Chandra

Chandra (Sanskrit: चन्द्र, IAST: Candra, lit. "shining" or "moon") is a lunar deity and is also one of the nine planets (Navagrahas) in Hinduism. Chandra is synonymously referred to as Soma. Other names include Indu (bright drop), Atrisuta (son of Atri), Sachin (marked by hare), Tārādhipa (lord of stars) and Nishakara (the night maker).

Chandra is described as young and beautiful, two-armed and carrying a club and a lotus. In Hindu mythology, Chandra is the father of Budha (planet Mercury). The Chandra is married to the 27 daughters of Daksha, after whom the Nakshatras in Hindu astrology are named.

Chandra, who is also known as Soma and Indu, is the basis of Somvaar, which is Hindi, and Induvaasaram, which is Sanskrit, for Monday in the Hindu calendar.

In Hindu mythology, there are multiple legends surrounding Chandra.

In one, Chandra meets Tara, the wife of Brihaspati (planet Jupiter). From their union, Tara became pregnant giving birth to Budha (planet mercury). Brihaspati becomes upset and declares a war. The Devas intervene and Tara returns to Brihaspati.

Chandra marries the twenty-seven daughters of Daksha. Chandra favors Satabhisha, Rohini and Aslesha of all his wives. The other wives become upset and complain to Daksha and he places a curse on Chandra. The curse is only overcome after Chandra devotes himself to Shiva, who partially releases him from the curse.

According to another legend, Ganesha was returning home on his mount (a mouse) late on a full moon night after a mighty feast given by Kubera. 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 and his stomach broke open, spilling out all the Modak's he had eaten. 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.