ECLIPSE (Grahana Vichara) - Frequently asked Questions & Answers (Logical reasoning).... Q. Why temples remain closed during Eclipse (Grahana)? Is there any logic behind that? A. I have not come across any reasoning behind closing of temples during the eclipse especially. Probably what I presume could be as follows... Eclipse is not an auspicious moment. It is a Vedha/suffering to the celestial body. Just like we do not perform or celebrate any auspicious rituals at home during mourning time, similarly during the time of eclipse also it is our Hindu sampradaya that we do not perform any rituals inside the temple. However, shanti, homa/yagna are performed outside the temples. As an exception I find in the temple of Sri Kalahasthi (near Tirupathi) abhishekam and archana are performed to Lord Shiva and Goddess Gnana Prasunamba inside the temple even during eclipse time. Q. Why to avoid eating/cooking food during eclipse time? It is believed and said that an eclipse has a definite effect on the digestive system. Even Aayurvedic science accepts this. Basic level of vulnerability is high due to harmful rays getting absorbed that affect the digestive process and thereby food gets contaminated. It is also believed that bacteria are more active during eclipse period that results in water getting contaminated. That’s why it is an age old Hindu custom of using Dharbha during eclipse times on all the food items and also water. People also avoid eating or cooking food during eclipse times. Like one cannot or does not feel like eating in the event of a mishap; similarly one should not eat during this hour of universal repositioning. However, exemptions in timings are given to pregnant women, children, old people, and medically-unfit. Q. Why pregnant women are not allowed to watch/get exposed to the Eclipse? Regarding pregnant women avoiding getting exposed to eclipse, it is an age old belief among Hindus to follow this myth. I have not come across any research findings in this regard. While medical science is yet to come out with any reality findings, it has proved that getting exposed to solar eclipse is harmful to the eyes and even warns people in this regard to take precautions which I believe is applicable even to the expectant mothers. Probably this could be one of the logical reasons for restricting pregnant women getting exposed to the eclipse to avoid a possible contact to the foetus from the harmful eclipse rays and a possible impact on the eyes of expectant child. More research in this regard is awaited. Simlarly Lunar eclipse occurs on a full moon day. It is said that during eclipse times there will be lot of imbalances in the emotional status and mental equilibrium. Moon is also called Mano Karaka the one who influences the mind. It is believed that people suffer from mood swings during a full moon day which even the medical psychologists accept. Emotional element, probably could be one of the logical reasons behind restricting pregnant women from getting exposed to the Lunar Eclipse. Q. Why to avoid sleep during Eclipse? While I have not come across any scientific reasoning, it is more I believe from spiritual angle which Hindus strongly believe and follow. All our actions and thoughts come under the purview of subtle basic components viz. Sattvik, Rajasik, and Tamasik or a combination of them. It is believed that during eclipse time lot of Rajo-Tamo frequencies are transmitted. Entire eclipse period is said to be a Parvakala (sacred period) during which time we are supposed to reduce rajo-tamo activities like sleeping, eating food, attending nature calls, sensual pleasures which will add to the negative energies. Instead utilize the opportunity spiritually to ward off the negative energies that gets activated during eclipse times. In today’s age of science and technology it may be difficult to believe the traditions and myths of eclipse. More than scientific rationale it is the strong faith we have in our Hindu religion and its traditions that keep us away from taking a chance during eclipse times. But down the line, at the end of the day every one believe, it is better to be safe than feel sorry later while more scientific findings are awaited. bhargavasarma.blogspot/2014/10/eclipse-customs-traditions.html
Posted on: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:16:21 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015