Surya Grahan 2017

2017 will witness a total of three Grahans, including two Surya Grahans and one Chandra Grahan. Almost every time considered inauspicious, the Surya Grahan garners auspicious effects too. Know What are the dates of Grahan in 2017? What about the timings? Know it all here...

What Is Grahan Or Eclipse?

Grahan is a natural phenomenon where the three celestial bodies - the Sun, the Moon and the Earth partially or completely cover the other two from each other with its shadow. In other words, when one of these three celestial bodies comes in between the other two, it becomes a hindrance for both the planets giving its shadow on each of them.

Grahan or Eclipse is basically divided into two major categories:

• Solar Eclipse or Surya Grahan: it occurs when the Moon comes in between Earth and Sun.
• Lunar Eclipse or Chandra Grahan occurs: it when the Earth comes in between Sun and Moon.

Knowing what importance the Surya Grahan has on you astronomically, it’s better if you acquaint yourself with its astrological importance as well.

2017 Surya Grahan: Dates

The 2 solar eclipses of 2017 will be visible in the different parts of the world. As per astrology, it is believed that eclipses affect everyone on the globe (it doesn’t matter if the grahan is visible or not in your city). However, the places where the eclipse is visible gets affected majorly, as the harmful rays gets scattered there. Therefore, let’s take a look on the below mentioned table of Surya Grahan 2017, and enlighten ourselves with where the Grahan in 2017 will be visible, along with all the details.

As per the Hindu mythology, Grahan holds a lot of significance in a lot of stories in the epics. The famous legend of Samudra Manthan (churning of the milk ocean) is associated with eclipse. So, before proceeding to know about the dates of Grahan in 2017 you must know about the myths surrounding it.

Story Behind Surya Grahan

The world from the origin has been divided into two major segments the “good” and the “evil”. The Surya (Sun) and Chandra (Moon) are two Gods who are still worshiped in today’s time. But, what could be the reason that they have been related to inauspiciousness?

As per the holy scriptures, it is described that at the time of Samudra Manthan (churning of the milk ocean), when everything submerged under water, the Devtas (God) and Asuras (Demon) together brought back everything into existence. There was an equal distribution of the things among the two, but Amrit (immortality potion) was stolen by Asuras.

Hence, to get Amrit back, Lord Vishnu in the form of Mohini, a beautiful Apsara captivated the attention of Asuras and successfully gained back the Amrit. She started distributing the “Amrit” among the Devtas. Rahu, one of the Asura, understood the trick and sat in between Surya and Chandra. But soon Chandra and Surya realized that Rahu was not one of them.

Hence, Mohini (Bhagwan Vishnu) aggravated by the act beheaded Rahu. Since then, it is believed that Rahu (in the form of snake) retaliates and indulges in war with the Sun and Moon periodically and therefore, Grahan takes place.

Now, when you know the legend associated with eclipse, let’s move further and talk about Sutak and effects of Grahan.

Surya Grahan In 2017

Relationship Between Sutak & Grahan

Sutak is the time under which no good things are done, as this duration is considered unfavorable. Usually, it is believed that during the time of Sutak, one should prohibit from eating and drinking. Sutak is usually observed 12 hours before the Surya Grahan and 9 hours before the Chandra Grahan.

Things To Avoid During Grahan & Sutak

There are some things, which need to be avoided during the time of Grahan and Sutak. These simple things can be kept in mind for 2017 eclipses:

• One should avoid having solids or liquids (exception for sick, old and infant).
• No food item should be stored and eaten after the Grahan.
• Use of cosmetics should be avoided.
• One should avoid entering in temple and touching the idols.
• Pregnant ladies are advised to stay indoors and avoid eating during this time because the grahan might affect the child’s health and disabilities could occur. To avoid the malefic effects of Grahan, pregnant ladies should apply a thin paste of Cow Dung on their stomach.
• One should take a bath when Grahan starts.

Note: Sutak is applicable in only those areas where the Grahan or eclipse is visible

Simple Steps To Be Followed During Grahan & Sutak

Points to be kept in mind during a Surya Grahan:

• Chant Mantras and meditate to get rid of negative thoughts.
• The holy Ganga water should be sprinkled in the house post the Grahan.
• Once the Grahan gets over, it’s advised that people should take a shower, as it washes off any impurity that has latched itself onto them.
• Consume only freshly cooked meal after the grahan.

Mantra to be chanted during a Surya Grahan:

During solar eclipse, one can chant this Mantra:

Om Adityay Vidmahe Divakaraye Dheemahi Tanno Suryah Prachodayat ||

(ॐ आदित्याय विद्महे दिवाकराय धीमहि तन्नो सूर्य: प्रचोदयात्॥)

As per the Indian mythology, solar eclipses play a significant role in the lives of human beings. Hence, from ancient times, special importance is given to the eclipses, be it the time of childbirth (Kundli at the time of birth) or marriage (where the Dasha of all the planets are looked into in order to know how one’s future would be), just to name a few.

Use these simple steps and stay protected from the harmful effects of Surya Grahan in 2017. Utilize this article and shield yourself from the harmful effects of Surya Grahan in the year 2017.