi, Kuberan, Avavan, Sasi, Thangal, Ambuli, Nisagaran, Imakirunan, Thannavan, Gurangi, Mathi, Irakkathir, Hindu, Thanavan, Alvan, Vidhu, Kuzhathanban, Sukagaran, Venthan, Avan, Muyilankoodu, Pasangathirthe, Rajanipathi, Sukuparaga, Indu, Mathi
Color	White
Wife	Rohini
Nature	Movable (Chara Graha)
Element	Water (Ap Graha)
Gemstone	Pearl
Flower	White Water Lily
Quality	Benign during waxing, Malefic during waning
Deity	Parvati Devi
Prathyathi Devata	Gauri
Shape	Square
Region	Yamuna
Sacrificial Wood	Murungai (Drumstick)
Direction	Southeast
Taste	Sweet
Metal	Silver
Vahana (Mount)	White Horse / Pearl Chariot
Disease	Cold-related ailments
Grain	Raw Rice
Nadi	Ida (Left)
Karakatwa (Signification)	Mother
Zodiac Sign (Own)	Kataka (Cancer)
Debilitation (Neecha)	Vrischika (Scorpio)
Exaltation (Uchcha)	Rishaba (Taurus)
Moolatrikona	Kataka (Cancer)
Body Parts	Shoulders, Blood
Own Nakshatras	Rohini, Ashtam (Ashadha), Thiruvonam (Sravana)
Gender	Female
Direction	Southeast
Mahadasha Period	10 Years
Transit (Gochara) Period	2¼ Days (approx. 2 days 6 hours)
Sub-Planet (Upagraha)	Parivesha
Friends	Surya, Budha
Enemies	Rahu, Ketu
Neutral	Mangal, Guru, Shani, Shukra
Sacred Temple	Thingalur
Vaishnava Divya Desam	Thiruarugunamangai
Avatar of Vishnu	Krishna
Benefits	Removal of obstacles, Progress
Tamil Month of Strength	Not specified
Food Offering	Curd Rice
Season	Winter
Weekday	Monday
Dates	2, 11, 20, 29
Swara (Pranayama Sound)	M
Symbol	Light
Social Role	Merchant
Authority	King
Element	Water
Representation	Mother
Lineage/Clan	Tamil
Gotra	Aatreya Gotra
Raga	Bhairavi
Parent	Mother (Personified)

Explanation of Other Names

Thingal / Soman: Lord of Monday (Thingal means Monday in Tamil). Lord Shiva is called Somasundara because he wears the moon on his head.
Rajani Pathi: Lord of the night.
Sukuparaga: One who provides light to the night.
Indu: A drop of brightness.
Mathi: Fullness.

Origin (Birth) of Chandra

The Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan)

When the Devas (celestial beings) and Asuras (demons) churned the ocean of milk (Pal Kadal) to obtain the nectar of immortality, many precious things emerged. Among them were:

Goddess Lakshmi
Airavata (the white elephant)
Ucchaishravas (the white horse)
Kaustubha gem
Kalpavriksha (the wish-fulfilling tree)
Kamadhenu (the wish-fulfilling cow)
Amrita (the nectar of immortality)

And from this churning, Chandra (the Moon) also emerged, radiating a brilliant, divine light. In Sanskrit, Chandra means "bright" or "shining." His radiance was so bright that it dazzled the eyes of the Devas.

Chandra in the Puranas

He is a very young and handsome deity, the most beautiful among the planets.
He is the closest to Earth.
He is the inspiration for poets and the subject of lovers' verses.
He is considered a benefic planet and is the left eye of Lord Shiva.
In the Purusha Sukta, it is said that Chandra was born from the mind of the Supreme Being (Chandrama Manaso Jatah).
Another story says that he was born from the chest of Lord Vishnu. Brahma was born from Vishnu's navel, and Chandra is the son of Athri, who was Brahma's son.
According to the Graha Sutras, Chandra is described as "Kshira Samudra Mathanath Sampannam" (one who appeared from the churning of the ocean of milk).
In the Vishnu Purana, it is said that Chandra was born from the mind of the creator.
Brahma crowned Chandra as the king of all herbs, stars, and Brahmins.
It is believed that Chandra resides at the Venkateswara temple in Tirupati even today.

Significance of Chandra in Astrology

After Surya, Chandra is the most important planet in Vedic astrology. He waxes and wanes every day except on New Moon days.

The saying "Chandram Vai Grahanam Pitru" (Chandra is the father of planets) emphasizes his importance. After the Lagna (Ascendant), the Rasi (Moon sign) is the most significant factor. When asked, people usually respond with their Nakshatra and Rasi, which are determined by the Moon's position at birth.

The Moon is the significator of the mother (Matru Karaka) and the mind (Manas Karaka). He governs:

The mind and emotions
Happiness and satisfaction
Thoughts and imagination
Compassion and kindness
Love and affection
Mental peace
Creativity and intuition
Memory

People with a strong Moon excel in fields such as:

Poetry and literature
Music and dance
Animation and graphics
Foreign trade and business
Water-related industries
Import and export
Maritime occupations
Shipping and logistics
Marine engineering
Psychology and psychiatry
Hypnosis and counseling

Chandra is exalted in Rishabam (Taurus) and owns Katakam (Cancer). It is especially beneficial when placed in the Lagna or when aspecting the Lagna.

Effects of Chandra in Various Ascendants/Rasis

Ascendant/Rasi	Yoga/Effect Provided by Chandra
Mesha (Aries)	Gains in land, education, and opportunities to go abroad.
Rishaba (Taurus)	Position of leadership in all endeavors.
Mithunam (Gemini)	Proficiency in oratory, storytelling, poetry, and music.
Katakam (Cancer)	Creativity, fame, recognition, and eloquence.
Thulam (Libra)	Great success in business and trade.
Vrischika (Scorpio)	Fortunate in all aspects of life.
Makaram (Capricorn)	Living abroad, success in water-related industries.
Meenam (Pisces)	Fortune due to past karma, influence through children.
Other Signs	Yogas depend on Chandra's strength.

General Rules:

Chandra should not be debilitated, nor placed in the 6th, 8th, or 12th houses.
Chandra should not be associated with the lords of the 6th, 8th, or 12th houses.

Worship and Remedies for Chandra

Observance and Offerings

Observing a fast on Pournami (Full Moon) is considered highly beneficial.
Performing the Satyanarayana Puja is auspicious.
Evening worship at Amman (Goddess) temples is excellent.
Offering Ghee rice, Sugar rice, Curd rice, and mixed fruit rice to devotees and the poor is meritorious.

Chandra Gayatri Mantra

Chant the following Chandra Gayatri mantra 108 times daily:

"Om Virupakshaya Vidhmahe Amruthathvaya Dheemahi Thanno Chandra Prachodayath"

Other Recommended Mantras

Chant 108 times:

"Om Um Sivaya Nama Chandra Devaya Nama"

Rituals and Sacred Places

On the Thiruvonam (Sravana) Nakshatra, offer turmeric and kumkum to the Goddess and Lord in Vishnu temples, and present Sarkarai Pongal (sweet pongal).
On Pournami, visit the Vadivudayamman Temple in Thiruvottriyur, Chennai, for Chandra Darshan.
Among the Nava Thirupathis, Varagunamangai (near Thiruvelveli) is a Chandra Sthalam.
The temple in Thingalur, near Kumbakonam, is the primary Chandra Sthalam.
The most important place for Chandra worship is Tirupati, where Lord Venkateswara is said to be an embodiment of Chandra.

Scientific Facts About Chandra

The Moon is approximately 2,738,800 km from Earth.
It is Earth's only natural satellite.
It takes 27 days and 8 hours to complete one revolution around its own axis.
It takes 29 days, 12 hours, and 44 minutes to orbit the Earth once.

Astrological Significance of Chandra (Continued)

Chandra is the significator of the mind and the mother.
He has a dual nature, waxing and waning.
He gives results according to his phase.
The Rasi (Moon sign) is determined by Chandra's placement.
Association with malefic planets is not good.
Chandra governs beauty, profit through women, and water-related matters.
He has only one aspect: the 7th house.
When placed in the 8th house, life becomes full of trials.
When alone in the 7th house, he bestows romantic happiness.
His nature is to immerse beings in pleasure and make them experience joy.
The primary temple for Chandra is Thingalur.

Offerings for Chandra

White water lilies (Vellai Alli) and other white flowers.
Raw rice (Pachaarisi) as offering (Nivedhanam).

Why Chandra is Important for Auspicious Occasions

Marriage matching: Nakshatra compatibility is based on Chandra.
Muhurtham: Auspicious times are fixed based on Chandra.
Transit results: The effects of planetary transits (Gochara) are determined by the Moon sign.

Amavasya and Pournami

When Surya and Chandra are in conjunction (the same degree), it is Amavasya (New Moon).
When Surya and Chandra are 180 degrees apart (opposite), it is Pournami (Full Moon).

Chandra and the Human Body

The body's strength is derived from mental strength, which is governed by Chandra.
A strong Chandra provides both physical and mental health.
The saying goes: "If fate is not favorable, look to the mind; the mind can overcome fate." This highlights the Moon's role in free will and intelligence.

The Moon and Lord Vishnu

Chandra is considered an aspect of Lord Vishnu.
Visiting Tirupati on Pournami and staying for worship is considered highly beneficial.

Vedic Reference

The Yajur Veda praises Chandra as the giver of wealth.

Gochara (Transit) Significance

The house occupied by the Moon is the Rasi (Moon sign) used for Gochara calculations.
The seven and a half year period of Saturn's transit, known as Ezhara Naatu Shani, is calculated based on the Moon's sign.

Gemstone and Vehicle

Gemstone: Pearl (Muthu)
Vehicle: White Horse (Vellai Kudhirai)

Thingalur: The Chandra Temple

Location: Thingalur is located in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, about 3 km from Thiruvaiyaru and 33 km from Kumbakonam.

Legend of Thingalur

During the churning of the ocean, the deadly poison Halahala emerged. To save the universe, Lord Shiva consumed it. However, the poison's effect caused the Devas to faint. At that moment, Chandra, who emerged along with the nectar, used his divine light to revive the Devas. Hence, a temple is dedicated to him at Thingalur.

Story of Apputhi Adigal

In Thingalur, there lived a great devotee of Shiva named Apputhi Adigal. He was a devoted follower of Saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar). He performed many good deeds in Appar's name. One day, when Appar visited Thingalur and came to Apputhi Adigal's house, the devotee invited him for a meal. Appar accepted the invitation.

Apputhi Adigal sent his young son to the garden to gather plantain leaves for the meal. Unfortunately, a snake bit the boy, and he died. Not wanting to upset the saint, Apputhi Adigal hid the boy's body under a cloth and served Appar his meal. Appar, sensing the situation, took the boy's body to the temple and sang hymns to Lord Shiva with great devotion. Miraculously, the boy came back to life. The hymns sung by Appar are now known as the "Thiruppathigam" (a set of ten hymns).

Temple Specialty

The temple is known as the Kalagasanaathar Temple.
It is considered the best place in Tamil Nadu to perform Annaprasanam (the first feeding of rice to a child).
During the months of Purattasi and Panguni, the moon's rays fall on the main deity's idol, which is a special architectural feature.

Temple Details

Attribute	Details
Main Deity	Kalagasanaathar
Goddess	Periyanayaki
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham)	Vilvam (Bael)
Sacred Tank (Theertham)	Chandra Pushkarani
Age	1000-2000 years old
Location	Thingalur, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu

Scientific Facts About Chandra (Repeated from Document)

The Moon is 4,06,000 km from Earth.
It is 81 times smaller than Earth.
Each day, the Moon rises approximately 52 minutes later than the previous day.
It takes 29½ days to orbit the Earth and complete its phases.

Prayers for Children and Education

Pray to the deities for good children, prosperity, and educational excellence.
Offer new clothes to the Lord and Goddess.
Contribute to temple renovations.
The first feeding of a child (Annaprasanam) is traditionally performed at this temple.
In Kerala, this ceremony is often done at the Guruvayur temple.

Significance of Annaprasanam at Thingalur

In Tamil Nadu, the best place to perform Annaprasanam is the Kalagasanaathar Temple in Thingalur. The child is shown the Moon on certain auspicious Nakshatras (like Ashwini, Mrigashirsha, Uttaram, Swathi, Thiruonam, etc.) or on Chandra's transit days. Then, the child is fed a mixture of milk, ghee, and honey from a Velli Kinnam (silver vessel) as per tradition.

More on the Story of Apputhi Adigal

Apputhi Adigal had two sons. He named them:

Mootha Thirunavukkarasu (Elder Thirunavukkarasu)
Ilaya Thirunavukkarasu (Younger Thirunavukkarasu)

This shows his immense devotion to Appar, even over Shiva himself, as he named his children after his beloved saint. The saying "Makkal Seyvai Sei Van Sei Thagavu" (service to devotees is service to God) is exemplified here. He built a school, a feeding house (Annadhaanam), and a water pavilion (Thanneer Pandhal) in Appar's name. The family idols of Apputhi Adigal and his family are present in the temple, a unique feature not seen elsewhere.

The Significance of Chandra and the Mind

Chandra is the only planet visible to the naked eye at night (during its phases).
He is ever-changing, waxing and waning.
The Vedas say: "Chandrama Manaso Jatah" (Chandra is born from the mind).
He regulates time and seasons, and influences human emotions.
Even a child is delighted by the sight of the Moon.
He brings lovers together and provides solace.
He protects life from harm.
Astrology states: "Manasthu Hichu..." (Chandra is the ruler of the mind).
The phases of the Moon reflect the changing nature of the human mind.
The Moon's rays influence herbs and plants (Oshadhis).
On Pournami, the tides are at their highest.
The Moon's influence affects not just the celestial bodies but also human life.

The Moon and Water

The Moon is associated with water and is the ruler of the Kataka Rasi (Cancer).
This sign is represented by the crab, which lives in moist and watery places.
Therefore, Chandra is associated with moisture, emotion, and sensitivity.

Waxing and Waning Moon

Amavasya: The Moon is in conjunction with the Sun.
Pournami: The Moon is in opposition to the Sun.
The Moon's phases are used to determine auspicious times for rituals and sacrifices.

Chandra and Mahadeva

Lord Shiva is called Chandrashekhara (the one who wears the moon on his head).
Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha are also depicted with the moon.

Sri Man Narayana

Chandra is considered the eye of Lord Narayana.

Chandra and Time

The months are named after the Nakshatra that falls on Pournami.
The lunar calendar (Chandramana) is based on the Moon.
Fasts and rituals (Vratas) are determined by the lunar calendar.

Mental Health and the Moon

On Amavasya, the Moon is hidden, representing the state of the mind being overwhelmed.
The sages have pointed out that mental clarity is essential for spiritual progress.

Worship of Chandra

Chanting "Om Somaya Namaha" and performing 16 types of rituals (Upacharas) on Monday is highly beneficial.

Sloka for Chandra

"Dasasvam Swetha Padmastham Vichintyomathi Daivatham Jalaprathya Dhithaivamscha Suryasya Mahvayeth Thatha"

Translation: Meditate on Chandra, who is seated on a white lotus, drawn by ten white horses, and is the deity of water.

The Mind is Within Us

The Moon is not outside, but the mind resides within us.
Understanding the Moon's influence helps us understand our own thoughts and emotions.

Effects of Chandra in Different Houses (Bhavas)

Chandra's House	Effects
1st House (Lagna)	Good if placed in own, exalted, or friendly sign. Brings fame, prosperity, and enjoyment of sensual pleasures. Success in races, sudden financial gains.
2nd House	Brings wealth, good speech, and respect from the government. Accumulation of property. Favorable for fame and education. If afflicted, leads to loss of wealth and poor financial flow. Generally, waxing Moon is more beneficial.
3rd House	If well-placed, gives physical strength and vitality. Supports siblings. Leads to a happy life. Frequent short journeys and vehicle comforts. If afflicted, results are negative.
4th House	Brings a happy life and a beautiful home near water sources (rivers, lakes, sea). Helpful to friends. Maternal inheritance. Generous nature.
5th House	Continuous financial flow. Good friends. Lucky opportunities. Enhances intelligence. High social status. Brings children (often daughters). If afflicted, results are negative.
6th House	Luxurious life. Creates enemies. Happiness decreases in youth. If well-placed, gives a submissive nature and leads to respect.
7th House	For men, attraction to women; for women, attraction to men. Both benefit through their spouse. Happy family life. Both partners are good-looking. If weak, health issues arise.
8th House	Good intelligence but can shorten lifespan. If in Sukla Paksha (waxing phase), life is good. Can cause mental restlessness. If strong, leads to wealth and a large family.
9th House	Highly fortunate. Good children (Putra Bhagyam). Helpful relatives. Wealth accumulation. Interest in music, dance, and performing arts. Mother's affection.
10th House	Strong religious inclination and propagation. Great wealth. Performs many noble deeds in life. Defeats enemies in business. Gives courage. Natural inclination toward life. Positive on mother's side. Good friendships. Leads to interest in technology and technical knowledge. Prosperous life. Government job opportunities for some.
11th House	Profit through elder siblings. Easy accomplishment of goals. Long life. Income through employees. Interest in foreign travel. Fame through government. Accumulation of wealth.
12th House	Foot pain. Loss of respect in life. Diminishing eyesight. Reduced intelligence. Narrow-mindedness. Mental stress. Increased expenditure.

Chandra's Gayatri Mantra Variations

The document provides several variations of the Chandra Gayatri mantra:

"Om Amrithasaya Vidhmahe Rathrijjaraya Dheemahi Thanno Chandra Prachodayath"
(Meaning: We meditate on the nectar-like Chandra. May he inspire our intellect.)

"Om Sudhakaraaya Vidhmahe Maha-shasheelaaya Dheemahi Thanno Vasamaha Prachodayath"

"Om Aadhvarayaaya Vidhmahe Danda-hasthaaya Dheemahi Thanno Chandra Prachodayath"

"Om Sankha-hasthaaya Vidhmahe Nidheeswaraaya Dheemahi Thanno Vahamaha Prachodayath"

Chandra's Association with Nakshatras and Herbs

Chandra is the lord of the Nakshatras: Rohini, Ashtam, and Thiruvonam.
In Sanskrit, Soma means the sap of plants. Therefore, he is the lord of all plants and trees.

The Story of Chandra's Curse (Daksha's Curse)

Daksha Prajapati had 60 daughters. He arranged marriages for them:

10 to Dharma
13 to Kasyapa
27 (the Nakshatras) to Chandra
The rest to other sages like Angiras and Arishtanemi.

When he gave his 27 Nakshatra daughters to Chandra, Daksha advised him: "Treat all your 27 wives equally and with affection." Chandra agreed. Initially, he was affectionate towards all. But over time, he began to favor Rohini more and neglected the others. The other 26 wives were hurt and complained to their father, Daksha.

Daksha was furious and cursed Chandra: "Your brightness shall gradually wane." Because of this curse, Chandra began to lose his luster. Distraught, Chandra sought help from the Devas, who took him to Lord Brahma. Brahma advised him to go to the sacred land of Prabhasa and worship Lord Shiva to be rid of the curse.

Chandra went to Prabhasa, installed a Shiva Lingam, and performed intense penance. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before him. Chandra explained his predicament. Shiva said, "I cannot reverse Daksha's curse, but I can moderate it. You will wane for 15 days and wax for 15 days, alternating forever." Thus, Chandra regained his glow.

The Lesson from Chandra's Story

Chandra's troubles-losing his luster and his honor among the Devas-are often attributed to women. However, the deeper meaning is that his downfall was due to his own faults, such as breaking his promise and not controlling his mind, rather than blaming women.

Thingalur Temple Details (Additional)

Historical Significance

The Thingalur temple (Kalagasanaathar Temple) is believed to have been built much before the 7th century CE, during the Bhakti movement era. It is dedicated to Chandra, who is known as Thingal in Tamil and Moon in English. People worship here for a long and prosperous life. In astrology, Chandra is considered the planet that removes mental stress and grief. The Adhi Devata (presiding deity) of Chandra is Goddess Parvati.

Iconography of Chandra

According to the Amsumath Bedhagama, the image of Chandra can be in standing or sitting posture. He is depicted with two hands, holding a white lotus flower, wearing a white garment, with Yajnopaveetham (sacred thread) across his chest. The Purva Karana Agama mentions that the goddess Rohini should be on his left side.

Chandra is associated with the Rasis Rishabam (Taurus) and Katakam (Cancer). The temple in Thingalur, in the Thanjavur district, is dedicated to him and was built in the 10th century CE by Aditya Chola I.

Chandra Gayatri Mantra (Final)

"Om Padma Dhwajaya Vidhmahe Hema Rupaya Dheemahi Thanno Loma Prachodayath"

Chandra's Number and Gemstone

A person born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, or 29th of any month falls under the influence of the number 2, which is ruled by Chandra. The recommended gemstone for such individuals is the Pearl.