Why the Moon Was Cursed by Daksha: Divine Lesson Behind Its Phases

The moon, or Chandra, holds a sacred place in Hindu mythology, symbolizing beauty, calmness, and time itself. Yet, behind its soothing glow lies a tale of jealousy, imbalance, and divine justice. This lesser-known story from the Puranas reveals why the moon doesn’t shine the same every night, how his favoritism among his wives invoked the wrath of his father-in-law, Daksha Prajapati, leading to the curse that created the waxing and waning moon we see today.
Chandra, also known as Soma, was one of the most charming and radiant deities. His beauty was said to outshine even the stars. He was not just a celestial body but also the god of intelligence, timekeeping, and emotional balance. His cool rays nourished herbs and plants, and he played a vital role in maintaining cosmic harmony. When Daksha Prajapati, one of the sons of Lord Brahma, arranged marriages for his 27 daughters, who represented the 27 Nakshatras (lunar constellations), Chandra was chosen as their husband. This sacred union symbolized the moon’s passage through each Nakshatra every month, ensuring balance in cosmic time.
Though Chandra was married to all 27 of Daksha’s daughters, he was deeply attached to Rohini, the most beautiful and affectionate among them. Rohini’s charm captivated Chandra so much that he began spending all his time with her, neglecting his other wives.
As days turned into weeks, the other 26 sisters felt ignored and heartbroken. Their constant complaints reached their father, Daksha, who became enraged upon learning that his son-in-law had failed to treat his daughters equally, an act that violated dharma and family honor.
In anger, Daksha confronted Chandra, warning him to correct his behavior and give equal attention to all his wives. But Chandra, intoxicated by love and pride, ignored his father-in-law’s advice. Daksha, furious at his arrogance, cursed Chandra saying, “You shall lose your radiance and wane into nothingness!” Soon, the curse took effect. The moon began to fade night by night, his brilliance dimmed, and his glow weakened. The universe fell into imbalance as the moon’s light affected the growth of plants, tides, and time cycles. Darkness began to spread.
Realizing the enormity of his mistake, a weakened Chandra turned to Lord Shiva for help. He performed severe penance and worshiped Shiva at Prabhasa (modern-day Somnath in Gujarat). Moved by Chandra’s sincere repentance, Lord Shiva decided to help. However, Shiva could not undo Daksha’s curse entirely, as it was bound by cosmic law. Instead, Shiva modified the curse, blessing Chandra with a cyclical rebirth “You shall wax for fifteen days and wane for fifteen days. Your light will never be fully lost.” Shiva then placed Chandra on his head as a crescent moon, symbolizing control over time and the mind. This act earned Shiva the name Chandrashekhara, the One Who Wears the Moon.
The tale of Chandra’s curse is more than a myth, it’s a spiritual metaphor. The waxing and waning of the moon symbolize the rise and fall of human emotions. Chandra’s favoritism teaches us that attachment and imbalance can lead to downfall. Daksha’s curse reflects karma and the law of fairness, while Shiva’s grace represents forgiveness and renewal. Every full moon reminds us of the power of restoration, while the new moon reminds us of humility and introspection.

The story of Chandra and Daksha is not merely a celestial legend, it’s a reflection of human nature. Through Chandra’s fall and redemption, we learn that even divine beings are not free from karma, and true radiance lies not in beauty or pride but in balance, humility, and devotion. The moon’s eternal cycle stands as a reminder: “Even after darkness, light returns, if one seeks it with pure intent.”

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