Chandra Dev, the Moon God in Hinduism, symbolizes emotions, the mind, beauty, and the nurturing aspect of nature. Worshipping Chandra Dev helps in calming the mind, improving emotional well-being, and mitigating the ill effects of the moon in one’s horoscope. Here's a detailed guide on how to properly worship Chandra Dev, including preparation, rituals, and the significance of the worship.
1. Cleanliness and Preparation
Before beginning any Hindu worship, cleanliness is of utmost importance as it purifies both the body and mind. Ensure the following:
- Body Cleansing: Bathe early in the evening, preferably before sunset, as this is the time associated with Chandra Dev.
- Clean Area: Clean the worship area, whether it's a temple in your home or a special place for rituals.
- Personal Cleanliness: Ensure that the clothes worn during the puja are clean and preferably washed.
2. Clothes to Wear
It is advised to wear traditional and comfortable clothes for the puja.
- Color:
- The most suitable colors for Chandra Puja are white, light blue, or black, as these colors are associated with the moon and water elements.
- White symbolizes purity, peace, and calmness, while blue represents the calming nature of the moon.
3. Puja Items Required (Samagri)
Here are the essential items you will need to conduct a Chandra Puja:
- A clean white or blue cloth (to place the puja items)
- Picture or idol of Chandra Dev
- White sandalwood paste
- Incense sticks (Agarbatti)
- A small oil or ghee lamp (Diya)
- Flowers, preferably white (Jasmine, Lotus, or Champa)
- Fruits and sweets (such as bananas, sugar, kheer, or milk-based sweets)
- A mixture of rice and sugar
- Raw milk and water in a small Kalash (pot)
- White cloth (to be offered as a vastra for Chandra Dev)
- Camphor (Kapoor) for aarti
- White Chandan (sandalwood) powder for tilak
- A Mala (garland) made of white pearls or crystals, if available
4. Time to Worship Chandra Dev
The ideal time to worship Chandra Dev is in the evening, when the moon is visible.
- Monday (Somvar) is the day dedicated to Chandra Dev, and it is considered the best day for his worship.
- Pradosh Kaal (just after sunset) is the most auspicious time for starting the puja.
- On full moon days (Purnima), special prayers to Chandra Dev bring greater benefits.
5. Simple Steps to Perform Chandra Puja
Step 1: Purification
- Cleanse the worship area and purify yourself by sprinkling water.
- Set the puja altar with a clean white cloth and arrange the items required for the puja.
Step 2: Invocation (Dhyana)
- Begin by meditating on Chandra Dev and visualizing his calming presence.
- Light the lamp and incense sticks as an offering to the deity.
Step 3: Offering Flowers
- Offer white flowers to Chandra Dev, while chanting his name or mantra.
- You can also offer sandalwood paste and sprinkle the rice mixed with sugar as a symbolic offering.
Step 4: Offering Prasad
- Offer fruits, sweets, and a bowl of raw milk as Naivedya (food offering) to Chandra Dev.
- Place the Kalash of water in front of the deity as part of the offering.
Step 5: Mantras and Prayers
Recite the Chandra Beej Mantra and other prayers dedicated to Chandra Dev:
Beej Mantra:
"ॐ श्रां श्रीं श्रौं सः चन्द्राय नमः"
(Om Shram Shreem Shraum Sah Chandraya Namah)Chandra Gayatri Mantra:
"ॐ इमं देवा असपत्नं मे गृहे चांद्रं मह्यं ददातु"
(Om Imam Deva Asapatnam Me Grihe Chandra Mahyam Dadatu)These mantras help invoke the blessings of the Moon God and bring peace, emotional balance, and mental strength.
Step 6: Aarti and Conclusion
- Perform the aarti using the oil lamp and camphor. Move the lamp in a clockwise direction around the deity.
- After completing the aarti, bow down to Chandra Dev and seek his blessings.
6. Prasad Preparation
You can prepare the following as offerings (Prasad) for Chandra Dev:
- Kheer: Made from rice, milk, and sugar, as it is considered very auspicious for Chandra Dev.
- White Sweets: Sugar or milk-based sweets such as peda or rasgulla.
- Fruits: White-colored fruits like bananas, coconut, or pears.
7. Importance and Benefits of Chandra Puja
Worshiping Chandra Dev has immense significance in Hindu tradition. It brings mental peace, emotional stability, and enhances intuition and creativity. Here are the benefits:
- Mental Peace and Emotional Balance: Worshiping Chandra Dev helps in calming the mind and bringing emotional stability.
- Strengthens the Mind: The moon is associated with the mind (Manas), so Chandra worship helps overcome stress, anxiety, and mental turmoil.
- Strengthens Relations: It improves relationships, family harmony, and mutual understanding.
- Health Benefits: Alleviates health issues related to the mind, insomnia, and water retention problems.
- Astrological Benefits: Chandra Puja mitigates the malefic effects of Chandra Dosha in a horoscope, particularly if the moon is weak or afflicted.
8. What to Do with Leftover Puja Items
After completing the puja, the leftover items should be handled respectfully:
- Flowers: You can immerse the flowers in clean water, such as a river or a sacred pond.
- Prasad: The Prasad can be distributed among family members and friends as a blessing from Chandra Dev.
- Water from Kalash: You can sprinkle the water around your home or pour it into plants as a sacred offering.
- Remaining Puja Items: If there are any other items like sandalwood paste or rice, they can be scattered in a garden or in flowing water.
Conclusion of Puja
After the aarti and offering the Prasad, take a few moments to meditate and thank Chandra Dev for his blessings. Conclude the puja by bowing and offering a final prayer of gratitude.
Chandra Puja is a spiritually enriching practice that brings mental peace, emotional well-being, and astrological benefits. By following the steps and understanding the importance of each ritual, you can invite the positive energies of Chandra Dev into your life.
By following this guide, you will be able to perform a complete and meaningful Chandra Dev Puja.