An eclipse is a magnificent event full of universal mysteries. Four thousand years before Christ, Atri Muni first revealed the knowledge of an eclipse, and later Aryabhata gave its scientific explanation in the fifth century. The Earth revolves around the Sun and the Moon continues to revolve around the Earth. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun comes between the Earth and the Moon, and a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth. A solar eclipse occurs on the new moon and a lunar eclipse occurs on full moon day. These eclipses can be both partial or complete.
Legend has it that when the demons took control of the three worlds - Swarg Loka, Prithvi Loka, and Prithvi, the gods sought help from Lord Vishnu. And Lord Vishnu said to them: “O gods, together with the demons, churn the Kshir Sagar and consume the nectar that will emerge from the churning, but keep in mind that the demons should not drink the nectar.
When the nectar came out of the churning of the ocean, a fight broke out between the gods and the demons over the ambrosial nectar. Seeing them fight, Lord Vishnu took the form of a beautiful woman and made the gods stand in one line and the demons in another line so that everyone would get a chance to taste the nectar.
But it so happened that an asura sat disguised among the gods. However, Chandra and Surya recognized him and informed Lord Vishnu. But, by then the nectar had reached the asura's throat; Lord Vishnu immediately, with the help of his Sudarshan Chakra, separated the asura's torso from his head.
Although the nectar did not descend down from the throat, his head became immortal. The head became Rahu and the torso became immortal in the form of Ketu. But Rahu and Ketu had enmity with Sun and the Moon. Rahu and Ketu were placed under the shadow of the Moon and the Earth. Since that time Rahu and Ketu have been harboring the feeling of hatred toward the Sun and the Moon, which leads to the eclipse.
The period of an eclipse is considered inauspicious. Due to the covering of the sun, bacteria and germs increase in the atmosphere, and these bacteria gather everywhere in the house, on the clothes, body, food items, water, idol, etc, making everything impure; so after the eclipse, one must clean all these and purify them.
Also, stale food should not be eaten after an eclipse. However, during the eclipse period, kusha grass or basil leaves are placed on food items like milk, dry cereals, etc to keep away bacteria. After the eclipse, in many households, people take bath and clean all utensils; they also make donations, worship the deities and perform a yajna (fire ritual).
Due to the high amount of bacteria present in the atmosphere, oiling, sleeping, makeup, defecation, haircutting, and brushing should not be done; even having sex is avoided. Pregnant women are forbidden from cutting vegetables, using scissors-knives and sewing clothes. In fact, during the eclipse, one should meditate, chant mantras, and do bhajan-kirtan. At this time, one is able to concentrate easily.
As an eclipse is a cosmic coincidence, one should have a sense of respect for the phenomenon and not fear it.
