Chandra Darshana 2023: Date, History, Significance, Celebrations

Chandra Darshana 2023: Chandra Darshan is the first moon-sighting day following a no-moon day. In Hinduism, the day of the new moon is called Amavasya, and the first sighting of the moon following the new moon has religious significance. On the day of Chandra Darshan, people observe a 24-hour fast, which they break after viewing the new moon.

For Panchang makers, predicting the first day of Chandra Darshan is always a difficult endeavour. The moon is only visible for a brief period of time on the first day of Chandra Darshan, just after sunset. In other words, the moon sets approximately one hour after sunset and is only visible after sunset due to its position on the same horizon as the sun. Therefore, the moon cannot be seen until after sunset, when it will also be setting.

Date And Time

• 19 June 2023, Monday
• The name Chandra Darshana
• from 07:21 to 08:37

History And Significance

According to Hindu scriptures, Chandra Dev, also known as Lord Moon, is one of the most revered deities. Moon is also a significant ‘graha’ or planet of the ‘Navgraha,’ which affects Earthly life. Moon is commonly regarded as a beneficent planet and is associated with intelligence, purity, and mental health. Numerous adherents believe that a person with a favourable Moon placement in their horoscope has a greater chance of living a successful and prosperous life.

Moon also serves an important role in Hinduism, as its calendar is lunar. Moon God or Chandra Dev is revered as the nurturer of plant and animal existence. According to history, Chandra Dev or the Moon God is married to 27 of King Daksh Prajapati’s daughters, the Nakshatras. He is also regarded as the progenitor of Lord Budha or Mercury. On the day of Chandra Darshan, Hindu devotees from all over the world worship the Moon God in order to receive his blessings for success and good fortune.

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Chandra Darshan Celebrations

According to the traditional Hindu calendar, this day commemorates the first sighting of the moon after Amavasya, or the day with no moon, and devotees celebrate this event as Chandra Darshan. On this day, devotees typically observe a full-day fast and break it only after spotting the moon after sunset. According to astrology, Chandra Dev represents gentleness, sensitivity, emotions, and the intellect. It is believed that Devas imbibe Soma using the moon as a cup, making Chandra Dev the lord of vegetation. According to Hindu legends, Chandra Dev used to traverse the entire night sky on a chariot drawn by ten white horses. There are numerous legends associated with Chandra Dev, but those associated with Ganesh Chaturthi, Rahu and Ketu, and the Somnath temple appear to be the most prevalent.