The Moon known as Chandra in Hinduism has been worshiped from ancient times as a divinity. In Vedic Astrology, Chandra is one of the nine planets or Navgraha, that rule the mind and emotions. It is also one of the most significant planets in Hindu astrology. This festival literally translates to “Moon sighting or viewing.” The day following Amavasya (New Moon), when the Moon emerges from the dark during the new moon’s first night in the sky, is known as Chandra Darshan. This occurs once a month, just like Amavasya. The Moon rises for a brief period of time on that particular day, immediately after Sunset.
For Hindus, seeing the moon on Chandra Darshan Day has spiritual significance and is auspicious. It is believed that worshiping Chandra Dev on this day will bring prosperity, serenity, and happiness to those who do so. On Chandra Darshan day, many devotees follow a fast that lasts from sunrise to moonrise. They also perform a puja and break their fast afterward. Married women celebrate the Chandra Darshan fast for the sake of a happy and to ensure a long and successful marriage.
Significance of Chandra Darshan
One of the most worshiped gods in Hinduism is Lord Moon, also called Chandra Dev. It is also believed that it is an important graha, or planet, that influences Earthly life. The moon is connected to knowledge, purity, and well-intentionedness. It is thought to be one of the most advantageous planets for mental influence.
A native’s Janam Kundali, when the moon is positioned favorably, bestows upon him or her a healthy life. Plant and animal life are said to be nurtured by the Moon God, also known as Chandra Dev. On this day, people worship their ancestors (Pitra puja) and ask for their blessings. Fasting and Moon God worship assist in clearing the mind of bad ideas and malicious intent.
Chanting the holy and potent Chandra Mantras comes after fasting. Devotees concentrate on the Ganges banks on the day of Chandra Darshan in order to advance spiritually. To repair their minds, people meditate under a full moon. On the day of Chandra Darshan, fasting balances the body’s Pitta, Vata, and Kapha energies. This supports good health and helps to aid illness.
Benefits of Chandra Darshan
Devotees reap numerous blessings from observing the auspicious Chandra Darshan fast, seeing the moon, and worshiping Chandra Dev by sincerely conducting the Chandra Darshan puja.
- Chandra Darshan is a bringer of wealth, luck, tranquility, and joy.
- It assists followers in striking a balance between their feminine and masculine sides, which is important for both their spiritual development and daily lives.
- Moon darshan on the day of Chandra Darshan aids in achieving mental equilibrium and emotional calmness, which are benefits of planet Chandra.
- It is stated that this festival bestows health, prosperity, wisdom, spiritual elevation, and the enhancement of creativity, intuition, and psychic talents.
- Married ladies follow the Chandra Darshan fast on this day to ask Chandra Dev for blessings for a happy married life, good health, and long marriages for their husbands.
- It is also claimed that Chandra Darshan fasting purges the mind of any negative ideas and replaces them with intents and thoughts that are constructive.
- By keeping the Chandra Darshan fast, one can achieve good health by balancing the body’s Pitta, Kapha, and Vata doshas.
- In addition to promoting healing, seeing the Moon rise and offering prayers to Chandra Dev offer protection against sickness and ailments.
What is the Pooja Vidhi of Chandra Darshan?
The day of Chandra Darshan is dedicated to the following rituals:
- On this day, honor the Moon God. Find out when to depart from Choghadiya.
- Keep a strict schedule to appease Chandra Dev. Avoid eating anything during the day.
- When you see the moon and have said your prayers, the fast is over
- A key component of this Festival is food and merchandise donations. On this day, people typically give clothes, sweets, and food to the Brahmins.
- Women fast for their spouses’ long and healthy lives and work to eliminate barriers in their marriages.
- On this eve, if you worship the Moon God with utmost devotion and ceremony, you will be bestowed with good fortune.
Special pujas are conducted in honor of the moon deity, Lord Chandra, during this occasion. Mantras and chants are recited by devotees, fostering an atmosphere of reverence and devotion. These ceremonies involve the presentation of offerings, such as milk, white confections, and other objects connected to the lunar energy.
The customary offerings presented to Lord Chandra are listed below:
- Milk is a sign of nurture and purity.
- White candies, symbolize the soft aspects of the moon
- Seasonal fruits that symbolize life’s cyclical nature
These donations are more than just tangible presents; they also carry the intentions and gratitude of the devotees. Giving is viewed as a means of obtaining blessings related to contentment, happiness, and the accomplishment of goals.
Dates and Mahurat for Chandra Darshan in 2024
| Date | Mahurat Begin | Mahurat End |
| January 12, 2024, Friday | January 12 | 8:49 AM in (United States) | January 12 | 9:46 AM in (United States) |
| February 11, 2024, Sunday | February 11 | 9:10 AM in (United States) | February 11 | 10:50 AM in (United States) |
| March 11, 2024, Monday | March 11 | 10:26 AM in (United States) | March 11 | 11:38 AM in (United States) |
| April 9, 2024, Tuesday | April 09 | 10:39 AM in (United States) | April 09 | 11:27 AM in (United States) |
| May 9, 2024, Thursday | May 09 | 10:54 AM in (United States) | May 09 | 12:27 PM in (United States) |
| June 7, 2024, Friday | June 07 | 11:08 AM in (United States) | June 07 | 12:16 PM in (United States) |
| July 7, 2024, Sunday | July 07 | 11:13 AM in (United States) | July 07 | 12:37 PM in (United States) |
| August 5, 2024, Monday | August 05 | 11:01 AM in (United States) | August 05 | 11:49 AM in (United States) |
| September 4, 2024, Wednesday | September 04 | 10:35 AM in (United States) | September 04 | 11:19 AM in (United States) |
| October 4, 2024, Friday | October 04 | 10:03 AM in (United States) | October 04 | 10:48 AM in (United States) |
| November 3, 2024, Sunday | November 03 | 8:37 AM in (United States) | November 03 | 9:38 AM in (United States) |
| December 2, 2024, Monday | December 02 | 8:29 AM in (United States) | December 02 | 9:12 AM in (United States) |
Conclusion
To sum up, Chandra Darshan is revealed as a holy festival that combines the spiritual and celestial worlds. Worshippers engage in a cosmic dance that symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the possibility of rebirth through their rituals and observances.
