Powers of the Sun
Sun is the soul of the universe. The brightness of the sun enlightens all the planets thus making life possible. Without the magnetic power of the sun, the planets would have been lifeless. Sun remains one of the most powerful stars which represent energy and vitality. The power of sun rays enables all creations on this earth. If we can understand the significance of colour and positive action of sun rays then we can do miracles by utilizing it in different fields. Sun possesses wonderful powers and it is during the time of an eclipse that its tremendous strength becomes evident to us.
Eclipse Time
This year, we can experience the spectacle of solar eclipse on the 9th of March 2016 (Phalgun Krishna, 30, Wednesday). It will occur in kerala (Kochi) from 06:35:13 to 06:46:59 and last for 11 Mins 45 Secs . Apart from India, this eclipse will be visible in many other countries such as Australia, Indonesia, China, Japan, Malaysia and Antarctica. Except the north-western states of India, this eclipse will be seen in the whole country. This eclipse will not be visible in the western parts of India.
Rituals On Surya Grahan
Fasts are performed on the day of Surya Grahan. People perform fasts from 12 hours prior to the day of Surya Grahan and continue it till the breaking down of Grahan.Remedies of the Sun are also a part of the proceedings of Surya Grahan when the effects are pacified with the chanting of Surya Mantra.It is said that Surya Mantra coordinates with the inner powers and strengthen them.
Temples remain closed on the day of Grahan, although temples of Lord Siva are remained open as Lord Shiva embodies the symbol of darkness. Idols of deities are cleansed when the Surya Grahan gets over. People prefer to end the Grahan by taking a bath which is referred to wash away all the evils and sins from their bodies. It is considered to be a favorable period to recite Mantras or Stotras such as Gayatri Mantra, Mrityunjay Mantra, etc.
Importance of following rituals during the Eclipse
From a spiritual aspect, the evening of 8th March is the ‘chaitanya kaal’ and a devotee should begin chanting mantras from this period of time. The sparsh and moksha time of eclipse will differ from place to place. The sutak period (inauspicious time) falls on 8th March 2016 at 16:49 IST. Though everyone should follow the rules during an eclipse, rules are relaxed for children, elderly people, patients and expectant mothers during the sutak period. The rituals to be followed during the sutak time are applicable only at places where eclipse can be viewed.
What is Sutak during Solar Eclipse/
Sutak time is generally, the inauspicious time. In normal talks, this time is known as a phase in which no auspicious work should be done. The negative effect of solar eclipse begins 12 hours prior to solar eclipse while in case of lunar eclipse it starts 9 hours before the eclipse. This period is known as the “sutak kaal”.. This ends, when we take shower after the salvation time of Eclipse is over, and spiritual sites or places are cleaned.
From 12 hours before starting of Solar Eclipse, when inauspicious time (Sutak) is started, the doors of temple are kept closed. At this time no worshiping, praying or God visiting is not carried out.
What Not to Do, and What to Do During Solar Eclipse
1.From the starting to the end time of Eclipse, its beneficial to do meditations, chanting of mantra, Hawan, and prayers.
2.dols of God should not be touched during Solar Eclipse. After the Sutak period, you should take bath and wear new clothes and the sculptures of God should also be washed with Ganga Jal and made to wear new clothes.
3.Except for the Idols, Tulsi and Shami trees, also should not be touched.
4.After Eclipse, these should also sprinkled with Holy water and made pure.
5.The chanting of favored God, guru mantra, Gaytri mantra should be done by lighting a deepak.
6.For the accomplishment of mantras it’s quite a good time.
On contrast, in this time you should not do things like eating food, cooking food, sleeping, urination or defecation, intercourse or make up.
As per a belief related to Solar Eclipse, on this day, pregnant ladies should avoid cutting vegetables and stitching etc. or else, the child to be born might have chances of some physical problems. Also, they should not go out of house at the time of Eclipse, and should not have a sight of Eclipse at all.
The rule of Sutak is not applicable for pregnant ladies, patients,children and old aged people.
Do’s and dont’s of eclipse
During the solar and lunar eclipse, expectant mothers should not stay outdoors and strictly avoid the sight of eclipse in every way. The negative effect of solar eclipse begins 12 hours prior to solar eclipse while in case of lunar eclipse it starts 9 hours before the eclipse.
This period is known as the “sutak kaal”. Pregnant women should avoid the sky right from the “sutak kaal” till the end of an eclipse. Women who are just three months pregnant should take extra precaution during the time of an eclipse as any negligence might impact the unborn baby in a negative manner so much so that the baby might be born handicapped. There is a chance of miscarriage too.
Activities to avoid
Before an eclipse begins, one should sprinkle holy water in the house, bathe and perform pooja, offering prayers to Lord Krishna or one’s ishta devta. Massaging oil, sleeping, eating, drinking, tying hair, defecating or any sexual act are an absolute no-no during an eclipse. Idols should not be touched during an eclipse.
When an eclipse begins, a person should write the following mantra on a paper or tarpatra (natural leaf) and stick it on his forehead: ‘Indro nalo yamo yaksho, varuno vayureva cha Kuber Isho Dhwanantityandu Pagothya Vyathang Mama’ People who are initiated can recite their diksha mantra too.
What to do After the End of Solar Eclipse
According to the scriptures after the salvation period of Solar Eclipse is over people should take bath and wearclean clothes. After this memorial work and charity is also done. No Moon day is specially for ancestors, so, work is done in regards of their peace attainment.
There is a system of doing meditation and thinking of God at the time of Solar Eclipse, so after Eclipse liberation period, having God’s sight is counted as auspicious work. If a person is on a pilgrim visit then he should go to the near by spiritual place and have a bath.
Tasks to be Performed during an Eclipse
The people of places under the effect of Eclipse or where Eclipse is visible, are curious to know in which sequence should the work be done on this day as per the scriptures. First of all, as the time Eclipse time starts, take a bath. In the mid of this period go for doing meditation and mantra chantings.
At the end of Eclipse , doing charity and memorial works is considered favorable.Also, taking bath after the salvation of Eclipse and donating grains, clothes, money etc. and after completion of all thee works take a bath again.
Chanting Mantra During Solar Eclipse
Generally during the time of Eclipse chanting of any mantra is fruitful. Or else Surya mantra can be chanted of during Solar Eclipse. The Mahamritunjay mantra, reliever of all sorts of problems can be good if chanted. Mahamritunjay mantra is as follows:
Mahamritunjay mantra is as follows:
“ओम् त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे, सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्द्धनं, उर्वारुक्मिव बंधनात्, मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्”
Also, chanting of Gaytri mantra is good.
“ॐ भूर्भुव: स्व: तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो न: प्रचोदयात्”
Even Surya mantra is auspicious to chant.
” ऊँ घृणि सूर्याय नम:”
Religious significance of the rituals done on an eclipse
Before Mahabharata war, Shree Krishna had come to Kurukshetra from Dwarka. All the kings who arrived to meet Shree Krishna bathed in the Brahma sarovar and performed various pooja and religious works. So, on the event of solar eclipse, a big fair is organized at Kurukshetra where men and women interested in spiritual activities come and bathe in the holy waters.
It is also believed that Shree Krishna had taken bath with his family in “Prabhas” region, Kathiawar, Gujarat so bathing in that holy place is considered to provide virtues during the solar eclipse.
Simple remedies
Saints have advised people not to eat and drink during an eclipse as the food and water gets contaminated with germs. Germs and bacteria accumulate on food and water and make them unhealthy for consumption. One can put basil leaves on the food that has been cooked earlier as these holy leaves are endowed with the highest potency (vidyut shakti) and life force (prana shakti).
As the food comes in contact with the holy basil, it remains free from germs. Bathing after an eclipse is advised so that the warmth in the body increases and all the germs of the body get destroyed.
This solar eclipse of 8th march 2016 takes place in Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra (24 degrees Aquarius) which is symbolized by a funeral bed. On a simple level, this suggests an increase of tension and violent events flaring up in political hotspots throughout the world during the next few months. The effect of an eclipse is more prominent in the days or weeks surrounding the eclipse, but the overall influence can last up to a few months.
Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra is also a spiritual nakashatra. Its Shakti is the power to elevate consciousness. It calls our attention to the fact that life is temporary and that the only thing that is permanent is spirit. For this reason, the days surrounding the eclipse are good for focusing on activities like meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices.
A funeral cot is also a symbol of endings. This period good for bringing things to conclusion, getting rid of things that are no longer useful or which no longer serve you. All things pass away. Everything changes constantly, yet we cling to the pleasant conditions and things in our life, trying to desperately make them last forever. During this eclipse, let go. Remember that we are only here for a short time, and that life is only a dream.
The mantra for this eclipse is Om Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra Devataye namah