In a nod to India’s rich cultural heritage, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has named the landing site of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander on the Moon as ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’. This announcement, made on March 19, 2024, follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision in August 2023 to name the site ‘Shiva Shakti’.
The name ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’ is derived from Indian culture, symbolizing the balance of masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) energies in nature. This choice not only reflects India’s cultural depth but also adds a spiritual dimension to the scientific endeavor of space exploration.
Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar mission, aims to expand our understanding of the Moon’s surface and its composition. The mission includes a lander and a rover, equipped to conduct various scientific experiments and collect data that will contribute to our knowledge of the Moon.
Speaking at the Isro Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (Istrac) in Bengaluru, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of these names, stating, “In Shiva, there’s resolution for humanity’s welfare, and Shakti gives us the strength to fulfill those resolutions. This Shiva Shakti Point of Moon also gives a sense of connection with the Himalayas to Kanyakumari.”
IOU, which records approved planetary names, has officially recognized ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’ as the name for Chandrayaan-3’s landing site. This acknowledgment not only celebrates India’s achievements in space exploration but also honors its cultural heritage.
The naming of ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’ adds a unique dimension to India’s space missions, blending science with spirituality and showcasing the country’s holistic approach to exploration. This decision underscores India’s commitment to exploring the unknown while staying rooted in its cultural ethos.
