Hari Om
Eclipse holds a great significance in Vedic Astrology of our Sanatana Dharma. There are many popular and mythological stories related to eclipse. In Vedic astrology, there are two types of eclipse greatly mentioned in the scriptures, first is Solar Eclipse and the second one is Lunar Eclipse. It is said that eclipse has a lot of influence on the subtle and gross bodies of all living beings.
When does Solar Eclipse Occur?
Surya Grahan occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, and Moon fully or partially blocks the Sun. This Eclipse is considered as an inauspicious event.
As per Vedic Astrology, Eclipse period is a hard or bad time and no auspicious activities can be carried out in this time. During this period one should not undertake any auspicious or growth oriented activities. It is strongly believed that it brings bad luck to all the ventures started during the Grahan. Due to the Solar and Lunar eclipse, many changes occur in nature, sometimes leading to devastating events such as earthquakes, heavy floods or other natural calamities. Certain planetary adverse configurations coupled with Solar eclipse do not rule out violent accidents, air crash, attacks or war between nations or groups within a moon cycle.
Solar Eclipse 2019
The Surya Grahan will occur on 26 December on Thursday in 2019. The duration of the Solar eclipse is 2 hours 40 minutes as it starts at 8.17 am and will end up at 10.57am..
This partial solar eclipse will be visible in India along with several other countries on December 26.
This will be an annular solar eclipse in some parts of India and elsewhere which happens when the Moon covers the sun’s centre, leaving the sun’s visible outer edges to form a “ring of fire” or annulus – around the moon.
The maximum obstruction of the sun during the eclipse when seen from different cities of India will be 89.4 per cent in Bengaluru, 84.6 per cent in Chennai, 78.8 per cent in Mumbai, 74.3 per cent in Hyderabad, 66 per cent in Ahmedabad and 44.7 per cent in Delhi, the Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM) said.
In Kolkata, the eclipse will be seen 45.1 per cent and will begin at 08:26:55 am, reach its maximum at 09:52:37 am and end at 11:32:37 am.
Apart from India the eclipse will be visible in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Northern Mariana Islands and Guam. None of the eclipse would be visible from USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and other countries in American continent. Also none of the eclipse would be visible from United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, South Africa and other countries of European and African continent.
Timings of Sutak Kaal (pollution period):
Sutak Kaal Begins – 5.33 pm on 25 Dec, 2019
Sutak Kaal Ends – 10.57 am on 26 Dec, 2019
Note : As per pambu Panchangam in India starts at 8.09 mid :9.35 am ends at 11.20 am
The stars getting affected include Ashwini, Makham Moolam, Jyeshta and Purvasahada. These people are advised to perform Shanthi puja:
Archana @ Temple for Ganeshji, Rahu, Kethu, Surya and Durgamataji is to be performed and they should also give some dhanam (donation) to needy Vedic Brahmin or Priest at a Temple. Giving also 1 kg wheat and 1/2 kg Black dal as offering (dhan) may be more beneficial.
During Solar Eclipse Sutak is observed for 4 Prahars and during Lunar Eclipse Sutak is observed for 3 Prahars before Eclipse. There are total 8 Prahars from Sunrise to Sunrise. Hence Sutak is observed for 12 hours before Solar Eclipse and for 9 hours before Lunar Eclipse.
Eating During Grahan
All type of food items either solid or liquid are prohibited during Sutak and Eclipse. Hence one should not eat during twelve hours before Solar Eclipse and during nine hours before Lunar Eclipse till Eclipse is over. However for children, sick and old people food limitation is restricted to only single Prahar or 3 hours.
Sutak is to be observed only when Eclipse is visible at the place under discussion.
Precaution for Pregnant women:
Pregnant women are strictly advised not to go out of their homes during Eclipse. It is believed that due to afflictions and malefic effects of Rahu and Ketu, the baby might become handicapped or disabled and probability of miscarriage is increased. Pregnant women are also advised not to cut or stitch any cloth or to do any other similar activities as these activities have similar effects on the baby.
Rituals After Grahan
It is advised to discard any cooked food and only freshly cooked food should be consumed after Eclipse. The food items like wheat, rice, other cereals and pickles which cannot be discarded should be protected by adding Kusha grass or Dharba grass or Tulasi leaves. Once eclipse is over one should take bath and should make offerings or charity to Vedic Brahmins. Making offerings after Eclipse is considered highly beneficial.
Mantra(s) to chant during eclipse
Tamomaya Mahabhima Somasuryavimardana।
Hematarapradanena Mama Shantiprado Bhava॥1॥
Vidhuntuda Namastubhyam Simhikanandanachyuta।
Danenanena Nagasya Raksha Mam Vedhajadbhayat॥2॥
Do’s and Don’t’s during Grahanam
It is advisable to avoid performing any important work or deal.
Pregnant women preferably to stay indoors.
After Grahan, many Hindus perform ritual bath. Take meal only after the ritual bath. Taking a holy dip in rivers or lakes is highly auspicious.
Many Hindus observe fasting on the day of Surya or Chandra Grahanam.
Strictly No shaving or cutting of hair.
Eligible persons should perform Tarpanam.
Avoid outside food during Grahanam and as well as the whole day.
Perform ritual bath, Puja, Japam, havan and all other rituals only after Grahan Moksh Kaal (the time when grahan is released).
Avoid eating 4 hrs preferably before time of Grahanam and upto 2 -3 hours after eclipse.
Avoid eating the food which is cooked before Grahan. Take the food which is cooked after Grahan. People can eat the food that is prevented from Ashouch. To prevent food from impurities , just spill some til seeds or keep grass blades (Durva grass or Dhabhai) on the food before grahan.
During Grahana period, reciting Stotras such as Sri Lalitha Sahasranama , Sri Rudram, MahaMrtunjaya Mantra and Sri Vishnu Sahasranama or doing mantra Japa is highly auspicious.
On Solar Eclipse:
GF’ Blessings…🙏😊✋
