In India, the term Trimurti is used in reference to the three faces of god. They are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. They are collectively known as the Trinity. Together they represent the oneness of the universe while retaining their distinctive nature and are known for their ability to grant boons. Hymns are chanted every day all over India, in temples and homes, and countless stories abound in their praise.
Here is the tale of the Origin of The Crescent Moon
According to legend, the moon god, Chandra, was born three times, which is why he also came to be known as Trijanmi. The first time, he was created by Brahma, and the second time, he emerged from the eyes of Sage Atri. Chandra’s radiance became so powerful and intolerable that he was immersed in an ocean of milk to ensure the world’s survival. Durning another event, which involved the churning of the ocean by the Asuras and the Devas, chandra was reborn and released, along with Goddess Lakshmi. Thus, Chandra came to be known as Lakshmi’s brother.
Among his twenty-seven wives, Daksha’s daughters, Chandra was especially fond of his fourth wife, Rohini, and spent most of his time with her. The other wives resented his indifference to them and complained about it to their father. Daksha immediately cursed Chandra. ‘May your powers decline with the passing of each day,’ he said, losing his temper as usual.
Now the daughters regretted telling Daksha what they had. Their intention was not to punish Chandra- all they wanted was his attention. What if their husband simply disappeared one day along with his powers?
Chandra begged Daksha to take curse back. But once a curse is uttered, no one can revoke it. ‘I am sorry, son, ‘Daksha said. There is nothing that I can do now. Perhaps if you pray to Shiva, he may help you.’
Holding on to this slim ray of hope, Chandra went to the famed holy ground Prabhas Patan, established a linga and prayed earnestly to Shiva. Pleased with Chandra’s devotion, Shiva appeared and said, ‘Chandra, I empathise with your plight and, though I cannot reverse Daksha’s curse, I can soften it to some extent. From this day onward, you will increase in brightness for fifteen days in Shukla Paksha’ and then wane for fifteen days in Krishna Paksha.’ You will fill the world with your radiance on full moon days and disappear on new moon days.’
Chandra was disappointed at the thought of waxing and waning, His crescent shape would just be constant reminder of the curse and his reduced strength! Shiva consoled him by saying, ‘my child, the crescent indicates that you will still retain some of your powers. I will wear your crescent indicates my hair to show my devotees that they are dear to me even in their lowest moments. That way you will be my constant companion.’
Thus from that day Shiva came to be known as Chandrashekhar, or the one with Chandra mounted on his head’.
The moon came to be known as Soma and one day of the week- Somavar or Monday- which is also the day when Shiva is worshipped was dedicated to him. The Linga that Chandra worshipped became famous as the pilgrimage site of Somnath in Gujarat. Generous donations were made to this site, which was later plundered seventeen times. This linga is considered to be the first jyotirlinga in our Country. Even though i am still to visit Somnath but my parents visited this place before I was even born.
There is also one fascinating mystery called “Baan Stambh” in the ancient Somnath Temple of Gujarat.
On the south side of the temple, overlooking the sea, is a pillar called “Baan sthamb”. An arrow is built on the top of the pillar which points towards the sea. The existence of this
Jyotirlinga is an iconic representation of Lord Shiva. It is said to have emitted light. And the twenty-seven wives of Chandra are the constellations surrounding the moon’s orbit, and are frequently referred to as nakshatra or stars. The names of these nakshatra- for example, Kritika, Rohini and Ashwini- are still an important part of the Hindu calender.
Mine Nakshatra is Pushya.
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Wonderful post.
Thank you so much for sharing this knowledge 😊🙏
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Thank you much, Arun Ji.
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Interesting fable about the origin of the crescent moon. I like the imagery of being immersed in an ocean of milk, but I’ll bet it took a lot of cows to fill that ocean.
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Haha, truly. These fables are deep meditations on time and space, dear tippy, floating for centuries. Thank you for writing.
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Pingback: The Origin of the Crescent Moon- The True Shiva Story V | Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News
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I shall always think of this now when I admire the moon!
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Yes Caro, These stories have subtle, sometimes hidden meanings. And some narratives like 27 nakshatras are locked with Indian astrology with crescent moon being the waxing moon is auspicious for meditations.
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I enjoyed reading this story on your beliefs.
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These are ancient old stories orally floated for centuries now. Thanks Mary.
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Fourth sentence in the first paragraph with lower case ( normal) letters: there’s a typo- during/durning. Thanks for this story.
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It will be corrected, thanks for writing.
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Great story! Thanks for the share.
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Thanks Vanya
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Had known Daksh’s story but some details are new to my knowledge. Love the painting of Shiva- has some tenderness to it. 🪷
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Thank you, yes it’s with the Puranas and the way these stories have travelled, orally. Carrying their own nature with each paasing land and voice. Thank you for writing.
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Shiva’s immense power here should not be underestimated.
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Not at all. Containing the moon and the Celestial river Ganga in his locks itself is pretty intimidating.:)
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Only from my cultural perspective then?
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Yes, culturally but significant in Ancient Indian terms because the story even though tells a tale but in reality it makes ua conscious of the living universe up there and their specific traits and connections in a way we remember it for good, for better knowledge of time, place and direction.
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Thank you for informing me of such cosmic roots of spirituality. How do astrological signs matter in this context?
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