Chandra Grahan: How to Prepare and What to Expect?

Pray to Chandra Deva

Sky gazers around the world eagerly await the sight of a Chandra Grahan or Lunar Eclipse. This celestial event occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon’s surface.

Types of Lunar Eclipses

Lunar eclipse

Penumbral eclipse: When the Moon passes through the Earth’s penumbral shadow, causing a subtle darkening of the Moon’s surface i.e. moon is in Earth’s lighter shadow

Partial Eclipse: When only a part of the Moon is covered by the Earth’s umbral shadow.

Total lunar eclipse: When the Moon is completely covered by the Earth’s umbral shadow, resulting in an entire eclipse i.e. moon is in Earth’s darkest shadow

The Different Phases of Lunar Eclipses

A lunar eclipse has several phases, including the penumbral, partial, and total. During the penumbral phase, the Moon passes through the Earth’s outer shadow, causing a subtle darkening of its surface.

During the partial phase, the Moon passes through the Earth’s darker shadow, resulting in a more significant darkening of its surface. Finally, during the total phase, the Moon is completely covered by the Earth’s shadow, resulting in an entire eclipse.

Timing of Chandra Grahan

Lunar eclipses occur from time to time, with a frequency of about two to four eclipses per year. The timing of a Chandra Grahan depends on the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. In some cases, the eclipse may be visible from a particular region, while in others, it may not be visible at all.

Moon in Sanatana Dharma: Chandra Deva (Soma)

Chandra Deva is a prominent deity in Hindu Dharma, also known as the god of the moon. Chandra Deva is often depicted as a fair and handsome man with a crescent moon on his forehead, holding a lotus flower in his hand, and riding a chariot pulled by ten white horses.

Chandra Deva is believed to be one of the nine planets or Navagrahas in Hindu astrology, and his influence on a person’s life is said to be significant. The position and movement of Chandra Deva can impact a person’s emotions, thoughts, and behavior.

Chandra Deva is also worshipped as a deity of fertility and prosperity. It is believed that he can bless a person with good fortune, wealth, and success in their endeavors.

Rahu Swallowing the Moon during Eclipse

During Samundra Manthan, The gods and the demons were fighting for the nectar, and the gods were afraid that the demons might obtain it. To prevent this, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a beautiful woman named Mohini and distracted the demons. In the meantime, the gods drank the nectar and became immortal.

However, one demon named Rahu realized the deception and tried to drink the nectar as well. As soon as he was about to swallow the nectar, the Sun and the Moon identified him and informed Lord Vishnu. Vishnu immediately cut off Rahu’s head with his Sudarshan Chakra.

However, since Rahu had already tasted the nectar, he became immortal as well. His head, which had already consumed the nectar, became known as Rahu, while his body became Ketu.

As a result, Rahu holds a grudge against the Sun and the Moon for revealing his identity. During a lunar eclipse, Rahu swallows the moon as an act of revenge, but because the moon is also a powerful celestial object, it resurfaces after a while.

Chandra Grahan Significance in Vedic Astrology

In Vedic astrology, lunar eclipses are considered to be significant events. They are believed to have an impact on human life, especially on the emotions and mental well-being of individuals.

The positioning of the Moon in a person’s birth chart is said to determine their emotional makeup and mental state. Therefore, a lunar eclipse can trigger significant changes in a person’s emotional and mental state, affecting their relationships and overall quality of life.

During a lunar eclipse, the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon, causing a change in its energy. This change in energy can have a significant impact on our lives. According to Vedic astrology, a lunar eclipse can bring positive and negative changes in our lives.

Positive Effects of Chandra Grahan

A lunar eclipse can bring about positive changes in our lives, such as an increase in our intuition and spiritual awareness. It can also help us let go of negative emotions, allowing us to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.

Negative Effects of Chandra Grahan

On the other hand, a lunar eclipse can also bring about negative changes in our lives, such as heightened emotions and conflicts in our relationships. It can also bring about feelings of restlessness and anxiety, causing us to feel uncertain about our future.

Chandra Grahan 2023: What to Expect?

There will be two Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan in 2023). There will be Penumbral Chandra Grahan on May 5 and Partial Chandra Grahan on October 28. (Image below are from Timeanddate)

May 5 Chandra Grahan

May 5 Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

Penumbral Eclipse: Moon passes deep into the outer part of Earth’s shadow

Timing: Starting at 08:44 PM IST and lasting for 4 hours and 18 minutes until 01:01 AM IST on May 6

Maximum Eclipse: 10:52:59 on May 5

Visible from: Europe, Africa, Australia, Asia, the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Ocean

Religious Occasion: Buddha Purnima

October 28 Chandra Grahan

October 28 Partial Lunar Eclipse

Partial Lunar Eclipse: Only part of the Moon passes into Earth’s umbral shadow

Timing: Starting at 11:31 PM IST and lasting for 4hrs and 25 mins until 3:56 AM IST on October 29

Visible from: Everywhere on the night side of the Earth, if the sky is clear

Religious Occasion: Ashwina Purnima, Valmiki Jayanti, and Meerabai Jayanti

Dos and Don’ts During Chandra Grahan

  • Stay indoors and avoid starting new work or doing new things.
  • Refrain from drinking water, brushing teeth, combing hair, oil massage, visiting the loo or using the washroom, and involving in sexual activities.
  • Not allow pregnant women to venture out during the lunar eclipse, cut or stitch any cloth, carry sharp objects like scissors, blades, knife, or engage in similar activities as they may have adverse effects on the baby.
  • Avoid consuming any type of food, either solid or liquid, during sutak kaal and eclipse.
  • Put Tulsi leaves in food items until the eclipse on the moon is over.
  • Pray for the moon to be free from the grip of Rahu.
  • Take a holy bath before and after the eclipse to cleanse the body and soul.

Mantras to Chant during Chandra Grahan

Prayers to Chandra dev (source)
MantraSignificance
ॐ ह्लीं बगलामुखी देव्यै सर्व दुष्टानाम वाचं मुखं पदम् स्तम्भय जिह्वाम कीलय-कीलय बुद्धिम विनाशाय ह्लीं ॐ नम:Bangalamukhi mantra for salvation
ॐ ह्लीं बगलामुखी सर्वदुष्टानां वाचं मुखं पदं स्तंभय जिह्ववां कीलय बुद्धि विनाशय ह्लीं ओम् स्वाहा।If you are stuck in a legal case
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं ऐं ॐ स्वाहा:Please Lakshmi Maa, the goddess of wealth
ॐ ह्लीं दुं दुर्गाय: नम:Improve the speech
ॐ शीतांशु, विभांशु अमृतांशु नम:For mental peace