Surya Grahan – Do’s and Dont’s

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon casts a shadow over a section of the Earth, blocking sunlight completely or partially when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are all aligned. A new moon occurs when the alignment occurs, showing that the Moon is closest to the ecliptic plane. The disc of the Sun is completely hidden by the Moon during a total eclipse. Only a portion of the Sun is hidden in partial and annular eclipses.

A solar eclipse is a natural occurrence. Solar eclipses, on the other hand, were attributed to supernatural causes or viewed as bad omens in several ancient and modern societies. People who are unaware of the astronomical explanation for a total solar eclipse may be alarmed by the fact that the Sun appears to vanish during the day and the sky darkens in a couple of minutes.

A Grahan is inauspicious, and there are certain dos and don’ts we should follow to avoid its negative effects.

What to do During Surya Grahan?

• It is beneficial to do meditation, chant mantras from the starting to the end of an eclipse.
• During the eclipse, place dharbha grass in bathing and drinking water and keep aside. It has proven that the grass will purify the water during a grahan and this has immense purifying effects.
• One should chant the Surya Mantra as many believes that it strengthens the spirituality.
• Fast is performed during the day of a Surya Grahan.
• One should not perform any auspicious work during this period.
• Clean the idol deities once the grahan is over.
• Perform a ritual bath after the eclipse has ended. Taking a dip in rivers and lakes are also highly auspicious.

What Precautions should you follow during Surya Grahan?

• Since looking directly at the Sun can lead to permanent eye damage or blindness, Do not look at the surya grahan phenomenon.
• Avoid eating food cooked before the surya grahan. Because according to Ayurveda, the harmful rays from the grahan will contaminate the food and thus affect our digestive system.
• Avoid touching any idol, a Tulsi plant or a Shami tree. Sprinkle Holy water on them when the eclipse is over.
• Do not perform any auspicious work during this period.
• Do not sleep during this period of time.

A surya grahan is reported to be particularly dangerous to women who are pregnant.

Do’s and Don’ts for Pregnant Women:-

What to do?

• It is best to chant mantras that will promote the health of the mother and the unborn child.
• Consume freshly cooked food once the grahan is over.
• Take a bath before and after the grahan.

What should you avoid?

• Pregnant women should avoid getting exposed to the grahan.
• Avoid sleeping during this period of time.
• It is best to avoid wearing metal like hair pins and jewellery.