Chandra Darshan in the honor of the Moon God is the celebration and observance of sighting the moon, day after the ‘Amavasya’ (the no moon day).

In Hinduism this day holds immense religious significance and devotees on this day worship Chandra Dev and offer special prayers since it is believed to be very propitious to sight the new moon just after the Amavasya which literally translates to ‘new moon night’ and an optimal day to pray for salvation. The moon which appears after Amavasya is called the new moon, observing this moon is known as Chandra Darshan.

Significance of Chandra Darshan in Hindu Mythology

The moon has special significance in Hindu mythology because many important rituals are carried on this day. Many women pray on Amavasya for long lives of their husbands and for the removal of obstacles in married life.

One of the most important part of this day is the worship of forefathers, known as Pitra in Sanskrit. Many worship them to help them achieve Moksha (completing the circle of life and death) and also attain their wishes and blessings for a good fortune.

Rituals During Chandra Darshan

On the day of Chandra Darshan, Hindu devotees worship the Moon God.

Devotees observe a strict fast on this day to please Chandra Dev. They do not eat or drink anything all through the day. The fast is broken after sighting the Moon just after sunset.

It is believed that a person who performs all the ritualistic worship of Moon God on the day of Chandra Darshan will be bestowed with endless good fortune and prosperity.

Offering donations is also an important ritual on Chandra Darshan. People donate clothes, rice and sugar among other things to Brahmins on this day.

Chandra Darshan Importance

In Hindu mythology, Chandra Dev or the Moon God is considered to be one of the most revered deities. He is also a significant ‘graha’ or planet of the ‘Navgraha’, which influences life on Earth. Moon is known to be a favourable planet and is associated with wisdom, purity and good intentions. It is believed that an individual with favourably placed Moon in his/her planet will live a more successful and prosperous life. Furthermore, Moon is even more influential in Hinduism as it follows the lunar calendar. In Hindu mythology, Chandra Dev or the Moon God is also known to be the nurturer of animal and plant life. He is married to the 27 Nakshatras, who are the daughters of King Prajapati Daksha and is also the father of Budha or Planet Mercury. Hindu devotees, therefore, worship Moon God on the day of Chandra Darshan to seek His blessings for success and good fortune.

Time for Chandra Darshan

The most favourable time for sighting the moon is just after sunset though predicting the most appropriate time and the first day for Chandra Darshan is a difficult job even for Panchang makers. The moon is visible only for a short span of time on the first day of Chandra Darshan and that is just after the sunset. In other words, the moon sets about one hour after sunset and can be sighted only after sunset due to being in the same horizon as that of the sun. Chandra Darshan is observed with great fervour and devotion in different parts of the country.

Chandra Darshan 2017 Dates, Pratipada Tithi Timing