The Crescent

 
Seeing the true form of any deity is rare. Especially in this Kali Yuga, divine visions are believed to be almost impossible. However, there is one exception — the embodiment of love and compassion, Lord Mahadeva. The compassionate Lord Shiva alone can be seen even with our own eyes.

Let us look at this Puranic story to understand how this is possible.

Daksha was one among the Prajapatis. The Prajapatis were the sons of Lord Brahma, created by him to assist in the work of creation.

Chandra (the Moon) was one of the sons born to Sage Atri, one of the Prajapatis, and his wife Devi Anusuya. He learned all the arts from Guru Brihaspati.

Daksha gave his 27 daughters — the 27 Nakshatras — in marriage to Chandra. Among them, Chandra showed special affection only towards Rohini and neglected the other wives. Hurt by this, the remaining 26 wives complained to their father Daksha. Angered by this, Daksha cursed Chandra that his brightness and powers would gradually diminish.

As a result of the curse, Chandra’s brilliance began to fade day by day. Within 14 days, all his powers faded, and he was left with just a faint ray of light. In that weakened state, he approached Lord Shiva. Seeing Chandra fall as a faint beam of light, Lord Shiva compassionately lifted him, held him like a mother, and placed him on His own head, granting him a new life.

Since Daksha's curse could not be completely withdrawn, it was decided that Chandra would continue to wane for 15 days according to the curse and then wax again for 15 days according to Lord Shiva’s blessing.

After Amavasya (New Moon), the moon begins to grow brighter from the third day onward. The crescent moon that Lord Shiva wears is this growing moon.

Seeing this crescent moon, which is a part of Lord Shiva Himself, is equivalent to seeing the Supreme Lord. It is like witnessing the divine crown that even Brahma could not see.

Therefore, every month, on the third day after Amavasya, look at the crescent moon, remember Lord Shiva, and worship Him. If possible, light a lamp on a plate, offer a flower, keep some water as offering, and perform aarati to the moon to please Lord Shiva. Become deserving of His love and grace.

Even if you have nothing, simply fold your hands and chant Lord Shiva’s name. Our love and devotion themselves are the greatest offerings.

Recite and rejoice in this hymn composed by Appar Peruman in the Sixth Thirumurai. 🙏🌙



Vadiveru Thirisoolam thondrum thondrum  

Valar sadaimel ilamathiyum thondrum thondrum  

Kadiyeru kamazh kondraik kanni thondrum  

Kaadhil ven kuzhaithodu kalandhu thondrum  

Idiyeru kalittrurivaip porvai thondrum  

Ezhil thigazhum thirumudiyum ilangith thondrum  

Podiyeru thirumeni polindhu thondrum  

Pozhil thigazhum Poovanaththem punithanaarkke



With thanks,

Shanmugapriya K Sambathkumar 

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