The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has officially approved the name “Shiva Shakti” for the landing site of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander.
This decision was made following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement on August 26, 2023, after the mission’s successful landing.
The name “Shiva Shakti” is a compound word from Indian mythology, representing the masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) duality of nature. It symbolizes strength, welfare, and unity.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the Shiv Shakti Point on the Moon will inspire future generations to use science for the welfare of humanity.
The announcement also designates the Chandrayaan-2 landing failure spot as the “Tiranga point” and celebrates the day of Vikram Lander’s touchdown on the Moon (August 23) as “National Space Day” in India.