Significance of Moon-god
Synonyms: Lunar deity, Moon deity, Selene, Lunar god, Artemis, Hecate, Luna
In Dutch: Maangod; In Finnish: Kuu-jumala; In Spanish: Dios de la luna; In German: Mondgott
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Moon-god'
In Buddhism, the Moon-god symbolizes the revered moon in Indian Brahmin culture, reflecting its significance in spiritual and religious contexts, highlighting the moon's qualities of illumination and tranquility within Buddhist practices and beliefs.
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A designation for the moon as revered by the Indian Brahmins.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Moon-god'
The Moon-god in Hinduism, primarily identified as Soma, embodies divine qualities, symbolizes lineage, and undergoes trials, including curses and ailments, ultimately representing illumination, tranquility, and the interconnectedness of celestial deities within sacred narratives.
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The Moon-God, along with his consort Rohini, is worshipped on a sacrificial sand-cushion, with specific mantras and offerings made to honor the celestial deity.[2] (2) The divine personality born from Atri, leading to the birth of Pururava and his descendants.[3] (3) A celestial deity worshipped on the tenth day, believed to grant favors or blessings to the votary.[4] (4) A divine figure who is the consort of Tara and father to Budha.[5]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Identified as Soma, he is linked with the holy centre Saumya and plays a part in the narrative events.[6] (2) The extremely energetic son of Atri, known for learning the Vedas and archery from Brihaspati.[7]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A celestial deity associated with the moon, representing illumination and tranquility.[8]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) This is Soma, who came from the sea after other treasures, and is associated with the moon.[9]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Candra, the deity associated with the moon, whose form influenced some of the appearances of the Vaikuntha residents.[10] (2) the representation of Candra, with whom devotees may identify through their billowed worship.[11]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A divine figure in Hindu mythology, symbolizing lineage in context, particularly related to the kshatriya dynasty.[12] (2) The deity associated with the moon, who became free from disease by bathing at Prabhasa-tirtha.[13]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) A divine figure that, due to his actions and the wrath of his father-in-law, experienced Phthisis, becoming emaciated and necessitating medical treatment.[14]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Soma, the Moon God was cured of his consumption, and Cyavana was restored to his youth, and the cause of consumption of the Moon god is very aptly ascribed to his submergence in passion and the consequent weakness.[15]
The concept of Moon-god in local and regional sources
The Moon-god, mentioned alongside the Sun God, symbolizes a duality in worship, implying that reverence for both deities can alleviate life's challenges, as highlighted by a speaker at a recent gathering.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Associated with 'Hans Baba', it is part of a rhetorical question about what enlightens one's insides on a dark night.[16] (2) The Moon God was mentioned alongside the Sun God, suggesting that worshipping both would solve the difficulties of life, as proposed by a speaker at the gathering.[17]
The concept of Moon-god in scientific sources
Moon-god, linked to a Rujm al-Kursi temple, signifies a regional lunar worship tradition. This practice shows Mesopotamian iconography influence.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The moon-god is associated with a temple at Rujm al-Kursi, reflecting a local tradition of lunar worship influenced by Mesopotamian iconography.[18]
Classical concept of 'Moon-god'
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) Taht, whose presence in the land of the dead provides light in the absence of the sun, greeting Osiris as the everlasting king.[19] (2) It is Tehuti-Aani, represented by the type of a kafi-ape with the head of hair of a monkey Aani, in the shrine of eight cubits.[20] (3) This, or the 'haunch,' is obscurely referred to in the text from the temple of Denderah, as the clock or instrument by which the moon-god, Tehuti, measured the hours.[21] (4) In the story told by Plutarch it is said that Taht the "moon-god" cleared the character of the mother by showing that Horus was not a bastard, but that Ra, the solar god, was his true father.[22]
From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1
(1) Horus, the Moon-god, also known as Heru-Ȧah, is a form of Horus mentioned in the Pyramid Texts and is associated with lunar aspects.[23] (2) This is a form of Thoth, also known as Ȧah-Tehuti, depicted as a mummy with the crescent moon on his head, measuring and regulating times and seasons, and creating everlastingness.[24]
From: Legends Of The Gods
(1) Ra gave Thoth power to embrace the heavens, therefore the Moon-god (Aah) came into being, solidifying Thoth's importance.[25]
From: The Book of the Dead
(1) The text expresses a desire to see the Moon-god without ceasing every day, indicating the importance of lunar deities in their belief system.[26]