The god of the Moon is known by many names: Chandra, Soma, Indu.

He was born to the sage Kashyapa and Anusuya and is one of the eight Vasus, divine beings who guard transcendental knowledge.

The Devi Bhagavata tells a beautiful yet dramatic story:

One day, Tara, the stunning wife of Brihaspati (the spiritual teacher of the gods), met Chandra.

They fell in love at first sight and began living together, enjoying each other’s company, day after day.

The Conflict Between Chandra and Brihaspati

Brihaspati sent his disciples to bring Tara home — but she refused to return.

Time and again he sent them, but she remained with Chandra.

Finally, Brihaspati himself went to Chandra’s house and said:

“Chandra, you must know that killing a Brahmin, stealing gold, drinking alcohol, marrying another man’s wife, or even associating with such sinners are considered the five greatest sins.

You are no longer worthy to live among the gods. Return my wife, or I will curse you!”

But Chandra replied calmly that Tara had come to him willingly and would leave only if she chose to.

Brihaspati, furious, turned to Indra, the king of the gods, who threatened Chandra with war.

Still, the lovers refused to part.

Sensing discord among the gods, the asuras (demons) learned of this and Shukracharya, their teacher and long-time rival of Brihaspati, met with Chandra and offered to help him in any war with Indra.

He even encouraged Chandra not to return Tara.

War broke out, plunging the universe into chaos.

Brahma’s Intervention

Then Brahma, the creator of the universe, intervened.

He summoned Chandra and Shukra, commanding them to stop fighting.

Neither dared disobey, and peace was restored.

Chandra finally returned Tara to her lawful husband.

The Birth of Budha (Mercury)

But soon another issue arose:

Tara gave birth to a remarkably beautiful boy, and a new dispute began between Brihaspati and Chandra over who was the child’s true father.

Tensions escalated once more, and another war seemed imminent.

Again, Brahma stepped in.

He visited Brihaspati’s house and simply asked Tara who the child’s father was.

Tara confessed that Chandra was the father.

Brahma then decreed that the boy should go to Chandra.

The child was named Budha, who would become the god of the planet Mercury.

Chandra’s Role in Nourishing Life

The Harivamsa (4.2) adds another tale:

The emperor Prithu, seeking to obtain all the treasures of the universe, transformed Bhumi Devi (Mother Earth) into a divine cow.

Various beings each chose a figure to act as her calf, so they could “milk” from her what they desired.

The demons chose Prahlada Maharaja for wealth.

But the sages transformed Chandra into their calf, so they could extract Vedic knowledge from Mother Earth.

Thanks to Chandra, the gods came to know the Vedas, and Brahma crowned him as the King of the Stars and of medicinal plants.

From that moment onward, the Moon’s light has nourished medicinal herbs and endowed them with healing power.

Thus, Chandra is more than the Moon in the sky — he is a guardian of love, a symbol of emotional depth, and the celestial source of healing energy.