Solar Eclipse 2023: Story Of Eclipse From Hindu Scriptures And Traditions

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As you know, the eclipses are celestial occurrences that we usually get to see often. There are two types of eclipses, namely Solar and Lunar eclipse. Eclipse does not affect all the regions in this world. It affects only a few each time.

If your region is affected by eclipse, then doing the grahana related rituals are necessary. In case your region is not experiencing eclipse, you do not actually need to follow the rituals. In case you follow the rituals, it does not harm, but surely gives a good outcome generally, and also fulfils your specific wish..

During the eclipse, be it solar or lunar, one has to stop all the worldly activities, and get totally engaged with japa or chants of the Lord. You should ensure that you are clean, and pure throughout the grahana period. Just at the start of the Grahana, it is advised to take bath with your clothes on and then keep the wet clothes aside for purification later.

When the grahana concludes, again bath must be taken along with the clothes one is wearing and these pre and post grahana clothes should be washed separately. Once the grahana period is over, charitable activities must be carried out. Donate generously but within your budget.

Donating just about anything will do. But actually as per your nakshatra and rashi, there are certain specific items recommended for donation in case you have some malefic impact of the grahana. These items should be donated in full faith to just remove all the malefic impact on your life and you.

Eclipses as per Hindu scriptures, were not a regular occurrence in the ancient times, and the legends explain how eclipses started happening in the sky.

The Mighty Oceanic Churn - Samudra Manthan
There was a time in the past, when an oceanic churn of colossal proportions was carried out by the team of Devas and Asuras. Vasuki the celestial snake was used as a churning rope that had coiled around Mandara parvatha. This churn was conducted with an intention of Procuring Nectar from the depths of the Ocean that would make any one who drank it, an immortal. So the churn began and several objects appeared as a consequence. Lakshmi appeared from the Ocean at one stage.

Lastly the Amrit or the nectar came out. At this stage, Asuras tried to confiscate the nectar from the devas who did not like the idea of giving it to Asuras. So the devas prayed to Lord Vishnu at this context as a response to which Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Mohini an incomparably beautiful damsel.

Rahu Misses The Nectar
Attracted by her looks, the demons gave the pot of nectar when she asked them for it and then queued behind her, completely charmed and curious. Promptly handing it over to the Devas, Mohini turned into her real self, which was the Lord Vishnu's form. Then Devas decided to share the nectar equally amongst themselves.
When God was serving the nectar to everyone, a demon named Rahu used his yogic powers to transform into a deva and sat between Sun and Moon who were able to recognize his demon form that was disguised behind a façade.

When it was Rahu's turn to receive the nectar, Lord was informed that this was a demon sitting between Sun and Moon. So Lord beheaded him with his Chakra but by then Rahu had consumed the Nectar a bit. So his head became immortal and soon came to be regarded as a planet. Rahu had a deep hatred towards Sun and Moon who had exposed his identity to deprive him of immortality.

Rahu's Periodical Revenge
Therefore, even today, during certain times, he captures the Sun and Moon by his mouth for a stretch of time with a view to punishing them for their act. Hence this activity of Rahu came to be called solar and lunar eclipses. When he holds Sun in captivity this occurrence is called Solar eclipse and when he captures Moon it is referred to as Lunar eclipse.

This is the reason why Surya mantras are recited during this time, to give strength to the Sun to come out of the grip of Rahu. Any mantra will help the case of Sun/Moon here to escape the clutches of Rahu. Chanting the mantra of Sun gets you blessings as well as improves the position of sun in case he is malefic in your horoscope.

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