Eclipses (Grahan) in Vedic Astrology

Few celestial events carry as much weight in Indian tradition as an eclipse, a grahan. Temples close, meals are set aside and many families bathe and chant when it ends. Jyotish explains both the astronomy and the observances.

The astronomy

A solar eclipse (Surya Grahan) happens at new moon, Amavasya, when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. A lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) happens at full moon, Purnima, when the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. Because the Moon’s orbit is tilted about five degrees to the Sun’s path, most new and full moons pass above or below and no eclipse occurs. Eclipses happen only when the new or full moon falls close to the nodes, Rahu and Ketu — which is why the nodes are said to “seize” the lights. Eclipse seasons come about every six months, usually with a solar and a lunar eclipse about two weeks apart.

Sutak

Sutak is the period before an eclipse considered impure for worship, cooking and eating. By common tradition it begins twelve hours before a solar eclipse and nine hours before a lunar eclipse, and ends when the eclipse ends. Children, the elderly, the sick and pregnant women are usually exempt from fasting. Sutak applies only where the eclipse is visible: an eclipse seen only in the Americas brings no Sutak in India.

Observances

• Japa and prayer during the eclipse; mantras chanted then are held to be especially powerful.
• A bath after the eclipse ends, and cleaning the home and puja room.
• Charity (daana), especially of food and grain, after the eclipse.
• Tulsi or kusha grass placed in stored food and water during Sutak.
• Pregnant women traditionally stay indoors and avoid sharp tools.

These are traditional practices. Looking at a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can damage the eyes, whatever one’s beliefs, so use certified eclipse glasses or watch a projection.

Eclipses and your chart

Astrologers note where an eclipse falls in each person’s chart. An eclipse on or near the natal Sun, Moon, Lagna or a planet’s exact degree, or in the sign of one’s Janma Nakshatra, is read as a time to be careful with that planet’s or house’s matters for some months. Eclipses near the Sun and Moon in the birth chart itself form Grahan Dosha. Muhurta avoids the days around an eclipse for weddings and new ventures.

Our Grahan page lists upcoming solar and lunar eclipses with their times and visibility, so you can see whether Sutak applies where you live.