SOLAR ECLIPSE (SURYA GRAHANA)
ECLIPSE – A CELESTIAL SPLENDOUR
Eclipse whether it is Solar or Lunar has gained lot of prominence and significance across the world especially in India and Hindu religion. It is a spectacular natural phenomenon, a celestial splendor, an astronomical wonder, a subject and topic of research for scientists and astrologers, a mystery for medical science, an event of caution that has got historical and mythological importance and above all a parvakala. Of all the celestial events visible from Earth, eclipses are the most awesome.
ECLIPSE
Literally speaking the word Eclipse is a Latin/Greek word Eclipsis/Ekleipsis/Ekleipein, meaning abandonment, fail to appear, the obscuring (covering) of one celestial body (star) by another, a temporary or permanent dimming or cutting off of light, a disgraceful or humiliating end or downfall, to overshadow or surpass, to hide from view, to block passage of all or a part of one celestial body into the shadow of another. In Sanskrit it is called Grahana meaning held forcibly or to seize or afflicted because of being captured. It also means to absorb or swallow. (general meaning of grahana is acceptance)
Scientifically it is the disappearance of the whole or a part of the Sun when the Moon comes between it and the Earth or disappearance of the Moon when the Earth’s shadow falls across it. It is said that during eclipse there is a down pouring of energy onto the Earth from the Universe in the form of Eclipse. Eclipses are caused by the powerful alignment of Sun, the Moon and Earth. Best known are the Lunar Eclipse when the Earth blocks the Sun’s light from the Moon and Solar Eclipse when the Moon blocks the Sun’s light from small portion of the Earth. (Lunar eclipse occurs on a full moon day when the Moon is directly opposite the Sun)
SOLAR ECLIPSE
A total eclipse when Sun is completely obscured by the Moon. Total eclipses are rare events though they occur. An Annular Eclipse when the Sun and Moon are exactly in line, but size of the Moon is apparently smaller that that of the Sun. A Hybrid eclipse that is intermediate between total and annular eclipse. A partial eclipse when the Sun and Moon are not exactly in line and the Moon only partially obscures the Sun.
Mythological reference to eclipse:
Mythological references to eclipse are found in Maha Bhagavatha, Maha Bharatha, and other Vishnu related puranas. In Hindu mythology it is believed that eclipses are caused by Rahu and Kethu.
In Bhagavatha purana a sizeable reference as to why Rahu and Kethu are responsible for solar and lunar eclipses is made in the context of churning of the sea, origin of the pot of Amritam, and Lord Maha Vishnu taking the form of a Mohini to help the devathas. During the course of distribution of Amritham by the Mohini one of the demons called Rahu in the guise of a devatha drank the amritham distributed by Mohini. Before he could swallow the nectar Sun and Moon detected the same and informs Lord Maha Vishnu who in turn chopps off the head of Rahu with his Sudarshana Chakra.
Since, Rahu had already swallowed the divine nectar he became immortal in spite of his being reduced to a trunk less body. Since then Rahu is trying to take revenge on Sun and Moon. Every now and then he gobbles up Sun and Moon causing eclipse. The headless trunk of the demon Rahu is known as Kethu. Since Rahu had swallowed the divine nectar and became immortal he has been given a place in the universe along with other planets and being recognized as a planet.
Reference to eclipse are said to be found in Maha Bharatha where a mention is made about two eclipses falling within a gap 13 days during the course of Kurukshetra War. Similarly there is also a reference of Solar Eclipse in Maha Bhagavatha where Lord Sri Krishna participates along with his family and relatives commemorating the solar eclipse.
It is said that in the original version of Valmiki Ramayana a description of total solar eclipse is given and a mention of Rahu was made in the context of war between Lord Sri Rama and Khara.
In the Navagraha Sthothram supposed to have been composed by sage Vedavyasa the description of Rahu is well suited and connect to the reference of an eclipse. Rahu sloka is depicted as follows
!Ardha Kayam Maha Veeram Chandraaditya Vimardhanam
Simhika Garbhasambhootham Tham Rahum Pranamamyaham!!
Astronomically Rahu and Kethu denote two points of intersection of the paths of the Sun and Moon as they move on the celestial sphere. They are called the north and south lunar node (ascending and descending nodes). The fact that eclipses occur when Sun and Moon are at one of these points gives rise to a myth of the swallowing of the Sun/Moon. In the primitive form of astrology there was no place for Rahu and Kethu. While in the astottari dasa system of astrology there are only eight planets including Rahu, while the vimshottari dasa system refers to nine planets the ninth being Kethu
SPIRITUAL SANCTITY & PARVAKALA
Entire period of eclipse is said to be a parvakala. Hence during this period performing prayer, punascharana (of upadesa mantra), pithru tarpana (thila), dana (charity) are considered to be very sacred and celestial. It is said that bath at the time of beginning of the eclipse, prayer, punascharana, (of upadesa mantra), tarpana during the mid time, charity (dana) during the closing time and bath again after the eclipse are very sacred and celestial and will have multiple effect. Chanting of vedic manthras/sacred Sthothram will ward off the negative energy that gets activated during eclipse and protects from all negativity.
Some of the useful prayers that can be recited during the eclipse depending on the length of eclipse are Gayathri manthra punascharana, Vishnu Sahasranama parayana, Vishnu Panjara Sthothram, Aaditya Hridayam (Solar eclipse), Sri Krishna Ashtakam (Lunar Eclipse), Raghavendra Sthothram, Sri Nrusimha Kavacham, Durga Kavacham, Narayana Ashtakshari or Siva Panchakshari. It is said that Grahana time is the best time/occasion for doing japa of upadesha manthra.
CURRENT SOLAR ECLIPSE
Current eclipse which is a solar eclipse is falling on 26th January 2009 (Monday). It is an Annular eclipse visible in some parts of the world as a partial eclipse. In India it is visible in southern and south eastern part of the country. For exact timings please refer to the local calendars.
This eclipse falling on Monday the new Moon day has gained significance as it is a day of Somavathi Amavasya. This new moon day is also called as Mouni Amavasya. It is so called because on this day traditionally Sadhus keep a vow of Mouna (silence). Both Sun and Moon will be in the same star constellation (Sravana) in Capricorn (Makara Raasi). Eclipse on this day coinciding with the month of Magha Mela is considered very sacred and celestial for taking bath in a sacred river or sea especially in Brahma Sarovar at Kurukshetra, Ganges, Prayaga, Haridwar and Sethu (Indian Ocean)
CUSTOMS/BELIEFS/TRADITION ABOUT ECLLIPSE
- The inauspicious period otherwise called Vedha begins about four praharas before solar eclipse and three praharas before lunar eclipse. A prahara is a unit of time equivalent to 1/8th of a day. That means the vedha commences about 12 hours before solar eclipse and 9 hours before a lunar eclipse.
- Hindus generally observe fast during the period of Vedha, and they do not cook food. Some exemptions in timings are given to pregnant women, children, old people, and medically unfit.
- If the solar eclipse ends after the sun set then the people will fast during night and consume food only next day morning after sun rise.
- Take bath as the eclipse begins and also after the eclipse is over.
- During the period of eclipse perform rituals like prayer, tarpana, sraddha, homa, dana (charity)
- Many Hindus also take bath in sacred rivers and sea as bath during the period of an eclipse is said to be very sacred and celestial.
- It is believed that going round a cow giving birth to a calf during this period is equivalent to going round the earth (Bhoo Pradakshina)
- Dharbha (Kusa grass) is used as a remedy and kept on all the items like milk, curd, pickles and stored water during eclipse.
- In case of death anniversary falling on the eclipse day, regular shraddha will be performed only after the eclipse is over.
- Pregnant women are not allowed to move out during the eclipse period and are asked to stay indoors where no sun light enters the room. This is to avoid possible congenital deformities in the fetus though the scientific rationale is yet to be confirmed.
- Generally people are not allowed to watch the eclipse with naked eyes.
- Temples are closed during the eclipse time and opened after the eclipse is over after performing special puja and rituals.
- People avoid sleeping and attending nature calls during eclipse
ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Partial Solar Eclipse called Annular Eclipse on 26th January 2009 is falling in Makara Raasi under the star constellation of Sravana. Sun who is already in Makara Raasi by virtue of a transit on the Makara Sankramana day will be entering into the Sravana Star constellation on this day. Moon will be present in Makara Raasi and the day when both Sun and Moon are conjoined that day will be a new Moon day (Amavasya). All the three related planets Sun, Moon, and Rahu will be in the star constellation Sravana. Rahu is an enemy of Sun and Moon.
Jupiter who is in Makara Raasi is in a debilitated condition – (Makara Raasi is house of debilitation to Jupiter). Jupiter conjoined with Rahu leads to Guru Chandala Yoga. Within 48 hours Mars also is getting transited into Makara Raasi (Capricorn) his house of exaltation. Literally there will be presence of powerful war planets in Makara Raasi around this time (Rahu, Mars, and Sun) with debilitated Jupiter and Saturn also in the star constellation of Sun (Uttara Phalguni). It is said that similar Eclipse occurred on January 11th 1991.
Astrologically eclipse is not considered to be a good event and believes that it paves ways for many calamities in the areas where it occurs. It is said that in Maha Bharatha sage Vedavyasa alerts Dhritharastra about the onset of two eclipses successively, its implications and advises him to stop the war.
Those having Sravana as their birth star and those born in the Moon sign of Makara Raasi should avoid getting exposed to the Eclipse - do special prayers by reciting Vishnu Sahasra Nama, Aaditya Hridayam, Durga Kavacham and resort to some charity/dana related to Sun, Moon, Rahu (Rice, Wheat, Black Urad)
It is believed astrologically that if the eclipse is falling in the 1st 4th, 8th, 12th house from the moon sign it will give negative results and those natives should take up remedial measures as said above. Performing of Rudrabhishekam to lord Shiva before and after the eclipse will minimize the negative effect.
DO YOU KNOW?
Repetition of eclipse - It is said and believed that similar type of eclipses occurs once in 18/19 years with similar configuration. It is believed that there will be repetition of events during that time.
Effect of Eclipse - It is said that the effect of the eclipse will persist corresponding to the duration of the eclipse. Hours, minutes, and seconds correspond to the number of years, months and days.
Damage to the eye is predominantly caused by the invisible infra red energy from the Sun’s rays.
In spite of all the myths and beliefs the scientific phenomenon of eclipse is not new to India. More than 1500 years back Aryabhatta the celebrated Indian astronomer had stated about the eclipse and its causes.
People generally do no take food/cook food because it is said that during eclipse most harmful rays can be seen and absorbed and the basic level of vulnerability is high that affects the digestive process and the food gets contaminated.
People use Dharbha (Kusa Grass) during eclipse time for protection of the water and food items from getting contaminated. In a Telugu spiritual magazine titled Kumudam Bhakti Special (August 2008 issue) it was mentioned that Vikram Sarabhai Research Centre (Environmental Biology wing) found during the solar eclipse of July 2008, that water stored during solar eclipse did not get contaminated by usage of Dharbha (kusa grass).
The longest possible duration of totality for a solar eclipse is 7 min and 40 sec near the equator while the eclipse of June 20th 1955 lasted 7 min and 8 sec which was said to be the longest duration of totality in 1,238 years and a similar eclipse occurred on July 11th 1991 (for more details please refer to www.cc.columbia.edu/cu/cup)
SOLAR ECLIPSE – DOS & DONTS (in a nut-shell)
DOS
- Watch Eclipse with proper protection preferably a reflected image or projection of the Sun
- Take bath at the beginning and end of the Eclipse
- Keep Dharbha on all the stored items like Water, Pickles, Milk, Curd, etc.,
- Do religious austerities like prayer, Tharpana, Dana during Eclipse
- Post pone all auspicious functions on this day
DONTS
- Avoid looking at Sun directly with naked eyes
- Avoid eating /cooking food during eclipse
- Pregnant women avoid getting exposed to Eclipse
- Avoid sleeping during eclipse
- Desist from sensual pleasures on the day of Eclipse
- Don’t take any important decision on this day
- Avoid performing auspicious ceremonies and do not plan important functions
DHARBHA (KUSA GRASS)
It is necessary to mention on this occasion about Dharbha (Kusa Grass). Generally we observe usage of Dharbha in Hindu religious rituals while performing any Homa/Yaga or Pithru Karya. It is said that without this there is no sanctity for performing the rituals. Brahmins always keep some in their houses and it is used for purification in all kinds of ceremonies. The word Kusa is related to the Sanskrit Kushala meaning sharp in the sense of keen intelligence (because of the sharp tips of the grass). It is also ground up and the essence used for Kusha oil (to be used in Summer for it's cooling effects) and Kusha flavored sarbat also drunk for it's cooling effects.
Stories concerning the origin of Darbha/Kusha:
Pouranically it is said that Kusa grass was formed when the hairs on the Kurma Avatar of Lord Maha Vishnu got loosened during the churning of the ocean and got washed away to the shore of the ocean to form Kusa Grass. Later, when the amrita [nectar of immortality] was obtained as a result of the churning and distributed among the gods, some drops fell on the grass which further sanctified it imbuing it with healing properties. Therefore, in the traditional hair-cutting of Vaishnava toddlers, the hair is touched with kusha before it is cut.
Darbha Grass is identified with Lord Vishnu and is believed to possess the power to purify anything. It was used as a ritual seat as far back as the Vedas. Kusha, whose name signifies sharp in the sense of acute, is the root for the Sanskrit word for "expert," kosala. That is because the edges of the long leaves that grow in pairs along the tall stems are very sharp, so like the sword it is a symbol for discernment or "discriminating wisdom."
It is an age old tradition in Hindu families to cover the food items with Dharbha during eclipse to protect them from harmful ultra violet radiation. Usage of Dharbha (holy grass) is very celestial, sacred and also acts as a protector. (ref: http://www.khandro.net/nature%20plants_kusha.htm)
Thus eclipses are fascinating not only because they have astronomical and spiritual significance, but also because they give us insights into the culture, tradition and beliefs of people belonging to different periods. Next total solar eclipse is happening on July 22nd 2009 and is visible in India which is a total eclipse.
Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu
dear sri sharma, thank you for the wonderful post. i was always very curious to understand the significance of dharbha grass in our religious rituals. was satisfied to read the pouranic story and the result of the research conducted by the raman institute! the post appeals to the ordinary folk like me who look for both scientific and non-scientific explanations of various phenomena.
ReplyDeletedear sri sharma.. it's a fantastic post that i read..and I've one doubt why the temples are remain closed in grahanas... is there any logic behind that one.. please post ur comment to my mail id venkatasubbaraya@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post with lots of information. I was wondering about the following points that you have mentioned as "DONTS"
-----
Avoid eating /cooking food during eclipse
Pregnant women avoid getting exposed to Eclipse
Avoid sleeping during eclipse
-----
Have you ever come across any scientific study which supports these claims? Are you aware of any ongoing research on the same. I am really curious about this, because if this is true, and it really causes deformities in the child of the pregnant women getting exposed to the eclipse, we need to inform the rest of the world immediately and warn them of the dangers. Just think of how many deformed babies can be saved across the globe.
Awaiting your response,
Aditya
Dear Aditya,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for visiting my blog and for the remarks which are very appropriate.
It is believed and said that an eclipse has a definite effect on the digestive system. Even Ayurvedic science accepts this. Basic level of vulnerability is high due to harmful rays getting absorbed that affect the digestive process and thereby food gets contaminated. It is also believed that bacteria are more active during eclipse period that results in water getting contaminated. In this regard I have come across one of the regional language magazine mentioning about a research that was conducted during one of the recent eclipse occasions on the usage of Dharbha (Kusa grass).
This I have mentioned in my above post. More information and results are yet to come out. This connects to our age old tradition of using Dharbha during eclipse times on all the food items and also water. People also avoid eating or cooking food during eclipse times. Like one cannot or does not feel like eating in the event of mishappening, similarly one should not eat during this hour of universal repositioning. However, exemptions in timings are given to pregnant women, children, old people, and medically unfit.
Regarding pregnant women avoiding getting exposed to eclipse, it is an age old belief among Hindus to follow this myth. I have not come across any research findings in this regard. While medical science is yet to come out with any reality findings, it has proved that getting exposed to solar eclipse is harmful to the eyes and warns people in this regard to take precautions which I believe, is applicable even to the expectant mothers. Probably this could be one of the logical reasons for restricting pregnant women getting exposed to the eclipse to avoid a contact to the fetus from the harmful eclipse rays and a possible impact on the eyes of expectant child. More research in this regard is awaited.
Lunar eclipse occurs on a full moon day. It is said that during eclipse times there will be lot of imbalances in the emotional status and mental equilibrium. Moon is also called a Mano Karaka who influences the mind. It is believed that people suffer from mood swings during a full moon day which even medical psychologist accepts. Emotional element probably could be one of the logical reasons behind restricting pregnant women from getting exposed to Lunar Eclipse.
Avoiding sleep during eclipse, while I have not come across any scientific reasoning, it is more I believe from spiritual angle which Hindus strongly believe and follow. All our actions and thoughts come under the purview of subtle basic components viz. sattvik, rajasik, and tamasik or a combination of them. It is believed that during eclipse time lot of rajo-tamo frequencies are transmitted. Entire eclipse period is said to be a parva kala during which time we are supposed to reduce rajo-tamo activities like sleeping, eating food,attending nature calls, sensual pleasures which will add to the negative energies. Instead utilize the opportunity spiritually to ward off the negative energies that gets activated during eclipse times
In today’s age of science and technology it may be difficult to believe the traditions and myths of eclipse. More than scientific rationale it is the strong faith we have in our Hindu religion and its traditions that keep us away from taking a chance during eclipse times. But down the line at the end of the day every one believe it is better to be safe than feel sorry later while more scientific findings are awaited.
Trying to find informtion from a 'Hindu' perspective, about the solar eclipse and came across this article - a very infroamtive read, thank you. I am very much wanting to do prayers and observances. Is the best time to do when happening in India time ,if living in Uk.?
ReplyDeleteplease email if you can ni74@hotmail.co.uk
Nita
Hi,
ReplyDeletecan we do pooja in temple 1 jan 2010 if so what time we have to do.
As usual you can perform Pooja in temple on 1st January 2010.
ReplyDeletebhargavasarma
hi.. its a really very nice and helpful post.. thanks 4 such vital information..
ReplyDeletei have 1 doubt that what r the adverse effects on the body of normal human being if he consumes food or water during 'vedha'
reply me on gauripadte@gmail.com
thank u..
More than scientific reasoning it is the spiritual belief that Hindu’s strongly follow since time immemorial. Basically one should understand the word Vedha. It is not related to the sacred text of Vedas. Astrologically Vedha means affliction (pain or grief). In case of an Eclipse it is a pain or grief to the celestial body, the Sun or the Moon depending on the type of Eclipse. Hence this period of pain or grief to the celestial body is spiritually known as Vedha. It is an inauspicious period. Just like one cannot or does not feel like eating or drinking in the event of any calamity or mishappening at home, similarly it is befitting to abstain from eating or drinking during that hour of grief to the celestial body while universal repositioning is taking place. This is what sacred texts prescribe and what was followed by our elders.
ReplyDeleteThe duration of Vedha is based on a concept called Prahara which is a unit of time equivalent to 1/8th of a day that is, three hours. In case of Solar Eclipse it is said as four Praharas or 12 hours and in case of Lunar Eclipse it is said as three Praharas or 9 hours before the commencement of the Eclipse.
For those who don’t believe in it the doors are always open.
Thanks for visiting my blog and for your word of appreciation.
Best regards
bhargavasarma
K.K. Reddy said …….. (26.01.2009)
ReplyDeleteThis is to convey our thanks and appreciation for the timely & excellent article on the Grahanam. Hats off for your spirit of common well being of everybody.