A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly behind the Earth
into its umbra (shadow). This can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and
Moon are aligned (in "syzygy") exactly, or very closely so, with the
Earth in the middle. Hence, a lunar eclipse can only occur in the night of a
full moon. (Source Credit: Wikipedia)
In simple words, Chandra Grahan / Lunar eclipse occur when the earth comes in between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon.
The below is the Rasi Chart of 4th April, 2015 (Earth is in between Sun and Moon)
Chandra Grahan or Lunar eclipse occurs on 4th April 2015 in India. The timings of the grahan / eclipse starts from 5.53 pm (with Moon rise) in India.
The timings in the metros in India are as follows:
City Start Time
Mumbai - 6.56 PM
Delhi - 6.42 PM
Calcutta - 5.53 PM
Chennai - 6.22 PM
End Time is 7.15 PM in all Cities.
Chandra Grahan is also visible in Australia, Asia, Brazil, USA, Brazil, Canada, Saudi Arabia. Timings of Eclipse vary from country to country and depends upon the local timing.
The beginning of the eclipse is at 15.47 hours. The full lunar eclipse would begin at about 17.30 hours. The total eclipse would begin to end at 17.32 hours," according to B M Birla Science Centre.
Chandra Grahan in Hinduism
In Hinduism, Chandra Grahan is considered even if Moon is not visible due to cloudy weather. Some Hindus will not take food (fasting) from 9 hours prior to the commencement of eclipse till its end. Food cooked before eclipse is not taken even after the end of eclipse.
Pregnant Women should not go outside during eclipse. They should not cut or stitch any cloth or to do any other similar activities.
The eclipse period is auspicious for ritual bath. Taking dips in the sacred rivers is considered auspicious. People can take bath in their homes by chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Even chanting the name of 'Rama' or 'Shiva' is good.
Pregnant Women should not go outside during eclipse. They should not cut or stitch any cloth or to do any other similar activities.
The eclipse period is auspicious for ritual bath. Taking dips in the sacred rivers is considered auspicious. People can take bath in their homes by chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Even chanting the name of 'Rama' or 'Shiva' is good.
After Chandra Grahan, freshly cooked food is recommended.
Note: Sick people / patients and other people on medication can be exempted from above Rituals/Rules.
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Note: Sick people / patients and other people on medication can be exempted from above Rituals/Rules.
Back to Vedic Astrology