Chandra Deva (Moon God) + Shiva — Puja Vidhi
Chandra Grahan Puja Vidhi
Complete step-by-step procedure for Chandra Grahan Puja. Follow this correct Vedic method to perform the puja at home or at a temple.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Step-by-Step Chandra Grahan Puja Vidhi
- 1
Observe sutak from 9 hours before a lunar eclipse: fast, abstain from cooking, and place tulsi leaves in stored food and water.
- 2
Spend the eclipse period in mantra japa — chant "Om Som Somaya Namah" or "Om Chandraya Namah" on a white sandalwood or crystal rosary.
- 3
Perform Chandra Shanti puja by offering white flowers, white sandalwood paste, milk, and rice to a Shiva lingam (since Shiva bears the Moon on his head as Chandrashekhara).
- 4
If accessible, recite the Chandra Kavacham and Chandra Ashtottara Shatanamavali during the eclipse.
- 5
At the moment of moksha, take a holy bath — preferably in a river — while chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.
- 6
Perform post-eclipse Chandra arghya by offering milk mixed with water from a silver or copper vessel while facing the Moon.
- 7
Donate white rice, white cloth, silver, curd, white sugar, and a conch to a Brahmin after the bath.
Important Rules During Chandra Grahan Puja
• Maintain cleanliness — bath before the puja and wear clean clothes.
• Face east or north while performing the puja.
• Keep mobile phones and distractions away during the ritual.
• Women during menstruation should not participate in the main ritual.
• Perform puja with a focused and devotional mind.
• Do not leave the puja incomplete once started.
Benefits of Chandra Grahan Puja
Chandra Grahan Puja pacifies the emotional turbulence and mental instability that can be amplified during a lunar eclipse, especially for those with a weak or afflicted Moon in their natal chart. Holy bathing at a sacred river after the eclipse confers immense spiritual merit and is believed to cleanse sins accumulated across many lifetimes. Mantra japa during the eclipse period is many times more potent than at ordinary times, and those who perform Chandra mantra recitation report relief from anxiety, insomnia, and mood disorders. Donating white items — white cloth, rice, milk, silver, curd — to Brahmins after the eclipse pacifies Chandra and strengthens the Moon's positive influence in the horoscope. Pregnant women are traditionally asked to observe this puja carefully to protect the unborn child.
FAQ — Chandra Grahan Puja Vidhi
Q.Can I perform Chandra Grahan Puja at home?
Yes, Chandra Grahan Puja can be performed at home. Observe sutak from 9 hours before a lunar eclipse: fast, abstain from cooking, and place tulsi leaves in stored food and water.
Q.How long does Chandra Grahan Puja take?
Chandra Grahan Puja typically takes Full eclipse night (sutak to post-moksha bath and donation). The duration may vary based on the number of participants and whether a pandit is involved.
Q.Do I need a pandit for Chandra Grahan Puja?
Chandra Grahan Puja can be performed by the family head with guidance. However, for complex rituals, it is recommended to have an experienced pandit guide the procedure.
Q.What is the best time to perform Chandra Grahan Puja?
This puja is performed exclusively on the day and night of a lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan), which always occurs on a Purnima (full moon). The eclipse peak (grahan madhya) is ideal for intense mantra japa, and the moment of moksha is the appointed time for holy bathing. Lunar eclipses on spiritually significant Purnimas — such as Guru Purnima, Sharad Purnima, or Kartika Purnima — are especially auspicious for puja and donation, and draw large gatherings at ghats in Varanasi, Haridwar, and Prayagraj.