In Hindu mythology, the Moon god, known as Chandra, has Rohini as his chief consort, along with 26 other Nakshatra goddesses as his wives.
Understanding Chandra and His Consorts
The celestial body referred to as the Moon is personified in Hindu scriptures as the deity Chandra, also known as Soma. Chandra is a revered god, often associated with emotions, beauty, fertility, and the night. His extensive marital life is a unique aspect of his mythology, deeply intertwined with the lunar cycle.
Chandra's consorts are primarily the Nakshatras, which are the lunar mansions or constellations that the Moon passes through during its monthly journey across the sky. These 27 Nakshatras are considered daughters of Daksha Prajapati, a creator god.
Key Wives of Chandra
- Rohini: Among all his wives, Rohini is considered the most beloved and the chief consort. She is often depicted as the most beautiful and favored, leading to various mythological tales regarding Chandra's preference.
- The Other 26 Nakshatra Goddesses: In addition to Rohini, Chandra is married to the remaining 26 Nakshatra goddesses. Each of these goddesses represents a specific segment of the sky, and their union with Chandra highlights the profound connection between the Moon's movement and these stellar divisions, which are fundamental to Vedic astrology and traditional Hindu calendrical systems.
This divine arrangement ensures that the Moon's daily progression through the sky is symbolically linked to his relationships with his wives, emphasizing the intricate cosmic design in Hindu beliefs.
Key Aspects of Chandra's Lineage and Equivalents
To provide a broader context, here's a summary of key details related to Chandra:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Deity Name | Chandra (Hindu Moon God) |
| Chief Consort | Rohini |
| Other Consorts | 26 Nakshatra goddesses |
| Notable Children | Budha (the planet Mercury), Varchas, Bhadra, Jyotsnakali, and others |
| Greek Equivalent | Selene |
Chandra's unions with the Nakshatras underscore the spiritual and astrological significance of the lunar cycles in Hindu cosmology, demonstrating a complex relationship between celestial bodies and divine narratives.
