ECLIPSE - Customs & Traditions
CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS OF ECLIPSE (Hindu perspective)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS...
Hindus generally observe fast and
do not cook food during the period of Vedha. However, exemptions are given to
pregnant women, children, old people and medically unfit. But, all will
avoid taking food and water during the eclipse timings.
Take bath as the eclipse begins and also after the eclipse is over.
Take bath in sacred rivers and sea (wherever possible) as, such bath during eclipse is said to be sacred and meritorious.
It is believed that circumambulating (Pradakshina) a cow giving birth to a calf during eclipse is meritorious which is equivalent to Bhoo Pradakshina.
Dharbha (Kusa grass) is used and kept on all the items like milk, curd, pickles and stored water during eclipse to mitigate the ill effects of eclipse.
In case Pithru Sraaddha thithi falls on the eclipse day, it will be performed only after the eclipse is over, sometimes on the next day.
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 to the fetus though the scientific rationale is yet to be confirmed.
Generally people are not allowed to watch the eclipse (Solar 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.
Take bath as the eclipse begins and also after the eclipse is over.
Take bath in sacred rivers and sea (wherever possible) as, such bath during eclipse is said to be sacred and meritorious.
It is believed that circumambulating (Pradakshina) a cow giving birth to a calf during eclipse is meritorious which is equivalent to Bhoo Pradakshina.
Dharbha (Kusa grass) is used and kept on all the items like milk, curd, pickles and stored water during eclipse to mitigate the ill effects of eclipse.
In case Pithru Sraaddha thithi falls on the eclipse day, it will be performed only after the eclipse is over, sometimes on the next day.
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 to the fetus though the scientific rationale is yet to be confirmed.
Generally people are not allowed to watch the eclipse (Solar 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.
ECLIPSE - USAGE OF DHARBHA (Kusa Grass)...
In the context of Eclipse it is necessary to know about Dharbha
(Kusa Grass). Generally we come across Dharbha being used invariably in all the
Hindu religious rituals viz. Vratha, Homa/Yagna, Pithru Karya etc. It is said
that without Dharbha there is no sanctity to the rituals performed.
Legend behind the origin of Dharbha (Kusa Grass)
Sanctity of Dharbha is as old as the Hindu Puranas. Pouranically
it is said that Kusa grass was formed when the hairs on the Kurma Avatara of
Lord Vishnu got loosened during churning of the ocean that got washed away to
the shore of the ocean to form Kusa Grass. Later when Amrita [divine nectar)
was obtained as a result of churning and distributed among the Gods, some drops
fell on the grass which further sanctified it imbuing it with healing
properties.
Dharbha Grass is identified with Lord Vishnu and is believed to
possess the power to purify anything. It was used as a ritual seat since Vedic
times. 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 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. Devout Hindu Brahmins always keep Dharbha in their houses
and it is used in all kinds of rituals/ceremonies. The word Kusa is related to
the Sanskrit word 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 its cooling effects) and Kusha
flavored sharbat also used for its cooling effects. Scientific name of Dharbha is Desmostachya Bipinnata.
DID 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 in terms of Hours, minutes, and seconds corresponding to the
number of years, months and days.
In spite of all 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.
ECLIPSE – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS…
A. I have not come across any
reasoning behind closing of temples during the eclipse especially solar
eclipse. Probably what I presume could be as follows. Eclipse is not an
auspicious moment. It is a Vedha/suffering to the celestial body. Just like we
do not perform or celebrate any auspicious rituals at home during mourning
time, similarly during the time of eclipse also it is our Hindu sampradaya that
we do not perform any rituals inside the temple. However, shanti, homa/yagna
are performed outside the temples. As an exception I find in the temple of Sri
Kalahasthi (near Tirupathi) abhishekam and archana are performed to Lord Shiva
and Goddess Gnana Prasunamba inside the temple even during eclipse time.
Q. Why to avoid eating/cooking food during eclipse time?
It is believed and said that an eclipse has a definite effect on
the digestive system. Even Aayurvedic 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. That’s why it is an age old Hindu custom 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 a mishap; 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.
Q. Why pregnant women are not allowed
to watch/get exposed to the Eclipse?
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 possible contact to the foetus from the
harmful eclipse rays and a possible impact on the eyes of expectant child. More
research in this regard is awaited.
Simlarly 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 Mano Karaka the
one who influences the mind. It is believed that people suffer from mood swings
during a full moon day which even the medical psychologists accept. Emotional
element probably could be one of the logical reasons behind restricting
pregnant women from getting exposed to the Lunar Eclipse.
Q. Why to avoid 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 Parvakala (sacred period) 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.
ECLIPSE - Do's & Don'ts
ECLIPSE - Do's & Don'ts
DO'S
· Watch Eclipse with
proper protection preferably a reflected image or projection of the Sun (Solar Eclipse)
· Take bath at the
beginning and end of the Eclipse
· Keep Dharbha on all
the stored items like Water, Pickles, Milk, Curd, etc.,
· Perform religious
rituals like prayer, Tharpana, Dana (charity) during Eclipse
· Post pone all
auspicious functions on this day
|
DONT'S
·
Avoid looking at Sun
directly with naked eyes (Solar
Eclipse)
·
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/travel
|
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Eclipse a celestial splendour...
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