This posting is in response to an email from a reader who wishes to find out what will occur at Arunachaleswarar Temple during the day of the upcoming Solar Eclipse i.e. Monday August 21, 2017.
In this regard the Arunachaleswarar Temple timings will not change in anyway and no special puja and/or function has been arranged for this day. The upcoming Eclipse will not be visible in Tamil Nadu, but even if it was, Arunachaleswarar Temple does traditionally remain open during such Events.
A Lunar Eclipse always occurs about 2 weeks before or after a solar eclipse. On some occasions, a Solar Eclipse can be both preceded and followed by a Lunar Eclipse. The preceding paired Eclipse of the August 21, 2017 Solar Total Eclipse is the Lunar Partial Eclipse of August 7, 2017.
To see animations and information as to what the total Solar Eclipse will look like at its maximum i.e., over most of continental United States, go to this link here.
The upcoming Solar Eclipse on Monday August 21, 2017, will NOT BE VISIBLE in South India. However even though the Event will not be visible from Tamil Nadu, the fact that it is occurring will affect us in many ways, which exponentially decreases the further away we are from the epicentre of the Event.
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The upcoming Solar Eclipse on Monday August 21, 2017, will NOT BE VISIBLE in South India. However even though the Event will not be visible from Tamil Nadu, the fact that it is occurring will affect us in many ways, which exponentially decreases the further away we are from the epicentre of the Event.
Esoteric Significance and Observances during Eclipse
Such periods are regarded as inauspicious for initiating significant activities. One should refrain from travelling or beginning long journeys.
During an eclipse there is heightened level of energy that impacts both the environment and our internal environment in many ways. Digestive power is reduced and therefore its best to eat lightly. Many animals and birds refrain from eating and are drawn to sleep during an eclipse.
According to scriptures and tradition at the time of Eclipse, one should bathe in sacred rivers and do charitable acts.
Lunar and Solar Eclipses are regarded as specially beneficial opportunities for performing sadhana (spiritual practices) as there is a profound inward pull on our consciousness. During the time of the eclipse those that do Japa or meditate, derive great benefits.
The most recommended ritual to be done on the day is believed to be Tarpanam, which is a ritual performed to appease the souls of ancestors.
On eclipse day one should wear Pearls or Moonstone Gems, Green Emeralds or Green Jade.
Energetic effects of the Eclipse can occur up to 2 or 3 days both before and after the Eclipse. Due to energy released by an Eclipse, emotions can be heightened and mishaps can happen more easily. Be careful.
The day after the Eclipse one should feed the poor, Brahmins and Sadhus.
It is said that the effect of an Eclipse lasts for three months during which time one is affected by the waves of its influence.
Hindu Eclipse Legend
"When the gods and the demons churned the milky ocean in days of yore, nectar came out of it. Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Mohini, a charming lady, deluded the demons and distributed the nectar only among the gods. But Rahu had disguised himself as a god. The sun and the moon pointed this out to Mohini who immediately slashed off the demon’s head.
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| Rahu holding bits of the Sun and Moon in his hands |
Since the nectar had by then already reached up to the neck, he did not die. Thus the head came to be known as Rahu and the body as Ketu. To avenge this betrayal, Rahu and Ketu periodically eclipse the Sun and the Moon".
