1077. Solar Eclipse....!

Eclipse is a spectacular astronomical event for the rest of the world, but for my country it has an astronomical significance too. Here it is called Parvakala (Auspicious Time), today the other part of the world with respect to India will witness Solar eclipse. While a few feel relieved that Surya Grahana will not be visible in India, some do miss the Parvakala. For them it is one of the celestial event which they are unable to be a part of.

Scientifically speaking the solar eclipse occur on Amavasya (New Moon day). Sun and Moon are in conjunction as seen from the Earth. In a solar eclipse Moon is the eclipsing body, passing in between Earth and Sun casting a shadow across earth's surface so that the Sun is obscured.

There are three types of solar eclipses.

Khagrasa Surya Grahana (Total solar eclipse) happens when Sun is completely in line with the Moon who is covering the Sun totally.

Khandagrasta Surya Grahana (Partial solar eclipse) when the Sun and Moon are not in line but Moon is covering the Sun partially.

Valaya Surya Grahana (Annular solar eclipse) happens when the Sun and Moon are exactly in line, but size of the Moon smaller than that of the Sun. In this type we are able to witness the ring formation.

All the three types of solar eclipse is a spectacle to watch but with a little care.

If this event was visible here, the entire phase of eclipse would have been considered auspicious. Hence during this period many religious ritual like nama japa, punascharana, pithru tarpana, dana are considered to be very sacred.

Temples would be closed at the time of eclipse to be opened by chanting of Veda mantra. This ritual is to ward off the negative energy that gets activated during eclipse.

Om Bhaskaraya Vidhmahe
Diva karaya Dheemahe
Thanno Surya Prachodayath.

Om, Let me meditate on the Sun God,
Oh, maker of the day, give me higher intellect,
And let Sun God illuminate my mind.