Chandra Puja or Moon Puja is dedicated to Lord Chandra. In Vedic astrology, Chandra is the planet Moon, ruling over an individual's thoughts, feelings and sentiments. Worshipping Chandra is said to provide prosperity, emotional harmony and serenity because he represents the mind, emotions and beauty. It is very helpful for people who are looking for mental clarity, peace of mind and steadiness in their emotions.
Key Rituals of Chandra Puja
Chandra puja is usually done on Monday, the day dedicated to the Moon, as well as on Purnima, which is the Full Moon day and on Chaturdashi, which is the 14th day of the Lunar cycle. Additionally, it is carried out during auspicious moon-related occasions like Chandra Grahan.
- Take a bath and wear clean white or light-coloured clothes to represent purity and peace.
- Make a Sankalpa to perform the puja with devotion and seek blessings for peace, health and prosperity.
- Close your eyes, meditate on the image of the Moon and invoke Lord Chandra’s blessings.
- Pour water and milk into a clean vessel, which symbolizes offering the essence of life to Chandra.
- Offer white flowers (like jasmine or lotus) and sandalwood paste to the image or symbol of the Moon.
- Chant the Chandra Gayatri mantra “Om Kshira-Putray Vidmahe Amrita Tatvaya Dheemahi Tanno Chandra Prachodayat” 11 or 108 times for maximum benefits.
- Perform the Aarti by lighting the camphor and waving it in front of Chandra’s image while singing the Chandra Aarti.
- After the puja, if possible offer water or milk to the Moon directly by pouring it onto the ground while chanting Chandra’s mantras.
Benefits of Chandra Puja
Chandra puja is a simple yet highly beneficial practice that helps bring the mind, emotions and general state of well-being into harmony with the peaceful energy of the moon.
- Worshiping Lord Chandra helps to soothe the mind, reduce stress and improve emotional health.
- Chandra is associated with material wealth and regular puja is said to bring stability in finances.
- Chandra Puja helps balance emotions, reducing mood swings, anger and anxiety.
- The Moon governs health aspects related to the mind and body, hence performing Chandra Puja can help improve mental clarity and physical wellness.
- If the Moon is weak or afflicted in your horoscope, Chandra Puja can help strengthen its position, improving overall fortune.
Chandra Beej Mantra
Chandra Beej's mantra helps in strengthening the Moon’s influence and is believed to calm the mind.
Om Shraam Shreem Shraum Sah Chandraya Namah.
ॐ श्रां श्रीं श्रौं सः चन्द्राय नमः।
