Chandra, the moon, is the second of the nine heavenly bodies and adorns, like a flower, the matted locks of Lord Siva. The Legends associated with Chandra can be found in Matsyapurana, Varahapurana and Markendeyapurana.
According to Matsyapurana, once Maharishi Atri (one of the seven rishis) was ordained by Brahma, the creator, to perform the act of creation. Soon, a brilliant light emanated from the eyes of Maharishi Atri and spread in various directions. Lord Brahma gathered this light to one spot and transformed it into human form. Acceding to the prayers of the Devas, Brahma named the human being Soma.
It is said that Chandra is the left eye of Lord Vishnu. Due to the curse of Daksha, Chandra disappeared.
Due to the absence of Chandra, crops failed on earth, rains failed medicinal herbs, plants and trees did not grow, Yajnas were not performed regularly, and the supply of food to Devas was reduced. The Devas approached Brahma and pleaded with him to have Chandra back.
According to Varahapurana, Chandra was brought back from the churning of the milky ocean by Devas and Asuras.
The legend in Makandeyapurana goes like this Chandra went along with others to witness Daksha’s yajna. When Lord Siva went about destroying Daksha’s yajna with his foot, Chandra too was crushed. Chandra prayed to Lord Siva who having mercy on him made him an ornament on his matted locks.
The story goes that Chandra singled out only Rohini for his affection and love, among his 27 wives (daughters of Daksha) and neglected to rest. The daughters of Daksha were upset and sought Daksha’s help. Daksha cursed Chandra, whereupon Chandra prayed to Lord Siva to be liberated from Daksha’s curse.
Daksha, in anger, tried confronting Siva whereupon Vishnu intervened and established a truce. Accordingly, Brahma divided Chandra into two, one part that does not wax or wane and other part that is subject to waxing and waning. The unchanging part adorns Siva’s matted locks. The waxing and waning part was given to Daksha’s daughters. Thus, it is said that Siva helped prevent the perishing of Chandra.
According to Matsyapurana, once Maharishi Atri (one of the seven rishis) was ordained by Brahma, the creator, to perform the act of creation. Soon, a brilliant light emanated from the eyes of Maharishi Atri and spread in various directions. Lord Brahma gathered this light to one spot and transformed it into human form. Acceding to the prayers of the Devas, Brahma named the human being Soma.
It is said that Chandra is the left eye of Lord Vishnu. Due to the curse of Daksha, Chandra disappeared.
Due to the absence of Chandra, crops failed on earth, rains failed medicinal herbs, plants and trees did not grow, Yajnas were not performed regularly, and the supply of food to Devas was reduced. The Devas approached Brahma and pleaded with him to have Chandra back.
According to Varahapurana, Chandra was brought back from the churning of the milky ocean by Devas and Asuras.
The legend in Makandeyapurana goes like this Chandra went along with others to witness Daksha’s yajna. When Lord Siva went about destroying Daksha’s yajna with his foot, Chandra too was crushed. Chandra prayed to Lord Siva who having mercy on him made him an ornament on his matted locks.
The story goes that Chandra singled out only Rohini for his affection and love, among his 27 wives (daughters of Daksha) and neglected to rest. The daughters of Daksha were upset and sought Daksha’s help. Daksha cursed Chandra, whereupon Chandra prayed to Lord Siva to be liberated from Daksha’s curse.
Daksha, in anger, tried confronting Siva whereupon Vishnu intervened and established a truce. Accordingly, Brahma divided Chandra into two, one part that does not wax or wane and other part that is subject to waxing and waning. The unchanging part adorns Siva’s matted locks. The waxing and waning part was given to Daksha’s daughters. Thus, it is said that Siva helped prevent the perishing of Chandra.
No comments:
Post a Comment