Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja 2024: Rituals and Significance

Ishti means Yajna, is an important element of the Sanatana Vedic Dharma. Ishti and Anvadhan are significant events in Hindu calendar. Ishti Chandra Darshan festival day (every month) is celebrated with great devotion. It is observed on the day of the first sighting of the waxing crescent moon after the new moon in the Hindu month of Chaitra. Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja is a significant Puja homam is performed to seek the blessings of the moon god. It is celebrated by offering prayers and performing rituals to Lord Chandra, the god of the moon. It is believed that observing this festival brings good health, prosperity, and happiness to one’s life. This puja is observed on the day of Chandra Darshan, which is the first sighting of the moon after the Amavasya (new moon). The puja is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and happiness into the lives of those who perform it. It is a way to express gratitude to the moon god and seek his blessings for a fruitful life.

Ishti Chandra Darshan Panchang dates in year 2024:

1. January 6, 2024 (Sunday) 2. February 5, 2024 (Monday) 3. March 6, 2024 (Wednesday) 4. April 5, 2024 (Friday) 5. May 5, 2024 (Sunday) 6. June 3, 2024 (Monday) 7. July 3, 2024 (Wednesday) 8. August 1, 2024 (Thursday) 9. August 31, 2024 (Saturday) 10. September 29, 2024 (Sunday) 11. October 29, 2024 (Tuesday) 12. November 27, 2024 (Wednesday) 13. December 27, 2024 (Friday)

Please note that these dates may vary slightly depending on the regional customs and traditions followed in different parts of India. It is always advisable to consult a local Panchang or astrologer for accurate dates and timings.

History and Origin of Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja

The origin of Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures. According to mythology, it is believed that Lord Brahma created this puja to appease Chandra, who was cursed by his father-in-law Daksha. The curse caused Chandra’s body to wax and wane, resulting in the phases of the moon. To seek redemption and regain his original form, Chandra performed intense penance and observed this puja. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Brahma granted him a boon that he would be worshipped by devotees on earth through this puja.

Over time, the puja has evolved and become an integral part of Hindu culture and tradition. It is now celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in various parts of India.

Significance of Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja

The Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja holds immense spiritual and cultural significance in Hinduism. The moon is considered a symbol of beauty, calmness, and tranquility. By performing this puja, devotees seek the blessings of Chandra for peace, harmony, and health well-being in their lives.

The puja is celebrated in different parts of India with unique customs and rituals. In some regions, women observe a fast on this day and break it only after sighting the moon. It is believed that by observing this fast, women can ensure the well-being and longevity of their husbands.

Preparation for Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja

Before performing the Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja, certain preparations need to be made. Firstly, devotees should clean their homes and puja area to create a pure and sacred environment. They should also take a bath and wear clean clothes as a sign of purity.

Mental and physical preparation is equally important for this puja. Devotees should try to calm their minds and focus on their intentions for performing the puja. They should also gather all the necessary materials required for the rituals.

Rituals and Customs of Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja

The Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja involves several rituals and customs that are performed with utmost devotion and sincerity. The puja begins with the creation of a small platform or altar where the deity is worshipped. The platform is decorated with flowers, leaves, and other auspicious items.

Devotees then offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, before beginning the main puja. They light incense sticks, offer flowers, and chant mantras to invoke Lord Ganesha’s blessings. Afterwards, devotees offer prayers to Chandra by lighting a lamp or candle and placing it on the altar. They offer water, milk, honey, curd, and other sacred items to the deity as a sign of devotion.

Materials Required for Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja

To perform the Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja, certain materials are required. These include:

1. A small platform or altar
   2. Flowers and leaves for decoration
   3. Incense sticks
   4. A lamp or candle
   5. Water, milk, honey, curd, and other sacred items for offering
   6. A picture or idol of Chandra

These materials can be easily found at local puja stores or can be prepared at home.

Mantras and Chants for Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja

During the Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja, devotees chant various mantras and prayers to seek the blessings of Chandra. Some of the commonly recited mantras include:

1. “Om Som Somaya Namah” – This mantra is dedicated to Chandra and is chanted to invoke his blessings.
2. “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” – This mantra is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is chanted to remove obstacles and ensure a successful puja.
3. “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti” – This mantra is chanted to invoke peace and harmony in one’s life.

Mantras are recited with utmost devotion and sincerity, and their meanings hold deep spiritual significance.

• Om Chandraaya Namaha Salutations to the divine moon, who is the embodiment of peace and tranquility.

• Om Shashankaaya Namaha I bow to the moon, who shines like a beautiful conch shell, spreading its gentle light.

• Om Ksheerodarnava Sambhavaaya Namaha I offer my salutations to the moon, who arose from the milky ocean, bringing calmness and serenity.

• Om Nishakaraaya Namaha I bow to the moon, who is the lord of the night, guiding us through darkness with its soft glow.

• Om Shiva Somaaya Namaha Salutations to the moon, who is associated with Lord Shiva, representing purity and divine consciousness.

• Om Chandramase Namaha I offer my salutations to the moon, who is the ruler of the lunar month and governs our emotions and mind.

• Om Indu Shekharaya Namaha I bow to the moon, whose crest is adorned with a crescent shape, symbolizing growth and rejuvenation.

• Om Shashi Bimba Prabhaaya Namaha Salutations to the moon, whose radiant light resembles a mirror-like reflection, illuminating our path.

• Om Kala Nidhi Sambhavaaya Namaha I offer my salutations to the moon, who is born from the ocean of time and represents eternal beauty and grace.

• Om Chandra Mouli Sadaa Vande I always bow to Lord Shiva, who adorns the crescent moon on his forehead as a symbol of divine energy and enlightenment.

Importance of Fasting during Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja

Fasting is an important aspect of the Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja. It is believed that by observing a fast on this day, devotees can purify their minds and bodies, and strengthen their devotion towards Chandra.

The fast is usually observed from sunrise to moonrise, which means that devotees abstain from consuming any food or water during this period. It requires self-discipline and dedication to successfully complete the fast.

To prepare for the fast, devotees should consume a light meal the night before and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. After sighting the moon, the fast is broken by consuming a simple meal consisting of fruits, nuts, and other light foods.

Benefits of Performing Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja

Performing the Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja has several spiritual and personal benefits. It is believed that by seeking the blessings of Chandra, devotees can attain peace, prosperity, and emotional well-being in their lives.

The puja also helps in strengthening one’s devotion and connection with the divine. It instills a sense of gratitude and humility, and encourages devotees to lead a righteous and virtuous life.

Celebrations and Festivities during Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja

The Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in different parts of India. In some regions, women observe a fast on this day and break it only after sighting the moon. They dress up in traditional attire, apply mehndi (henna) on their hands, and offer prayers to Chandra for the well-being of their husbands.

In other parts of India, the puja is celebrated with community gatherings, cultural programs, and feasts. People come together to sing devotional songs, perform traditional dances, and exchange sweets and gifts.

The Spiritual Significance of Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja

In conclusion, the Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja holds immense spiritual significance in Hindu culture and tradition. It is a way for devotees to seek the blessings of Chandra and express their gratitude for his presence in their lives.

The puja is performed with utmost devotion and sincerity, and its rituals and customs are followed with great reverence. By observing this puja, devotees can attain peace, prosperity, and emotional well-being in their lives.

The celebration of Ishti Chandra Darshan involves fasting, offering milk and rice to the moon, and reciting hymns and mantras. The festival is also an occasion for families and friends to come together and share traditional meals and sweets. As the moon is believed to have a powerful influence on human emotions and behavior, the festival is seen as an opportunity to seek blessings for mental peace and spiritual growth. The Ishti Chandra Darshan festival is a reminder of the importance of nature and its cycles in Hinduism, and encourages devotees to cultivate a deeper connection with the natural world.

The Ishti Chandra Darshan Puja is not just a religious ritual; it is a way to connect with the divine and strengthen one’s spiritual journey. It reminds us of the importance of gratitude, humility, and devotion in our lives, and encourages us to lead a righteous and virtuous life.

ॐ Om Chandraya Namah!