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42-463: Atreya or Atreyas (आत्रेय) Rishi, or Atreya Punarvasu , was a descendant of Atri , one of the great Hindu sages ( rishis ) whose accomplishments are detailed in the Puranas . Sage Atreya was a renowned scholar of Ayurveda , and a school of early Ayurveda was founded based on his teachings. Some historians of Ayurveda date Atreya to 6th century BCE, and theorize that he was the personal physician of

84-407: A Suryavamsha king. It is also a common Indian name and surname. Both male and female name variations exist in many South Asian languages that originate from Sanskrit. Some of the synonyms of Chandra include Soma (distill), Indu (bright drop), Atrisuta (son of Atri), Shashin or Shachin (marked by hare), Taradhipa (lord of stars) and Nishakara (the night maker), Nakshatrapati (lord of

126-506: A crucial place in Hindu astrology ( Jyotisha ) and is associated with the mind, emotions, and fertility. His phases are believed to influence human behavior, agriculture, and the timing of rituals. As the luminary of the night, Chandra embodies the reflective and nurturing aspects of the cosmos, balancing the solar energies represented by Surya. Soma's iconography varies in Hindu texts. The most common

168-415: A planet in Hindu astronomical texts. It is often discussed in various Sanskrit astronomical texts, such as the 5th century Aryabhatiya by Aryabhatta , the 6th century Romaka by Latadeva and Panca Siddhantika by Varahamihira, the 7th century Khandakhadyaka by Brahmagupta and the 8th century Sisyadhivrddida by Lalla. Other texts such as Surya Siddhanta dated to have been complete sometime between

210-635: Is found in various scriptures, with the notable being in Rig Veda . He is also associated with various ages, the notable being in Treta Yuga during Ramayana , when he and Anasuya advised Rama and his wife Sita . The pair is also attributed to bringing river Ganga down to earth, the mention of which is found in the Shiva Purana . He is said to be a resident of the south in Valmiki Ramayana. The same

252-657: Is not known; but in the later of the Vedic hymns there is some evidence of the transition. In post Vedic texts like the Ramayana , the Mahabharata and the Puranas , Soma is mentioned as a lunar deity and has many epithets including Chandra. According to most of these texts, Chandra, along with his brothers Dattatreya and Durvasa , were the sons of the sage Atri and his wife Anasuya . The Devi Bhagavata Purana states Chandra to be

294-722: Is often quoted by later authors and commentators of Ayurveda. Some of the manuscripts of Bhela available are the Thanjavur Manuscript - a palm leaf manuscript kept in Maharaja Sarfoji's library in Thanjavur - and East Turkestan Manuscript, only one folio of a paper manuscript, now kept in Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin. Charaka later on, taking cues from Agnivesa Samhita, produced the now renowned work Charaka Samhita around 300 B.C. which survived and has been handed down to us in

336-611: Is one where he is a white-coloured deity, holding a mace in his hand, riding a chariot with three wheels and three or more white horses (up to ten). Soma as the Moon-deity is also found in Buddhism , and Jainism . Soma is the root of the word Somavara or Monday in the Hindu calendar. The word "Monday" in the Greco-Roman and other Indo-European calendars is also dedicated to the Moon. Soma

378-755: Is part of the Navagraha in the Hindu zodiac system. The role and importance of the Navagraha developed over time with various influences. Deifying the moon and its astrological significance occurred as early as the Vedic period and was recorded in the Vedas . The earliest work of astrology recorded in India is the Vedanga Jyotisha which began to be compiled in the 14th century BCE. The moon and various classical planets were referenced in

420-501: Is sometimes also used to refer to Vishnu , Shiva (as Somanatha ), Yama and Kubera . In some Indian texts, Soma is the name of an apsara ; alternatively it is the name of any medicinal concoction, or rice-water gruel, or heaven and sky, as well as the name of certain places of pilgrimage. Inspired by his interest in Indian mysticism, Aldous Huxley took the name for the drug used by the state in his novel Brave New World to control

462-744: Is supported by Puranic tradition. He is the seer of the fifth Mandala (Book 5) of the Rigveda . Atri had many sons and disciples who have also contributed in the compilation of the Rig Veda and other Vedic texts. Mandala 5 comprises 87 hymns, mainly to Agni and Indra , but also to the Visvedevas ("all the gods'), the Maruts , the twin-deity Mitra-Varuna and the Asvins . Two hymns each are dedicated to Ushas (the dawn) and to Savitr . Most hymns in this book are attributed to

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504-478: Is the Hindu god of the Moon , and is associated with the night, plants and vegetation. He is one of the Navagraha (nine planets of Hinduism) and Dikpala (guardians of the directions). The word "Chandra" literally means "bright, shining or glittering" and is used for the " Moon " in Sanskrit and other Indo-Aryan languages . It is also the name of various other figures in Hindu mythology, including an asura and

546-531: Is traditionally married to the 27 daughters of the sage Daksha , who personify the 27 Nakshatras (lunar mansions). These daughters are named Ashvini , Bharani , Krittika , Rohini , Mrigashira , Ardra , Punarvasu , Pushya , Ashlesha , Magha , Purvaphalguni, Uttaraphalguni , Hasta , Chitra , Swati , Vishakha , Anuradha , Jyeshtha , Mula , Purvashadha , Uttara Ashadha , Shravana , Dhanishta , Shatabhisha , Purvabhadra , Uttarabhadra , and Revati . Chandra's movement through these Nakshatras reflects

588-561: Is unclear if these refer to the same person, or to different Rishis who had the same name. The Vaikhanasas sub-tradition within Vaishnavism found in South India near Tirupati, credit their theology to four Rishis (sages), namely Atri, Marichi, Bhrigu and Kashyapa. One of the ancient texts of this tradition is Atri Samhita , which survives in highly inconsistent fragments of manuscripts. The text are rules of conduct aimed at Brahmins of

630-674: The Atharvaveda around 1000 BCE. The Navagraha was furthered by additional contributions from Western Asia , including Zoroastrian and Hellenistic influences. The Yavanajataka , or 'Science of the Yavanas ', was written by the Indo-Greek named " Yavanesvara " ("Lord of the Greeks") under the rule of the Western Kshatrapa king Rudrakarman I . The Navagraha would further develop and culminate in

672-461: The Devas . According to the story, Tara came to Chandra’s abode during her wanderings, and they fell in love with each other. Despite multiple attempts by Brihaspati to reclaim his wife, Tara remained with Chandra. Brihaspati’s disciples and even Brihaspati himself confronted Chandra, who argued that Tara had come of her own will and would leave when she desired. The situation escalated when Brihaspati sought

714-910: The Gandhara king Nagnajita. The Buddhist text Mulasarvastivada -Vinayavastu describes him as the teacher of Jivaka , the personal physician of the Buddha , and connects him to Takshashila in Gandhara. The oldest portions of the Bhela Samhita and the Charaka Samhita represent a consolidation of Atreya's teachings. The Bhela Samhita is in form of a dialogue between Atreya and his pupil Bhela. The original contents of Charaka Samhita are credited to Atreya, which were in turn codified and edited by Agnivesha and Charaka. According to Surendranath Dasgupta, The old Ayurveda of Atreya-Charaka school probably has its root in

756-491: The Modaks he had eaten. On observing this, Chandra laughed at Ganesha. Ganesha lost his temper and broke off one of his tusks and flung it straight at the Moon, hurting him, and cursed him so that he would never be whole again. Therefore, It is forbidden to behold Chandra on Ganesh Chaturthi . This legend accounts for the Moon's waxing and waning including a big crater on the Moon, a dark spot, visible even from Earth. Chandra holds

798-536: The Nakshatra ), Oshadhipati (lord of herbs), Uduraj or Udupati (water lord), Kumudanatha (lord of lotuses) and Udupa (boat). Soma is one of the most common other names used for the deity; but the earliest use of the word to refer to the Moon is a subject of scholarly debate. Some scholars state that the word Soma is occasionally used for the Moon in the Vedas, while other scholars suggest that such usage emerged only in

840-592: The Shaka era with the Saka , or Scythian, people. Additionally the contributions by the Saka people would be the basis of the Indian national calendar , which is also called the Saka calendar. The Hindu calendar is a lunisolar calendar which records both lunar and solar cycles. Like the Navagraha, it was developed with the successive contributions of various works. Soma was presumed to be

882-626: The Vaikhanasas tradition. The surviving parts of the Atri Samhita suggest that the text discussed, among other things, yoga, and ethics of living, with precepts such as: Self restraint: Charity: Compassion: The Vaikhanasas continue to be a significant community in South India, and they adhere to their Vedic heritage. Chandra Chandra ( Sanskrit : चन्द्र , romanized :  Chandrā , lit.   'shining' or 'moon'), also known as Soma ( Sanskrit : सोम ),

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924-407: The avatar of the creator god Brahma . Some texts contain varying accounts regarding Chandra's birth. According to one text, he is the son of Dharma ; while another mention Prabhakar as his father. Many legends about Chandra are told in the scriptures. One of the most prominent narratives involving Chandra centers on his illicit relationship with Tara , the wife of Brihaspati , the preceptor of

966-445: The 5th century and 10th century present their chapters on various planets with deity mythologies. However, they show that the Hindu scholars were aware of elliptical orbits, and the texts include sophisticated formulae to calculate its past and future positions: Besides worship in Navagraha temples , Chandra is also worshipped in the following temples (please help expand this partial list) Chandra plays an important role in one of

1008-654: The Atri clan composers, called the Atreyas . The Atri hymns of the Rigveda are significant for their melodic structure as well as for featuring spiritual ideas in the form of riddles. These hymns include lexical, syntactic, morphological and verb play utilizing the flexibility of the Sanskrit language. The hymn 5.44 of the Rigveda in Atri Mandala is considered by scholars such as Geldner to be

1050-596: The Hindu tradition, and the one most mentioned in its scripture Rigveda . The fifth Mandala (Book 5) of the Rigveda is called the Atri Mandala in his honour, and the eighty seven hymns in it are attributed to him and his descendants. Atri is also mentioned in the Puranas and the Hindu epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata . Atri is one of the seven great Rishis or Saptarshi along with Marichi , Angiras , Pulaha , Kratu , Pulastya and Vashistha . According to

1092-416: The Hindu trinity, namely, Brahma , Vishnu , and Shiva appeared before him and offered him boons. He sought all the three to be born to him. Another version of the legend states that Anasuya, by the powers of her chastity, rescued the three gods and in return, they were born as children to her. Brahma was born to her as Chandra , Vishnu as Dattatreya and Shiva in some part as Durvasa . The mention of Atri

1134-552: The Ramayana, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana visit Atri and Anasuya in their hermitage. Atri's hut is described to be in Chitrakuta, near a lake with divine music and songs, the water loaded with flowers, green water leaves, with many "cranes, fisherbirds, floating tortoises, swans, frogs and pink geese". A number of sages named Atri are mentioned in the various medieval era Puranas. The legends therein about Atri are diverse and inconsistent. It

1176-480: The cessation of the battle. Chandra reluctantly returned Tara to Brihaspati. However, Tara was already pregnant, which gave rise to a dispute over the child's paternity. Brahma once again intervened, questioning Tara directly. She revealed that Chandra was the father. Consequently, Brahma ordered Brihaspati to hand over the child to Chandra. The child born from this union was named Budha , who later became an important deity associated with intellect and wisdom. Chandra

1218-425: The entities Rahu and Ketu . Rahu and Ketu, bearing enmity toward Surya and Chandra for revealing their deception, periodically "swallow" the moon and the sun, leading to solar and lunar eclipses. This myth provides a symbolic representation of eclipses as moments of cosmic tension and conflict. During the reign of Emperor Prithu , Bhumidevi (Earth) was transformed into a cow to provide nourishment to all beings. When

1260-546: The form of Bower Manuscript dated around 4th century. Charaka Samhita is the foundational text of Ayurveda . This article about a person notable in Hinduism is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Atri Atri or Attri is a Vedic sage, who is credited with composing numerous hymns to Agni , Indra , and other Vedic deities of Hinduism . Atri is one of the Saptarishi (seven great Vedic sages) in

1302-522: The intervention of the Devas. Indra , the king of the Devas, threatened war to compel Chandra to return Tara. However, the Devas were divided in their opinions, and the Asuras , led by their preceptor Shukra , sided with Chandra. A fierce conflict ensued between the Devas and Asuras, resulting in cosmic turmoil. Eventually, Brahma , the creator, intervened to restore order. He admonished Chandra and Shukra, leading to

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1344-459: The legends of the Vedic era, sage Atri was married to Anasuya Devi. They had three sons, Dattatreya , Durvasa and Chandra . As per divine account, he is the last among the seven Saptarishis and is believed to have originated from the tongue. The wife of Atri was Anasuya, who is considered one of the seven female pativratas. When instructed by divine voice to do tapas , Atri readily agreed and did severe tapas. Pleased by his devotion and prayers,

1386-464: The lord of plants and forests; the king of rivers and earth; and the father of the gods. The entire Mandala 9 of the Rigveda is dedicated to Soma, both the plant and the deity. The identification of Soma as a lunar deity in the Vedic texts is a controversial topic among scholars. According to William J. Wilkins, "In later years the name Soma was [...] given to the moon. How and why this change took place

1428-510: The lunar cycle and influences various astrological and ritual practices. Despite being married to all 27, Chandra showed special affection for Rohini, causing jealousy among his other wives. The preferential treatment of Rohini led the other wives to complain to their father, Daksha. Despite repeated warnings from Daksha, Chandra continued to favor Rohini. In anger, Daksha cursed Chandra to suffer from Kshayaroga (consumption or tuberculosis). This affliction impacted not just Chandra but also affected

1470-547: The medicinal plants and other living beings dependent on lunar influence. The Devas intervened, and after much pleading, Daksha modified his curse, allowing Chandra to be free from the disease for half of every month by bathing in the Sarasvati Tirtha . This mythological explanation accounts for the waxing and waning of the moon, with Chandra's periodic immersion in the sacred waters symbolizing his gradual recovery and decline ( Mahabharata , Shalya Parva , Chapter 35). In

1512-424: The most difficult riddle hymn in all of the Rigveda. The verses are also known for their elegant presentation of natural phenomenon through divinely inspired poems, such as poetically presenting dawn as a cheerful woman in hymn 5.80. While the fifth mandala is attributed to Atri and his associates, sage Atri is mentioned or credited with numerous other verses of the Rigveda in other Mandalas, such as 10.137.4. In

1554-651: The mythological narrative of the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean), the Devas and Asuras sought the Amrita (nectar of immortality). A demon named Rahu disguised himself as a Brahmin and attempted to drink the nectar. Surya (the Sun) and Chandra recognized the deception and alerted Vishnu , who severed Rahu's head with his Sudarshana Chakra . However, because Rahu had consumed the nectar, his head and body became immortal, forming

1596-524: The now extinct Caranavaidya branch of Atharvaveda. According to the Charaka tradition, there existed six schools of medicine, founded by the disciples of the sage Punarvasu Ātreya. Each of his disciples, Agnivesha, Bhela, Jatūkarna, Parāshara , Hārīta, and Kshārapāni, composed a Samhitā. Of all the six, the one composed by Agnivesha was most revered. According to Dr. Tustomu Yamashita, the Bhela or Bheda(la)Samhita

1638-454: The population after the Vedic ritual drink Soma. Traditional The origin of Soma is traced back to the Hindu Vedic texts , where he is the personification of a drink made from a plant with the same name . Scholars state that the plant had an important role in Vedic civilization and thus, the deity was one of the most important gods of the pantheon. In these Vedic texts, Soma is praised as

1680-478: The post-Vedic literature. In the Vedas , the word Soma is primarily used for an intoxicating and energizing/healing plant drink and the deity representing it. In post-Vedic Hindu mythology , Soma is used for Chandra, who is associated with the moon and the plant. The Hindu texts state that the Moon is lit and nourished by the Sun, and that it is Moon where the divine nectar of immortality resides. In Puranas, Soma

1722-535: The sages milked Bhumidevi, Chandra served as the calf, an act which pleased Brahma . In recognition, Brahma crowned Chandra as the king of stars and medicines. This role signifies Chandra's influence over medicinal plants and the healing arts, linking his cycles to the growth and potency of herbs. Chandra is one of the Ashta-vasus, a group of eight elemental deities. He had four sons— Varchas , Shishira, Prana, and Ramana—with his wife Manohara . Notably, his son Varchas

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1764-439: Was later reborn as Abhimanyu , the heroic son of Arjuna in the Mahabharata . According to another legend, Ganesha was returning home on his mount Krauncha (a shrew) late on a full moon night after a mighty feast given by Kubera . On the journey back, a snake crossed their path and frightened by it, his mount ran away dislodging Ganesha in the process. An overstuffed Ganesha fell to the ground on his stomach, vomiting out all

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