New Delhi: The landing site of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Vikram lander during the Chandrayaan-3 mission has been officially named “Shiva Shakti” by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The approval of the name came nearly seven months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi initially announced the designation of the site as “Shiva Shakti.”
The Paris-based IAU sanctioned the name “Statio Shiva Shakti” for the landing site of Chandrayaan-3, as confirmed by the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, which provides comprehensive information about approved planetary names endorsed by the astronomical organization.
The selection of the name “Shiva Shakti” holds cultural and symbolic significance, reflecting India’s rich heritage and spiritual ethos. In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva symbolizes destruction and transformation, while Shakti represents divine energy and power. The amalgamation of these divine forces underscores the spirit of exploration, innovation, and resilience embodied by the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, a continuation of India’s ambitious lunar exploration program, aims to build upon the successes of its predecessors and further expand our understanding of the Moon’s surface and composition. The official naming of the landing site as “Shiva Shakti” adds another layer of significance to this groundbreaking mission, highlighting the fusion of scientific pursuit with cultural reverence.
The announcement of the approved name by the IAU marks a pivotal moment in India’s space exploration journey, reaffirming the country’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration and technological innovation on the global stage. It also serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between ISRO and international astronomical bodies in advancing our knowledge of the cosmos.
As India continues to make strides in space exploration, the naming of the Chandrayaan-3 landing site as “Shiva Shakti” serves as a reminder of the country’s rich cultural heritage and its unwavering determination to explore the frontiers of space with reverence and respect.