1. Candimá, Candimasa, Canda.-The name of the devaputta whose abode (vimána) is the moon (Canda), sometimes also called Candima. The moon is forty-nine leagues in diameter and appears in the world at the wish of the Ábhassara Brahmas, who are the first inhabitants of the earth, hence its name (amhákam chandam ńatvá viya utthito, tasmá cando hotú ti) (VibhA.519; PsA.253).
Candimá is also included among the Cátummahárájika devas because he lives in their world (E.g., Mahániddesa Cty. 108). There are other devas besides Canda who dwell in the moon (D.ii.269).
According to the Bilárikosiya Játaka (J.iv.63, 69), Sáriputta, having once given alms, was born as Canda, while in the Sudhábhojana Játaka (J.v.382, 412) it is Moggallána who was so born. The moon cannot move in the sky without the permission of Candimá, and he can stop its movement at will (E.g., DhA.ii.143, 146; iii.97).
It is said that once, when Candimá was seized by Ráhu Asurinda, he invoked the Buddha in a verse and the Buddha asked Ráhu to set him at liberty, which request was granted (S.i.50). The deva Candimasa who is mentioned (S.i.51) as visiting the Buddha is probably identical with Candimá. The moon was worshipped when children were desired (E.g., J.iv.1).
The Sasa Játaka (No.513) gives details of the story of how, as a result of the Bodhisatta's sacrifice when born as a hare, Sakka painted the figure of a hare on the moon, which sign will be seen throughout this kappa (J.i.172).
2. Candimá.-One of the descendants of Okkáka. Mhv.ii.13; Dpv.iii.42.