Chandra Grahan on Holi 2024: The first lunar eclipse of this year will begin at 10:30 am on Monday, March 25 and will end at 3:02 pm. However, this lunar eclipse will not happen in India. The total duration of the lunar eclipse will be 4 hours 36 minutes. There will be a lunar eclipse on March 25. When a lunar eclipse occurs, some people do not cook food at that time, some do not do any kind of work, while some people only worship with folded hands during the eclipse.
What is lunar eclipse?
The Earth and the Moon revolve around the Sun and the Earth respectively. This happens when the Earth, while rotating, comes between the Sun and the Moon. In this way the positions of the Sun, Earth and Moon become sequential. In this situation the sunlight does not fall on the moon. It becomes dark on the moon. This is called lunar eclipse. There is a full moon on this day.
The period starting from the beginning of the lunar eclipse till the Moksha period (end) of the lunar eclipse is called Sutak period. During this period, doing auspicious works is prohibited. Eating and cooking food is prohibited during lunar eclipse. The scientific reason for this is the spread of bacteria in space in the absence of sun rays at that time, although it is more effective during solar eclipse.
Solar eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon which has great importance in both spiritual and scientific fields. Many events occurring on the day of solar eclipse have been mentioned in the scriptures, along with which its religious aspect has also been mentioned.
The Sun is the nearest star to us, which has its own energy. It has its own heat and brightness, through which light reaches the rest of the planets including the Earth. The Earth revolves around the Sun and the Moon revolves around the Earth. When the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon during its rotation, a lunar eclipse occurs. Due to this the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon.
During a total lunar eclipse, the surface of the Moon turns red, due to which it is also called Blood Moon. The reason for its red color is the interaction of sunlight with the Earth’s atmosphere. When sunlight falls on the Earth, different types of light emerge in our atmosphere. Blue light scatters in the atmosphere, while longer wavelength red light reaches the Earth’s shadow. For this reason the Earth’s shadow reaching the Moon does not darken it completely. Let us now look at the classical side.
Ancient beliefs of eclipse
The ancient beliefs regarding eclipse and the customs of adopting them are now diminishing. In the pursuit of modernity, people have also forgotten that there is science behind these customs. In childhood, it was prohibited to leave the house during the eclipse period, food was prohibited, this is also described in texts like Dharmasindhu and Dhikshasindhu etc. One could not touch the Gods and Goddesses during the eclipse and going to the temple was also prohibited. Basil leaves were added to grains and water so that they would be protected from the ill effects of the eclipse.
At the end of the eclipse, one would first wash the house and take a bath, then do charity and start the daily routine again. But now this tradition is gradually decreasing. But purity must be maintained. Whether the eclipse is on the Moon or the Sun, it has an adverse effect. At least every person should avoid eating and drinking during the eclipse period and take bath after the eclipse ends.
Story of lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan 2024 Katha in Hindi)
The story of lunar eclipse is described in Skanda Purana Maheshwar Khand Chapter 12. According to this, at the time of churning of the ocean, Lord Vishnu had taken Mohini incarnation, so that the nectar could be given to the gods. Mohini had charmed all the demons. The demons were fascinated by Yoga Maya. He was not very intelligent either. Therefore, considering whatever Mohini Devi said as correct, he did the same. Everyone stayed awake at night with great joy and took bath in the morning as soon as dawn came.
After completing all the necessary rituals, King Bali and other demons came to drink the nectar and sat down in a row. Bali, Vrishparva, Namuchi, Shankha, Budbud, Sudanshtra, Sanhad, Kalnemi, Vibhishana, Vatapi, Ilval, Kumbh, Nikumbh, Praghas, Sund, Upasunda, Nishumbh, Shumbha and other demons and demons sat in a row respectively.
At that time, Mohini Devi was looking very beautiful with her exquisite radiance with Sudha Kalash in her hand. At the same time, all the gods also came near the demons with food utensils in their hands. Seeing them, Mohini Devi said to the demons – ‘Consider them your guests. They are going to consider religion as everything. You should donate as much as you can for these. Those who help others according to their capacity should be considered blessed. He is the protector of the entire world and the most pure. Those who do business only to feed themselves are subject to tribulations.
On these words of Mohini Devi, the demons called the Indradi gods also to drink the nectar. Then all the gods sat there to drink Sudha Paan. After he sat down, Mohini Devi, who knows all religions and serves the interests of the Gods, said this wonderful thing – ‘Vedic Shruti says that guests should be welcomed first. Now you people tell me – Mahabhag Raja Bali etc. should themselves say, to whom should I serve nectar first?’
Bali replied- ‘Goddess! Do as per your interest. On being honored in this way by the pious King Bali, Mohini Devi picked up the pot of nectar to serve and quickly started giving the nectar to the community of gods first.
Mohini Devi in the form of Lord Vishnu started pouring that nectar in front of the gods again and again, just like her sweet-like Haasarasamrit. All the Gods, Deveshwars, Lokpals, Gandharvas, Yakshas and Apsaras drank the Sudharas given by him with gusto. At that time a demon named Rahu sat in the row of gods to drink nectar. As soon as he wished to drink the nectar, the Sun and the Moon informed Lord Vishnu of the immortal glory. Then God cut off the head of Rahu who had a deformed and monstrous body. His severed head flew into the sky and his torso fell on the earth.
At that time, hundreds of crores of main demons advanced roaring and challenging the gods for war with great strength and might. Giant Rahu embraced the moon and ran after Indra. He was devouring all the gods. Although Rahu was only one, yet he appeared to be everywhere. Seeing this, the gods became frightened and ran away with great haste, carrying the moon in front of them and leaving the earth and went to heaven. As soon as he reached heaven, Rahu also came and stood in front of him with great speed. He wanted to swallow the moon. Seeing this, the moon became distraught with fear and decided to seek refuge in Lord Shankar.
Remembering Lord Shiva in his mind, he started praising – ‘Devesh! May you be our protector, Vrishabhadhwaja! Get me out of trouble. Shri Parvati, the one who protects the surrendered! Protect me by taking refuge in you. On praising him in this way, Lord Sadashiv, who grants welfare to all, appeared there and said to the moon – ‘Don’t be afraid.’ Saying this, he placed the moon on his matted hair. Since then the moon has been adorning his forehead like a white lotus flower.
After the moon was protected, Rahu also reached there and started praising Lord Shiva – ‘Salutations to the peaceful form of Lord Shiva. You are Brahma and God. Greetings to you. Mahadev in the form of a penis! Jagatpate! I salute you. You are the abode of all the ghosts, the form of divine light and the guardian of all the ghosts. Greetings to you. Mahadev! You are the reason for the happiness of the entire world. I bow before you. My dear moon has come near you at this time. You give him to me.
Lord Somnath was very satisfied with this prayer of Rahu and he said to Rahu thus – ‘I am the shelter of all the ghosts, I am dear to all the gods and demons.’ When Lord Shiva said this, Rahu also bowed to him and settled on his head. Then the moon secreted nectar out of fear. Due to contact with that nectar, Rahu got many heads, hence with a view to take revenge, Rahu always eclipses Moon God.
According to Sanatan texts and according to scientists, do not consume food or drinks during the period of lunar eclipse. Aryabhata has discussed in detail about lunar eclipse in his book. Surya Siddhanta.
According to student decision 9,
Atropapatti:. Chandro Darrante Suryaaddho Bhavatiti Chandra: Suryasya Achchadakah. Budh Shukrayostu Mandalalpatvat na Achchadkatvam. Chandrasya Adho Grahabhavat Shadbhaantare Bhumya Kamitha: Suryakirana: Chandragole Na Patanti. Ato Nishparbhasya Chandrasya Bhubhayaan Pravesh Iti Chandrasya Bhubhachhadika ॥9॥
Meaning: – The Moon located below the Sun covers the Sun like a cloud. Traveling east, the Moon enters the shadow. Due to which lunar eclipse occurs. Then in the next verse it is said: – Eclipse Chandrasya Varnagyanam It is said in verse number 23 that, in a lunar eclipse, if the lunar image is eclipsed by less than half, the affected part will be of smoke color, if half of the eclipsed part is of black color, if Mokshabhimukh i.e. Padon image is eclipsed more than half, then the affected part will be of black color and in case of total eclipse, it will be of Kapil color. (light yellow in colour). During a solar eclipse the sun’s rays are always black in colour. You all do not need to be afraid because most of the Indians will be sleeping when the eclipse occurs.
As far as astronomical point of view is concerned, lunar eclipse is a relatively common thing. There are three lunar eclipses every year. About 29 percent lunar eclipses are complete. A lunar eclipse is visible at any place every two and a half years. Lunar eclipse can last from 30 minutes to more than an hour. It depends on his situation. So instead of being afraid of such eclipse, follow the rules mentioned in the scriptures and remain happy.
read this also: Holi 2024: Is playing with colors and drinking cannabis mentioned in the scriptures, know the scriptural evidence related to Holi festival.
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