Navagraha Temples - Chandra

Information about Chandra (Moon) graha

Temple Information:

Temple Name: Kailasanathar Temple
Deity at place (Sthala devata): Kailasanathar
Goddess: Periya Nayaki
Ganapati: Sankatvimochan Ganapati
Graha name: Chandran
Village Location: Kailasanathar Devasthanam, Thingalur, Tamil Nadu 612204, India

How to reach the Temple:

This place is on the highway Thiruvaiyaru – Kumbhakonam highway in Tamil Nadu, India. It is 2 kms from Thirupazhanam.

History of Chandra Graha Temple:

According to Scriptures, Chandra was very beautiful. So, many girls wanted to marry him. Thakkan, namely Prajapati had 27 beautiful daughters who were enchanted by Chandra’s beauty. Hence they all wanted to marry him. Chandra had more love for his last wife namely Revathi. This broke the agreement he had made with all his other wives and Prajapati. Therefore the girl’s father (Prajapati) cursed him stating that he will lose all of his 16 kalas (arts) one after the other, daily. He surrendered to Lord Shiva and performed penance at this place. It is presumed that the pond on the eastern side of the temple – Chandra Teerth – was created by Chandra himself. He took bath in that pond and worshiped Lord Shiva to get rid of his curse. Lord Shiva, on getting pleased by his penance/worship, gave him a boon that his kalas will increase and decrease alternatively – the waxing and waning of moon (Chandra).

Importance of Chandra Graha:
Chandra occupies the next position to Surya in astrology as a Shubha Graha with Sattwik Vritti. In a horoscope, Chandra is supposed to be responsible for mother’s position, bhoga (life events), bhagya (fortune), auspicious food, sorrow, diseases (like cold, cough), ones fame, strength, sleep, left eye, balance of mind, control of brain.

He is the Lord of Karka rashi (i.e. zodiac sign Cancer). Chandra Mahadasha is for 10 years.

Nivritti (Absolution) from Chandra Dosha:
To maximize good effects and minimize bad effects of Chandra Mahadasha, one should fast on Full-Moon day and offer cooked white rice to Lord Chandra as Naivedeya and then distribute it away (it should not be partaken by the devotee). According to scriptures, all auspicious tasks (Shubha Karma) should be performed during Shukla-Paksha (i.e. waxing moon period after Amavasya till Poornima). In this temple, during the Tamil month of Panguni, the Sun rays fall on the Shiva Linga at 6 am in the morning on Full-Moon day. And the next day (Prathama/ First Day of Krishna-Paksha), in the evening at 6:30 pm. Hence, special puja is performed on that day (Prathama/ First Day of Krishna-Paksha). 

NavaGraha Aspect/ Characteristics Summary – Chandra (Moon):

#	Navagraha Aspect	Chandra
1	Consort	Rohini
2	Cloth color	Silver (White)
3	Gender	Male
4	Element	Water
5	God	Varun
6	Mounts	Ten White Antelope/Horse Chariot
7	Presiding Deity	Gowri (Parvati)
8	Metal	Silver
9	Gemstone	Pearl
10	Body Part	Blood
11	Taste	Salty
12	Grain	Paddy (Husked rice)
13	Season	Winter
14	Graha deities face this direction	West
15	Flower	White Oleander/Kanthal/Kaner
16	Kshetra vruksha (tree)	Banana, Bel/Bilwa/Aegle Marmelos/Wood Apple
17	Week day	Monday
18	Sound	Ma

Rangoli for Chandra Graha: 
To be drawn when worshiping Moon god

Mantra for Chandra Graha:
Below is mantra for Moon god.