Chandra Darshan

Chandra Darshan is the observance of sighting the moon after the ‘Amavasya’ (the no moon day). In Hinduism this day holds immense religious significance. Devotees on this day worship Chandra Dev and offer special prayers. It is believed to be very propitious to sight the moon just after the Amavasya. This day after Amavasya is celebrated as Chandra Darshan in the honour of the Moon God. The most favourable time for sighting the moon is just after sunset. Predicting the most appropriate time for Chandra Darshan is a difficult job even for Panchang makers. Chandra Darshan is observed with great fervour and devotion in different parts of the country.

Significance of Chandra Darshan:

In Hindu mythology, Chandra Dev or the Hindu Lord of Moon is considered to be one of the most revered deities. He is also a significant ‘graha’ or planet of the ‘Navgraha’, which influences life on Earth. Moon is known to be a favourable planet and is associated with wisdom, purity and good intentions. It is believed that an individual with favourably placed Moon in his/her planet will live a more successful and prosperous life. Furthermore Moon is even more influential in Hinduism as it follows the lunar calendar. In Hindu mythology, Chandra Dev or the Moon God is also known to be the nurturer of animal and plant life. He is married to the 27 Nakshatras, who are the daughters of King Prajapati Daksha and is also the father of Budha or Planet Mercury. Hindu devotees therefore worship Moon God on the day of Chandra Darshan to seek His blessings for success and good fortune.

Rituals during Chandra Darshan:

• On the day of Chandra Darshan, Hindu devotees worship the Moon God.
• Devotees observe a strict fast on this day to please Chandra Dev. They do not eat or drink anything all through the day. The fast is broken after sighting the Moon just after sunset.
• It is believed that a person who performs all the ritualistic worship of Moon God on the day of Chandra Darshan will be bestowed with endless good fortune and prosperity.
• Offering donations is also an important ritual on Chandra Darshan. People donate clothes, rice and sugar among other things to Brahmins on this day.