Chandra Gayatri Mantra

In Hinduism, Chandra (Sanskrit चन्द्र lit, Kannada ಚಂದ್ರ, Telugu చంద్రుడు, Tamil சந்திரன். "shining")[1] is a lunar god and a Graha. Chandra is also identified with the Vedic lunar deity Soma (lit. "juice").[2] The Soma name refers particularly to the juice of sap in the plants and thus makes the Moon the lord of plants and vegetation.[1]

Chandra is described as young, beautiful, fair; two-armed and having in his hands a club and a lotus.[3] He rides his chariot across the sky every night, pulled by ten white horses or an antelope. He is connected with dew, and as such, is one of the gods of fertility. He is also called Rajanipati (lord of the night)[1] and Kshupakara (one who illuminates the night),[4] and Indu (lit. the bright drop).[1] As Soma, he presides over Somvar or Monday.

Chandra is the father of Budha, (planet Mercury) the mother being Tara. He is married to 27 Nakshatras (constellations), who are known to be daughters of Daksha.