Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of destruction and transformation, is known by various names, each carrying deep spiritual significance. One such name is Chandrasekhar, which means "the one who wears the moon on his head." But why does Lord Shiva have the crescent moon on his matted locks, and what is the mythological story behind this name? Let’s delve into the legend of Chandrasekhar.
The Mythological Story Behind Chandrasekhar
The story of Lord Shiva becoming Chandrasekhar is deeply connected to Chandra (the Moon God) and Daksha Prajapati. According to Hindu mythology, Chandra married 27 daughters of Daksha, who were the personifications of the 27 Nakshatras (constellations). However, Chandra favored only Rohini, neglecting his other wives. This partiality angered Daksha, who cursed Chandra with a gradual decline in his brilliance and power.
As Chandra started losing his radiance, he sought refuge in various gods, but no one could nullify the powerful curse. Finally, he approached Lord Shiva and pleaded for help. Being the compassionate and benevolent deity, Shiva took Chandra on his head, stabilizing his waning powers. By wearing the crescent moon, Shiva controlled Chandra’s waxing and waning cycle, restoring his brilliance periodically. This act of divine grace earned Shiva the name Chandrasekhar, meaning "the one who adorns the moon on his head."
Chandrasekhar: The Charming Prince
The name Chandrasekhar is also associated with another captivating legend—Lord Shiva’s divine transformation to win Goddess Parvati’s heart. Parvati, the daughter of King Himavan, deeply loved Lord Shiva and performed intense penance to marry him. However, Shiva, known for his ascetic nature, was indifferent to worldly attachments and remained in meditation.
To test her devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before Parvati in different forms, even trying to dissuade her. But her unwavering love and determination melted his heart. Understanding her deep love, Lord Shiva transformed into a charming and radiant prince—a form so mesmerizing that even the gods were captivated. In this magnificent form, Shiva was adorned with the crescent moon, signifying the ultimate balance of asceticism and beauty. This divine transformation as Chandrasekhar led to the celestial wedding of Shiva and Parvati, symbolizing the union of Shakti (energy) and Shiva (consciousness).
The Symbolism of Chandrasekhar
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Symbol of Control Over Time – The moon represents time and cycles, and by placing it on his head, Lord Shiva signifies his mastery over time.
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Balance of Creation and Destruction – Just as the moon waxes and wanes, the universe undergoes creation and destruction. Shiva, as Chandrasekhar, balances these cosmic forces.
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Grace and Compassion – By accepting Chandra and protecting him from the curse, Lord Shiva shows his merciful and compassionate nature.
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Spiritual Enlightenment – The crescent moon on Shiva’s head also represents wisdom, enlightenment, and the cooling effect of divine consciousness.
Chandrasekhar in Hindu Worship
Devotees often chant “Om Chandrasekharaya Namah” to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings for mental peace, wisdom, and protection from negative influences. Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, such as the Chandrashekarar Temple in Tamil Nadu, honor this particular form of Shiva.