The year 2023 will witness two lunar eclipses (Chandra Grahan) and two solar eclipses (Surya Grahan). The second lunar eclipse of the year will occur on October 29, 2023 (Sunday, and will be visible in India. Here are the details of the date, timings, sutak timings, and significance of this celestial event.
Date and Timings of Chandra Grahan 2023
The second lunar eclipse of 2023 will be a partial one, meaning that only a part of the moon will pass through the Earth’s inner shadow or umbra. The eclipse will begin at 1:06 AM IST and end at 2:22 PM IST on October 29, 2023. The maximum eclipse will occur at 11:44 AM IST when about 38% of the moon’s surface will be covered by the Earth’s shadow.
Sutak Timings for Chandra Grahan 2023
Sutak is a period of abstention observed by some Hindus before an eclipse. During this time, people avoid eating, drinking, bathing, sleeping, or performing any auspicious activity. The sutak period for a lunar eclipse starts nine hours before the eclipse and ends with the end of the eclipse. However, some people observe sutak only when the eclipse is visible in their region.
For the second lunar eclipse of 2023, the sutak period will start at 4:06 PM IST on October 28, 2023 and end at 2:22 PM IST on October 29, 2023.
However, since the eclipse will not be visible in India until after midnight, some people may choose to start sutak after sunset on October 28.
Significance of Chandra Grahan in Hinduism
Chandra Grahan or lunar eclipse is considered to be an inauspicious event in Hinduism as it is believed that the moon represents the mind and emotions of a person. When the moon is eclipsed by the Earth’s shadow, it is said that negative energies and influences affect the mind and emotions of people. Therefore, some Hindus perform rituals and prayers to ward off the evil effects of the eclipse.
Some of the rituals that are performed during a lunar eclipse are:
- Chanting mantras such as Om Namah Shivaya, Gayatri Mantra, or Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva, Goddess Gayatri, or Lord Shiva respectively.
- Taking a bath before and after the eclipse to purify oneself from the impurities caused by the eclipse.
- Donating food, clothes, money, or other items to the needy or to a temple as a form of charity.
- Performing puja or worship to one’s favorite deity or to Lord Ganesha, who is considered to be the remover of obstacles.
- Meditating or doing yoga to calm the mind and enhance one’s spiritual awareness.
How to Prepare for Chandra Grahan?
To prepare for Chandra Grahan or the lunar eclipse, one should follow some simple tips such as:
- Avoid eating or drinking anything during the sutak period or at least four hours before the eclipse.
- Avoid looking at the eclipsed moon directly as it may harm one’s eyesight or cause mental disturbances.
- Avoid starting any new venture or activity during the eclipse as it may not yield favorable results.
- Avoid wearing metal ornaments or using metal utensils during the eclipse as they may attract negative energies.
- Wear clean and comfortable clothes and avoid wearing black or dark colors during the eclipse.
Conclusion
Chandra Grahan or lunar eclipse is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon. The second lunar eclipse of 2023 will take place on October 29, 2023 (Sunday), and will be visible in India. It will be a partial lunar eclipse that will last for about an hour and 16 minutes. Some Hindus observe sutak and perform rituals to minimize the negative effects of the eclipse. One can also use this time to meditate and reflect on one’s life and goals.
