Moonrise and Moonset timings of a particular day are the primary concern of every native on the day of festivals and fasts which are associated with the Moon. An individual wakes up wondering the timings of the Moon and remains preoccupied with this thought for the entire day. As per the Hindu religious beliefs, the Moonrise occurring in our solar system is of special importance. Though Moonrise is a natural phenomenon, but according to Hindu convictions, it has a special role to play in the observation of some festivals and fasts. The term Moonrise stands for the process of the Moon's emergence in the sky during every night. Of all the planets and over all these years, the Moon has been the topic of discussion in many fields like scriptures, music, cinema and astrology. The importance of the Moon can also be gauged from the fact that when it does not appear in the sky, darkness prevails all over the earth. Through this article on AstroCamp, we will unravel some interesting trivia about the planet Moon, its importance, and also provide you with you detailed information stating the significance of Moonrise, major festivals and the timings of Moonrise:
Since ancient times, the Moon has been worshiped as a deity in the realm of Hinduism. Considering its importance, many such fasts have been mentioned in the religious texts and scriptures, in which the Moonrise timings have a special importance. Some of the likely events are Karvachauth, Trayodashi etc. During these festivals, the devotees break their fast only after Moonrise and worshipping Chandrama by observing the proper rites and rituals.
Generally the Moonrise timings are different for each and every city. Thus, it is advised to break particular fast according to the geographical status of your particular city. Other than this there are certain other festivals and fasts and in order to observe them the Tithis and Yogas during Moonrise, as mentioned in the Hindu Panchang are given prime importance. Thus, Moonrise helps in the successful commemoration of such festivals.
Let us now have a look at some of the festivals which are observed according to the Moonrise.
Karvachauth: As per the Hindu religion, the fast of Karva Chauth is kept by married female natives seeking the longevity of their respective husbands. On this day, all women wake up early in the morning before sunrise and take a holy bath. After dressing up by adorning various accessories and make up, they initiate the fast. They avoid the consumption of any food or liquid item on this day and only after spectating the Moon, they go on to break the fast. People all over the nation very eagerly wait for the Moonrise to commemorate the necessary rituals on this day.
Sankashti Chaturthi: The festival of Sankashti Chaturthi is especially celebrated during the month of Phalgun. On this day, along with offering Arghya to the moon, Lord Ganesha is worshiped so that he can overthrow all the distress and sorrow present in one's life. The fast of Sankashti Chaturthi begin after one takes a bath before sunrise. Afterwards, the Puja is commenced and the Lord is offered water which is mixed with sesame seeds. After fasting for the entire day, the fast is opened only after offering Arghya to the Moon. In order to break the Vrat, sweets made of sesame seeds(til ke ladoo) offered to the Lord are only offered.
Poush Purnima: As per the Hindu religion, each and every Purnima or full Moon is of supreme importance. But the Full of Moon of the Paush month is the most significant one. It is so because the due observation of this Purnima fast by adhering to all the necessary rites and rituals helps an individual to attain salvation. Along with offering Arghya to the Sun on this day, Lord Sun is also worshipped. After waking up early in the morning during Paush Purnima, an oath is taken to observe the fast and donations are made after completing all the necessary Puja rituals.
Sharad Purnima: The night of Sharad Purnima has special significance in Hinduism. It is believed that on this day, all sixteen phases of the Moon are visible in the sky. There is a ritual of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi especially on the night of Sharad Purnima. Beliefs state that on this day Lakshmi ji comes down from heaven and sets foot on the earth and showers special blessings upon her devotees. Thus, worshipping Goddess Lakshmi ji is considered on this day. Devotees also light four faced lamps in front of Lord Hanuman on the same day.
Kartik Purnima: The day of Kartik Purnima is also very much hailed in the realm of Hinduism. It is believed that Lord Shiva killed a demon named Tripurasura on this day. After this incident, Shiva also came to be known as 'Tripurari'. Taking a bath in holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna and Godavari is considered very important on this day. Natives who believe in Sikhism celebrate the day of Kartik Purnima as Prakash Parv. During Kartik Purnima, on oath is taken to observe the fast after taking a bath in the holy rivers. Afterwards, food is offered to Brahmins along with carrying out donation activities.
Other than religious considerations, if we talk about astrological facts, then it is seen that the Moon is the significator of mind and thus has the capacity to control it. Scientists are of the belief that the Moon is the only satellite which revolves around the Earth once in 27 days, 7 hours, 43 minutes, 11.6 seconds. Astrological scriptures state that if the mind's significator is placed negatively or unfavourably in one's birth chart, then the person may have to suffer from mental difficulties as its result. Therefore it has been said that if the Moon's position worsens in your birth chart, an astrological phenomenon called Chandra Dosha gets formed and consequently you will feel surrounded by various mental worries.
The state of full moonrise in Hinduism is known as Purnima. On this day, the moon appears in the sky in its full size from the earth compared to the rest of the days. It is quite a view to spectate. Also on this day, people observe fasts and worship the Moon by adhering to all the necessary rituals and desire to get the desired fruits by pleasing Chandra Dev.
Science states that the Moon is the only natural satellite of the Earth. Meanwhile, if we take Hindu mythological legends into account, then they have a different narrative to offer about the inception of Chandra Dev. in today's world, you will come across many such people who worship Chandrama and consider it a deity, but in reality they are not even aware of its true selfhood. Let us now have a look at the Moon's Genesis as per mythological conventions.
According to the story which finds place in Bhagwat Purana, when the maker of this Universe , Brahma Ji authored this world, he first created the Manas Putras. Among these sons of Lord Brahma, sage Atri was married to Anasuya, who was the daughter of a hermit named Kardan. Sage Atri and Anasuya had three sons, Rishi Dattatreya, Rishi Durvasha and Rishi Som. Som came to be known as Chandra Dev later. Along with his apparels, his chariot is also white in colour. A total of 27 wives of Chandrama are mentioned in Hinduism, which are known as the 27 Nakshatras. In the realm of astrology, the Moon is mainly considered to be the ruling lord of the Cancer zodiac sign and occupies the second position among all the Navagrahas.