21st September, 2023
There is a popular superstition that advises people not to look at the moon on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.
It is believed that the person who looks at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi will fall victim to Mithya Kalank or Mithya Dosha which means that the person who does Chandra Darshan on Ganesh Chaturthi day will be falsely accused of stealing something or may make a false bad name for themselves.
It is said that even Lord Krishna fell prey to Mithya Dosha because he accidentally looked at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. He was falsely accused of stealing the ‘Symantaka Mani’ that belonged to the King Satrajit.
He was also accused of killing King Satrajit’s brother to snatch the ‘Symantaka Mani.’
Lord Krishna had to go through many difficulties before he could prove himself innocent.
The Puranas point to a story that explains why it is inauspicious to sight the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi.
On the night of Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha was going on his vehicle, the mouse. The Moon God, Chandra Dev, was observing him from the skies. He was very amused seeing the elephant-headed, pot-bellied God ride a mouse & Chandra Dev laughed at the sight.
Lord Ganesha heard the mirth of Chandra Dev & was furious at his insolence.
He immediately cursed Chandra Dev, “May you be unable to show your face to anyone.”
Next night Chandra Dev did not appear in the sky. All the creation was worried & the Gods were panicking as the presence of the moon was important for the night life, ripening of fruits, the growth of medicinal plants and the tides.
The Gods went to the Lord Ganesha along with Chandra Dev and begged Lord Ganesha to forgive the Moon God.
Lord Ganesha graciously forgave Chandra Dev and modified his curse. He was to wax and wane instead of disappearing all together. He also said that anyone who looks at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi will have to suffer from infamy and shame.
Lord Ganesha also taught the world that one should not be judged based on one’s appearance & we should not make fun of anyone.
Some point to the Science behind the superstition as
on Ganesh Chaturthi, and the days that come close to it, the moon and the earth are at a peculiar angle. The harmful rays of the sun are reflected to the earth by the moon at a greater intensity. Looking directly at the moon on these days can be harmful to the eyes and the general well-being of the person.
Hence it is advised to not look at the moon on these days.
Let’s gain wisdom from Lord Ganesha & his tales & stay blessed forever.