GRAHAN 2017: SURYA GRAHAN AND CHANDRA GRAHAN

Grahans are usually considered infelicitous whether it’s a Surya Grahan or a Chandra Grahan. A Grahan or Eclipse is an event when a stellar body conceals light from one celestial body by marching between it and the observer and sometimes between the body and its illuminator. On the days of Surya Grahan and Chandra Grahan, Surya and Chandra are ingurgitated by Rahu and Ketu respectively.? Inspite of the fact that both periods are considered auspicious for Snan (Bath) and Daan (Charity), is it really plausible to consider the Grahans as unfavourable? What are the dates of Grahan in 2017 and its timings? So, before treading deep into its details, let us have a glimpse of what does a Grahan mean?

GRAHAN IN 2017

Year 2017 will experience four Grahans (Eclipses), out of which there will be two Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipse) and two Chandra Grahans (Lunar Eclipse). At the time of the eclipse, people bathe in the sacred and holy rivers and oftenly do charitable acts.The day after the eclipse is followed by feeding the poor, the Brahmins and the Sadhus. After the eclipse they clean their houses, vessels, etc., and take bath before they start cooking.

DEFINITION OF GRAHAN OR ECLIPSE

A grahan or eclipse happens when Sun, Moon and Earth are collinear and either Earth or Moon comes in between the other two planets.These occurrences leads to two types of eclipses namely- Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) and Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan).

SURYA GRAHAN (SOLAR ECLIPSE) :- It happens when Moon comes in between Earth and Sun.

Chandra Grahan (LUNAR ECLIPSE) :- It happens when Earth comes in between Moon and Sun.

Now, when you are aware of the basic aspect of Grahan or Eclipse, let us review the Astrological significance of it. According to Hindu mythology, Grahan is associated with a lot of stories that rests in the epics. The pre- eminent legend of Samudra Manthan (churning of the milk ocean) is related with the eclipse. So, before going ahead let us know about the dates of Grahan in 2017.

SURYA GRAHAN (SOLAR ECLIPSE) 2017 -

In 2017, we shall witness two Surya Grahans (Solar Eclipse), out of which the first one falls on 26th of February, while the second one could be seen on 21st of August.

CHANDRA GRAHAN (LUNAR ECLIPSE) 2017

This year in 2017 we shall descry a penumbral lunar eclipse on 11th February, 2017 and a partial Chandra Grahan (Lunar Eclipse) on 7th of August, 2017.

*Note: Penumbral Lunar Eclipse is not an actual lunar eclipse. In this eclipse, the moon doesn’t move from the shadow of the earth, instead it moves through the outer part of the earth’s shadow where its arc gets slightly dusky.

*Note: Penumbral Lunar Eclipse is not an actual lunar eclipse. In this eclipse, the moon doesn’t move from the shadow of the earth, instead it moves through the outer part of the earth’s shadow where its arc gets slightly dusky.

During the time of Grahan, any propitious and promising activity is not performed and this custom is followed before the time of Grahan as well. According to the Astrology, a particular duration before Grahan and the duration after the Grahan is called as “SUTAK”. So, moving ahead on to the importance of “SUTAK” let us contemplate the mythological reasons of occurrence of Grahan.

During the time of Grahan, any auspicious activity is not performed. This custom is followed before the time of Grahan as well. As per astrology, a particular duration before Grahan and the during Grahan is known as “Sutak”. But, before talking about Sutak, let’s talk about the mythological reason of occurrence of Grahan.

LEGEND BEHIND SURYA AND CHANDRA GRAHAN

Right from its origin World comprises of two major elements the “good” and the “evil”. Surya (Sun) and Chandra (Moon) are the two Gods who are worshipped colossally in today’s time, so what could be the probable reason that they have been associated to inauspiciousness as far as the Eclipses are concerned??

As per the holy scriptures, when the gods and the demons churned the milky ocean in the days of yore, nectar came out of it. Lord Vishnu took an avatar of Mohini, a charming lady, beguiled the demons and distributed the nectar only among the gods. But Rahu perceived the deception and had disguised himself as a god. The Sun and the Moon pointed this out to Mohini (Lord Vishnu) who in aggravation immediately gashed off the demon’s (Rahu’s) head. But by then, the nectar had already reached up to his neck,and hence he did not die. This became the reason why the head came to be known as Rahu and the body as Ketu. So, to avenge this perfidy, Rahu and Ketu periodically eclipse the sun and the moon. Astronomically speaking, when the sun, the moon and the earth are all in line i.e. collinear, with the moon or the earth at the centre, a solar or lunar eclipse takes place respectively.

Now when you are enlightened with the legend related to Eclipse, let us march further and talk about “SUTAK” and also the effects of Grahan.

WHAT IS SUTAK?

Now, we know that during the time of Sutak one should not eat and drink, so in a similar manner there are many things which should be kept in mind during the time of Grahan and Sutak.

DO’S

During the time of Eclipse those who do Japa can derive great perks and benefits. The effect of Japa and Sankirtan during the eclipse contributes towards alleviating the sufferings and distress of humanity and also of the planets. The people who do Japa receive the blessings of the gods and they attain perfection quickly in their desired fields. It is also believed that those who wish to utilize the subtle force or power that rests in the Mantra that will cure scorpion stings should stand in water and repeat the appropriate Mantra. At this time one should be cautious and should take great care in avoiding bleeding, scorpion stings, etc. Moreover, to avoid the ill effects of Grahan, pregnant ladies should apply a thin paste of Cow Dung on their stomach so as to avoid the malefic aftermaths of Grahan on new born baby.

DONT’S

One should not take food during the eclipse as when the eclipse resumes the food should by then should have been digested. One should take food only after seeing the sun or the moon free from the eclipse. When the clear sun or moon is not visible before sunset or sunrise, in the case of the solar and lunar eclipse respectively, food can be taken only after the sun or the moon is seen the next day. Talking about the Pregnant women, it is necessary that they should not see the sun or the moon during the time of the eclipse. If they do so, the child born may have some kind of defect as he may be born deaf, dumb or blind. Similarly householders are forbidden from sexual intercourse on the day of the eclipse for the very same reason.