California State University, Fullerton - Spring 2022

German 218, Chapter 9 Review

Professor Young, Section 6

September 21, 2022

Brahma once again intervened, questioning Tara directly. She revealed that Chandra was

the father. (Wilson et al., 2022)

Class Date: 23/1/2024

Teacher’s Comment: Make sure your analysis is objective.

GENERIC CONTENT:

## Discussion

Consequently, Brahma ordered Brihaspati to hand over the child to Chandra. The child born

from this union was named Budha, who later became an important deity associated with

intellect and wisdom.

## Findings

Chandra is traditionally married to the 27 daughters of the sage Daksha, who personify the

27 Nakshatras (lunar mansions). These daughters are named Ashvini, Bharani, Krittika,
Rohini, Mrigashira, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Purvaphalguni,

Uttaraphalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Vishakha, Anuradha, Jyeshtha, Mula, Purvashadha,

Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha, Purvabhadra, Uttarabhadra, and Revati.

## Analysis

Chandra's movement through these Nakshatras reflects the lunar cycle and influences

various astrological and ritual practices. Despite being married to all 27, Chandra showed

special affection for Rohini, causing jealousy among his other wives. The preferential

treatment of Rohini led the other wives to complain to their father, Daksha.

## Background

Despite repeated warnings from Daksha, Chandra continued to favor Rohini. In anger,

Daksha cursed Chandra to suffer from Kshayaroga (consumption or tuberculosis). This

affliction impacted not just Chandra but also affected the medicinal plants and other living

beings dependent on lunar influence.

## Conclusion (List)

- The Devas intervened, and after much pleading, Daksha modified his curse, allowing

Chandra to be free from the disease for half of every month by bathing in the Sarasvati

Tirtha.

- This mythological explanation accounts for the waxing and waning of the moon, with

Chandra's periodic immersion in the sacred waters symbolizing his gradual recovery and
decline (Mahabharata, Shalya Parva, Chapter 35).

## Discussion

In the mythological narrative of the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean), the Devas

and Asuras sought the Amrita (nectar of immortality). A demon named Rahu disguised

himself as a Brahmin and attempted to drink the nectar. Surya (the Sun) and Chandra

recognized the deception and alerted Vishnu, who severed Rahu's head with his Sudarshana

Chakra. However, because Rahu had consumed the nectar, his head and body became

immortal, forming the entities Rahu and Ketu. Rahu and Ketu, bearing enmity toward Surya

and Chandra for revealing their deception, periodically "swallow" the moon and the sun,

leading to solar and lunar eclipses.

## Findings

This myth provides a symbolic representation of eclipses as moments of cosmic tension and

conflict. During the reign of Emperor Prithu, Bhumidevi (Earth) was transformed into a cow

to provide nourishment to all beings. When the sages milked Bhumidevi, Chandra served as

the calf, an act which pleased Brahma. In recognition, Brahma crowned Chandra as the king

of stars and medicines.

## Analysis

This role signifies Chandra's influence over medicinal plants and the healing arts, linking his

cycles to the growth and potency of herbs. Chandra is one of the Ashta-vasus, a group of
eight elemental deities. He had four sons—Varchas, Shishira, Prana, and Ramana—with his

wife Manohara. Notably, his son Varchas was later reborn as Abhimanyu, the heroic son of

Arjuna in the Mahabharata. According to another legend, Ganesha was returning home on

his mount Krauncha (a shrew) late on a full moon night after a mighty feast given by

Kubera.

## Background

On the journey back, a snake crossed their path and frightened by it, his mount ran away

dislodging Ganesha in the process. An overstuffed Ganesha fell to the ground on his

stomach, vomiting out all the Modaks he had eaten.

## Conclusion

On observing this, Chandra laughed at Ganesha. Ganesha lost his temper and broke off one

of his tusks and flung it straight at the Moon, hurting him, and cursed him so that he would

never be whole again. Therefore, It is forbidden to behold Chandra on Ganesh Chaturthi.

This legend accounts for the Moon's waxing and waning including a big crater on the Moon,

a dark spot, visible even from Earth. Chandra holds a crucial place in Hindu astrology

(Jyotisha) and is associated with the mind, emotions, and fertility.

## Discussion

His phases are believed to influence human behavior, agriculture, and the timing of rituals.

As the luminary of the night, Chandra embodies the reflective and nurturing aspects of the
cosmos, balancing the solar energies represented by Surya.

## Findings (List)

- == Iconography ==

Soma's iconography varies in Hindu texts.

- The most common is one where he is a white-coloured deity, holding a mace in his hand,

riding a chariot with three wheels and three or more white horses (up to ten).

- Soma as the Moon-deity is also found in Buddhism, and Jainism.

- == Zodiac and calendar ==

Soma is the root of the word Somavara or Monday in the Hindu calendar.

- The word "Monday" in the Greco-Roman and other Indo-European calendars is also

dedicated to the Moon.

## Analysis

Soma is part of the Navagraha in the Hindu zodiac system. The role and importance of the

Navagraha developed over time with various influences. Deifying the moon and its

astrological significance occurred as early as the Vedic period and was recorded in the

Vedas. The earliest work of astrology recorded in India is the Vedanga Jyotisha which began

to be compiled in the 14th century BCE. The moon and various classical planets were

referenced in the Atharvaveda around 1000 BCE.

References / Works Cited:

1. Wikipedia (n.d.). Retrieved from https://wikipedia.org/