The Chandra family tree centers on the Hindu moon god Chandra (also called Soma), whose parents are the sage Atri and his wife Anasuya, though some texts name him a son of Dharma or a product of the cosmic churn. His most famous consorts are the 27 Nakshatra goddesses, daughters of Daksha, and his children include Budha (Mercury), from whom the lunar dynasty descends.
Who Is Chandra in Hindu Mythology?
Chandra is the Vedic and Puranic deity of the moon, associated with night, vegetation, and the mind. In the Rigveda, the term Soma refers to both the moon and the sacred pressed drink, and the two become closely linked in later mythology. Chandra is usually depicted as a young, handsome god riding a chariot pulled by antelopes or white horses, holding a club and a lotus. He is one of the Navagraha (nine planetary deities) and is considered the ruler of Monday (Somavara) and of the zodiac sign Cancer (Karka).
Parents and Birth Stories
Chandra’s parentage varies across texts, a common feature in Hindu mythology. The most widely known account, found in the Mahabharata and several Puranas, names the sage Atri and his wife Anasuya as his parents. According to this story, Anasuya’s intense devotion and penance created a radiant being that filled the three worlds with light; the gods then directed that being to become the moon, to regulate time and night.
Other traditions offer different origins:
- Son of Dharma: Some genealogical lists in the Puranas make Chandra a son of the god Dharma, born to a mother named Kriya or one of Dharma’s many wives.
- From the Ocean of Milk: In the Vishnu Purana and other texts, Chandra emerges during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthana), one of the treasures produced alongside Lakshmi and the celestial horse.
- Son of Kashyapa: A few regional traditions list him among the children of the sage Kashyapa, though this is less common.
These differing accounts reflect the fluid nature of Puranic genealogy, where gods are often assigned new parents to fit a particular narrative or regional cult.
Consorts: The 27 Nakshatra Goddesses
Chandra’s principal consorts are the 27 Nakshatras, the lunar mansions in Hindu astrology. They are the daughters of Daksha, a Prajapati (progenitor deity). The most famous story explains the moon’s waxing and waning: Daksha gave all 27 daughters to Chandra, but he favored only one, Rohini, spending almost all his time with her. The other 26 complained to Daksha, who cursed Chandra with consumption (a wasting disease), causing the moon to shrink. Chandra prayed to Shiva, who partially absorbed the curse, allowing the moon to wax and wane each month. This is why the moon’s phases are explained in mythology.
Each Nakshatra is also associated with a specific deity and symbol, and together they form the basis of the lunar zodiac. The 27 names are: Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashira, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Vishakha, Anuradha, Jyeshtha, Mula, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, and Revati.
Children and the Lunar Dynasty
Chandra’s most significant child is Budha (the planet Mercury), born from his union with Tara, the wife of Brihaspati (the guru of the gods). According to the Mahabharata and the Vishnu Purana, Chandra abducted Tara, leading to a war between the gods and the demons (who sided with Chandra). Eventually, Brahma intervened and returned Tara to Brihaspati, but she was already pregnant. When the child was born, both Chandra and Brihaspati claimed him; the child himself asked to be called Budha, and Brahma declared him Chandra’s son.
Budha married Ila (or Ilā), a figure who changed gender between male and female due to a curse from Shiva. Their son was Pururavas, the first king of the lunar dynasty (Chandravamsha). This dynasty is central to the Mahabharata and Ramayana: the Kauravas and Pandavas in the Mahabharata and the Yadava clan (including Krishna) trace their lineage to it. Thus, Chandra is considered the ancestor of many legendary heroes and kings.
Chandra in Astrology and Worship
In Hindu astrology (Jyotisha), Chandra is one of the nine grahas (planets) and represents the mind, emotions, mother, and public image. His position in a natal chart determines the individual’s rashi (moon sign), which is used for daily predictions and compatibility in many traditions. Monday is dedicated to him, and devotees fast on Mondays (Somvar) to seek his blessings for mental peace and prosperity.
Chandra is also worshipped in the form of a Shiva linga called Somalinga or Someshwara, as Shiva is said to bear the crescent moon on his head. Temples dedicated to Someshwara are common across India, and the Somnath temple in Gujarat is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, though its primary deity is Shiva, not Chandra.
Common Misconceptions
A frequent confusion is equating Chandra with the god Soma. In early Vedic texts, Soma is primarily the deified plant and its intoxicating juice, while Chandra is the moon. Over time, the two merged, and by the Puranic era, Soma is often used as a name for Chandra. However, some texts still distinguish them, and in the Rigveda, Soma is a separate deity.
Another misconception is that Chandra is a female deity. In Hindu mythology, the moon is consistently male, unlike in some other cultures where the moon is female (e.g., Selene in Greek myth). The consorts of Chandra are the female Nakshatras, further confirming his masculine role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Chandra’s parents?
In the most common Puranic story, his parents are the sage Atri and Anasuya. Other texts name Dharma or the ocean of milk as his origin. The Mahabharata and Vishnu Purana support the Atri-Anasuya version, while the Vishnu Purana also includes the ocean-churning account.
Why does the moon have phases according to mythology?
The moon’s phases are explained by Daksha’s curse. Because Chandra favored Rohini over his other wives, Daksha cursed him to waste away. Shiva mitigated the curse, allowing the moon to wane and wax alternately, but never fully disappear.
Who is Chandra’s son Budha?
Budha is the god of Mercury, born to Chandra and Tara. He is the father of Pururavas, the first king of the lunar dynasty, making Chandra the ancestor of the Pandavas and Kauravas.
Is Chandra the same as Soma?
Yes and no. In Vedic texts, Soma is the sacred drink and its deity, while Chandra is the moon. Later Puranic mythology merges them, and Soma becomes an epithet of Chandra. Some texts still use Soma for the moon and Chandra for a separate deity, but most modern usage treats them as identical.
How is Chandra worshipped?
Devotees fast on Mondays, chant the Chandra mantra (“Om Som Somaya Namah”), and offer white flowers, rice, and sweets to the moon. He is also worshipped as part of the Navagraha, with a specific shrine in many temples. The Somnath temple, though a Shiva temple, is named after Soma/Chandra.
What is the lunar dynasty?
The lunar dynasty (Chandravamsha) is one of the two main royal lineages in Hindu mythology, the other being the solar dynasty (Suryavamsha). It begins with Pururavas, son of Budha and Ila, and includes legendary kings like Bharata, Shantanu, and the Pandavas. Krishna was born in this dynasty through the Yadava branch.
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