Mrigasira (Makayiram or Mrigasheersham) Nakshatra and Its Athi Devata Chandra
In Hindu tradition, every nakshatra has its own presiding
deity. These are called nakshatra devatas or athi devatas. This idea is very
strong in South Indian panchangs and almanacs, where each nakshatra is shown
with its devata in the form of a painting. The same devatas are also carved in
temple sculptures. Sometimes they are seen in temple panels, and sometimes in
small shrines around the outer prakara of the temple.
Mrigasira is the fifth nakshatra. In Tamil it is called
Makayiram, and in Malayalam and Sanskrit-based usage it is also known as
Mrigashirsham. The athi devata of this nakshatra is Chandra.
Who Is Chandra in Hindu Belief
Chandra is the devata of the Moon. In Hindu scriptures he is
counted among the Navagrahas, the nine planetary deities. He is also called
Soma. The Vedas speak of Soma as the one who nourishes plants, herbs and all
living beings. Chandra is said to be the son of Atri Maharishi and is the
husband of the twenty-seven daughters of Daksha Prajapati, who are the
twenty-seven nakshatras themselves. This is why the Moon moves from one
nakshatra to another every day, and the Hindu calendar is based on this movement.
Chandra is also connected with the mind. The scriptures say, "Chandrama
manaso jatah", meaning the Moon is born from the mind of the Purusha.
Iconography of Chandra
According to the sculptural description, Chandra is shown
seated in sukhasana, which is a comfortable and relaxed sitting posture. He has
two hands. The right hand carries the danda, and the left hand is in varada
mudra. His vahana is shown on the pedestal as a chariot drawn by ten horses.
Meaning and Symbolism
Each part of the image has a meaning in Hindu teachings.
- Sukhasana
posture: This posture shows calmness and a steady mind. Since Chandra
rules the mind, the sitting posture reminds the devotee that peace of mind
is the base for all spiritual progress.
- Danda
in the right hand: The danda stands for discipline and control. It
shows that the mind must be kept in order and should not wander without
direction.
- Varada
mudra in the left hand: This gesture shows that the devata is ready to
give boons. It tells the devotee that sincere prayer is never wasted.
- Chariot
with ten horses: The horses are generally understood as the ten
indriyas, namely the five organs of knowledge and the five organs of
action. The chariot reminds us of the teaching in the Katha Upanishad,
where the body is the chariot, the senses are the horses and the mind is
the reins. When the mind is controlled, the journey of life is smooth.
Importance of Nakshatra Devatas in Sculpture and Painting
Hindu sculpture and painting are not made only for
decoration. They are a way of teaching. In earlier times, many people could not
read the scriptures, but they could understand the form, posture and objects
held by a devata. The shilpa shastras and agamas give clear rules for the
proportion, posture and ornaments of each image, so that the devotee can
recognise the devata and meditate on that form correctly. The nakshatra devatas
in almanacs and temples serve the same purpose. They help a person to remember
his or her own birth star and the deity connected to it.
Benefits of Worship
Devotees believe that worship of Chandra, especially for those born in Mrigasira nakshatra, gives peace, prosperity and good health. It helps to overcome impediments in life and also gives spiritual wealth. Mondays and the days when the Moon is in Mrigasira nakshatra are considered suitable for such worship. Offering prayers with a calm and sincere mind is more important than the size of the offering.
The image of Chandra as the Athi devata of Mrigasira shows
how Hindu sculpture joins philosophy with devotion. Every detail, from the
seated posture to the ten horses, carries a lesson about controlling the mind
and senses. When a devotee understands this meaning, the worship becomes more
than a ritual and turns into a step towards inner peace and spiritual growth.