Cosmology of Soma Among Navagrahas | Pujas | Benefits
The Navagrahas have been subjects of fascination and reverence since Vedic times. Their study encompasses various disciplines, including spirituality, astrology, astronomy, and philosophy. Navagraha denotes 9 celestial “influencers” who were believed to be able to influence the lives of human beings. They are not merely astral or celestial bodies, but are perceived as divine forces guiding and influencing human destinies. Navagrahas symbolize the eternal dance of cosmic energies, influencing the ebb and flow of life on Earth. From ancient seers to modern astrologers, the study and reverence for the Navagrahas continue to thrive, reflecting the enduring legacy of Vedic wisdom and its profound insights into the mysteries of the universe.
What Vedas say about Grahas or planets?
Aitareya Brahmana (3.44) states that the Sun never rises or sets. The Moon orbits the earth like a child goes around its mother; the two are then orbiting the sun, the father. As the earth rotates around its axis, day and night happen.
An explanation of Solar Eclipse in Rigveda
The earliest description of a solar eclipse in the Rigveda (5.40.5) Rishi Atri speaks in metaphors. He says that the very Moon that got light as gift from sun dares to cover him. The darkness caused is different from the normal darkness of the night. All the creatures are frightened. As the shadow of the moon starts covering a large part of the sun, the red tinge of light is described as the red sheep. When the full solar eclipse takes effect, only the corona can be seen, which is described as silver sheep. When the eclipse is completely over, the sun is restored to its original brightness, which is described as white sheep.
Navagraha Temples
Almost any temple we visit, we see Navagrahas that have been consecrated. The nine planets are placed in a particular arrangement. The symbolism of the nine planets and their association with the Body, Mind and Intellect (BMI), as Lord Krishna talks in the Bhagavad-Geeta, is very direct. Navagraha denotes 9 celestial “influencers” who were believed to be able to influence the lives of human beings.
Navagrahas and Solar System
In the Navagraha shrines, we see that the Sun is in the middle and the planets are around him. Each one is looking in different directions. It denotes that the planets are revolving around their axis, while in orbit. We see this in temples that were built more than thousand years ago.
Lord Chandra or Soma
Chandra, also known as Lord Soma, the Moon God, rules over the night and is associated with the soothing, cooling properties of moonlight. He has a pale white or light blue complexion according to scriptural descriptions and is often portrayed riding across the night sky in a chariot pulled by ten horses. Chandra, the Moon, represents emotions, nurturing, and the subconscious mind. The sacred color for Chandra is white, reflecting purity and serenity. Fragrance of Mogra flower is the sacred fragrance of Chandra, whose soothing qualities are thought to alleviate distress. Chandra, the gentle Moon God, embodies emotions, intuition, and nurturing qualities. Showing devotion to Lord Chandra is said to lead to benefits like emotional balance, creativity and nurturing qualities.
Chandra Graha Characteristics
- Chandra is the Sanskrit name for the Moon, considered a graha or celestial body in Hindu astrology.
- It is associated with emotions, intuition, nurturing, and motherhood.
- Chandra is believed to influence the mind, moods, and feelings of individuals.
- In astrology, the position of Chandra at the time of birth is considered significant and is used to assess a person’s emotional nature and subconscious mind.
- Chandra is associated with the water element and is believed to govern the fluid and changeable aspects of life.
- Associated with gemstone Pearl (In Sanskrit Mukta) and the color of White.
- It is considered a benefic planet, bringing sensitivity, creativity, and receptivity to individuals when well-placed in the birth chart.
- However, when afflicted or poorly placed, Chandra can cause moodiness, emotional instability, and irrational behavior.
- Chandra is often worshipped in Hindu culture as a deity, particularly in rituals related to fertility, childbirth, and family harmony.
Chandra or Soma Temple among the Navagraha Sthalam
Temples dedicated to Lord Chandra can be seen throughout India. Thingaluru Kailasanathar Temple (Chandran Kovil) about 33km from Kumbakonam of Tamil Nadu State is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Soma or Chandra, among Navagraha Sthalams in and around Kumbakonam Sri Kshetra. It is said, that in the Phalgunamaasa (last month of the Hindu Panchangam calendar), moonlight reaches the Shiva Lingam on the day of Full Moon. Many Havans, Homam, Pujas and Pariharas are performed here to Lord Chandra for the problems associated with malefic Moon in the horoscope.
Pujas to Lord Chandra or Soma
Merits of worshipping Chandra include enhanced creativity, intuition, and maternal instincts. On the flip side, negative influences of Chandra can lead to moodiness, indecisiveness, and emotional instability. Mondays, especially during the waxing phase of the moon, are considered propitious for lunar worship.
Many Havans, Homam, Pujas and Pariharas are performed here to Lord Chandra for the problems associated with malefic Moon in the horoscope. Worshipping Chandra is believed to bestow intelligence, success, and good mental health upon devotees. It is said to bestow the merits of increased peace, confidence and enthusiasm. However, negative influences of Chandra can manifest as depression, anxiety and problems related to blood and kidney.
Astrological Influences of Lord Chandra
A strong Moon bestows creativity, intuition, and emotional stability. However, a weak Moon can lead to mood swings and emotional instability. Mondays and the thithi of Purnima (full moon day) are considered auspicious for worshiping Chandra.
Grain for Lord Chandra or Soma
Rice is believed to represent Lord Chandra among the Navagraha planets. Giving rice as ‘Daan’ is said to address the malefic moon in the Janma Kundali.
Chandra or Soma Stotram
A simple chant of Chandra or Soma Stotram is available for learning in our YouTube Channel:
|| दिव्य शंखतुषाराभं क्षीरोदार्णवसंभवं |
| नमामि शशिनं भक्त्या शंभोर्मुकुटभूषणं ||
|| ದಿವ್ಯ ಶಂಖತುಷಾರಾಭಂ ಕ್ಷೀರೋದಾರ್ಣವಸಂಭವಂ |
| ನಮಾಮಿ ಶಶಿನಂ ಭಕ್ತ್ಯಾ ಶಂಭೋರ್ಮುಕುಟಭೂಷಣಂ ||
|| Divya Shankha tusharabham ksheerodarnava sambhavam ||
|| Namami Shashinam Bhaktya Shambhormukutabhooshanam ||
Mantras for Lord Chandra or Soma
|| ओं शोमाय नमः||
|| ಓಂ ಸೋಮಾಯ ನಮಃ ||
|| Om Somaya NamaH ||
Raag for Lord Chandra
Muttuswami Dikshitar is one of the greatest composers in Carnatic Music during the 18th Century CE. Born in Tiruvarur of Tamil Nadu, he learnt music from his father Ramaswami Dikshitar, a great musician and composer. Later in Madras (presently Chennai), Muttuswami Dikshitar came under the influence of Chidambaranatha Yogin, a great seer. He travelled to Kashi with his Guru and was initiated into the Sri Vidya cult.
One of his disciples was Tambiappa Pillai, a percussion artiste. Pillai suffered from stomach ailments which were traced to a malefic influence of the planet Jupiter in his horoscope. Dikshitar composed the song “Brihaspate” in raag Athana, in praise of Lord Guru or Jupiter and taught it to his disciple who sang it every day and was cured of his illness.
Subsequent to this, Dikshitar embarked on creating songs on other principal celestial bodies who form the Navagraha. “Chandram Bhaja’ is a Navagraha Kriti on Lord Soma or Chandra in Raag Asaveri. Raga Asaveri and Poorvi are considered medicine to get rid of headaches. Also, Raga Asaveri holds good for psychological disorders.
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