All About Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan)

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What is Solar Eclipse or Surya Grahan

Solar eclipse happens when the shadow of the moon is cast on the sun hiding it from view partially or fully for a brief period of time.
In Hindu Epics and scriptures there is some story about Surya Grahan.
Sun the Surya, the Aditya is the source of light, energy, and life. He is the protector. He is there so the life so the we. How important is he for the existence? The sun is also depicted as the soul in astrology and Hindu Philosophy.
Suppose it is covered, that means the protection guard is not working. Life is questioned. That’s the reason why eclipses are considered inauspicious events.

Mythology Behind Solar Eclipse or Surya Grahan 

Story in Puranas goes like…

During the Samdura Manthan (churning of ocean) episode in the Puranas. Rahu (Demon) and Mohini, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, are the main characters in the incident.

During the Samdura Manthan (churning of ocean) The Amrit (nector) was obtained from ocean and was stolen by Demons. To save the amrit from the bad hands Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini, a beautiful attractive girl. She hypnotized the demons by her looks and talks and so finally achieved her mission when demons handed over the Amrit to her.


She started distributing the amrit to Devas. An asura demon named Swarbhanu found out that she has played the game with demons. He took the form of deva and sat in their line between Sun and Moon.

As Mohini approached Swarbhanu, Chandra and Surya recognized him. Mohini soon severed the head of Swarbhanu which flew into the sky. Head portion is called Rahu and the rest of the body is called Ketu, continued to live and decided to avenge Surya and Chandra.

Thus periodically Rahu engages in a war with Surya and Chandra. The Chandra Grahan (Lunar eclipse) and Surya Grahan (Solar eclipse) takes place when Rahu and ketu gobbles up Moon and Sun. Surya and Chandra then fights to free themselves.

What not to do in solar eclipse. Don’ts

  • Do not eat, drink, cook food during eclipse.
  • As the sun is eclipsed the protection is gone so germs will spread over speedly. It is belived by our sages that during solar eclipse the food and drink items will not be safe to eat. So it is better not to eat, drink or cook.
  • And During solar eclipse the digestive power (symbolizes by sun), eyes and pitta in body becomes weak
  • Avoid Journeys, sleep and sex, TV or any entertainment.
  • Do not go for urinals and latrine.
  • Donot apply oil.
  • Don’t do any deal or work.
  • According to Devi Purana do not dig during eclipse and earthquakes.
  • Pregnant women are advised not to go out. It is belived if she sees the eclipse then negative rays in the environment can affect badly to child in womb.

What to do in solar eclipse. Dos

  • Take bath before and after the eclipse
  • Chant Mantras, do mantra jaap. One can do Maha Mrityunjaya japa, gayatri mantra, surya mantra, Aditya hridyam, Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu Mantra or any mantra.
  • Keep silence to maintain the proper mantra chanting environment.
  • Do Daan after the eclipse is over. Taking a holy dip in rivers or lakes is auspicious.
  • Pregnant ones can apply cow dung or pack of Tulsi on stomach to reduce the negative effects of eclipse.



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