Asthami Chandra

"अष्टमीचंद्र विभ्राज दलिकस्थल शोभिता " - one who has a shining forehead like the half moon (moon on the eight day)

The above verse, which is very easily recognisable is from the powerful Lalita Sahasranama sthotra.

It would be of interest to note the following from the above verse:
1. why is moon used in the shloka? what is the significance?
2. why is an astami moon referred above? generally accepted notion amongst Hindus are Astami not being an auspicious day.

Lalita Sahasranama is found in Brahmanada Purana and is found as a dialogue between Hayagriva (form of Vishnu) and the sage Agasthya. Though it is Hayagriva mentioned the thousand names of the Mother to Agasthya, there is a very interesting story that reveals how these names were given to the Great Mother by her attendants!!

A study of Astrology reveals that the planet Moon is the indicator (karaka in astrology terminology) for mind (manas) and mother. It can also be found in various astrological texts that mentions that when the Moon in a person's horoscope is strong and not impure, such persons have a good, clean mind and also a long living mother. Therefore it is only natural that moon be directly related to Mother with two aspects:
1. from a mind perspective - she is Maya (feminine power capable of subduing the strongest of persons - Shiva)
2. as a mother - she is the Mother of all Mothers.

Astami is the middle of the moon cycle - be it from new moon (amavasya) to the full moon (Poornima) or Vice versa - which indicates Balance. When you look at the moon in the sky on an asthami, you will not be able to distinguish if the moon cycle is towards Amavasya or Poornima. This is the main significane of the Mother, herself having the asthami moon - which indicates that at the end of it all (when it comes to the final emancipation), she is reachable as a Mother to the persons who are balanced in life and after.

Srimata charanaaravindarpanam