Lunar Eclipse 2019 Dates

In Hinduism, Lunar Eclipse has always been the subject of curiosity for people. As per old beliefs, Chandra Grahan occurs when Rahu and Ketu swallow the moon. This is based on the enchanting story of Samudra Manthan (sea churning), that leads to eclipses of Sun and Moon. Eclipses take place every year and are either 2 or 3 in 12 months’ span. In 2019, there will be 2 Chandra Grahan. First Grahan will be observed on January 21 and next will be seen on 16-17 July 2018. Read here to know date, time and visibility, and more details about Lunar Eclipse 2019.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें: चंद्र ग्रहण 2022

First Lunar Eclipse in 2019

First Chandra Grahan of the year will be seen on January 21. It will occur during Pushya Nakshatra in Cancer sign. It is believed that the Zodiac sign and Nakshatra in which Grahan occurs, the natives associated with them gets most affected by the effects of Lunar Eclipse. Therefore, this year, the natives of Cancer born during Pushya Nakshatra will be majorly influenced by this eclipse. They should take necessary precautions to avoid it. As first Lunar Eclipse of year 2019 is not visible in India, therefore, its religious significance and Sutak (inauspicious period) will not be considered here.

Second Lunar Eclipse in 2019

Second Lunar Eclipse in 2019 will occur in between July 16 and July 17 at night. This eclipse will be visible in several Asian countries including India. So, Sutak period of Grahan will be applicable here. It will occur during Uttarashada Nakshatra in Sagittarius or Capricorn sign. Natives associated with these signs and Nakshatra will get affected by this Chandra Grahan. They are advised to remain cautious and perform astrological remedies to avoid the ill-effects of second Lunar Eclipse.

Sutak Kaal - The Ominous Period of Lunar Eclipse

Sutal Kaal of Chandra Grahan is that inauspicious time period when the environment gets depraved or corrupted. In this duration, the negative energies become the most effective. The period is also unpromising for commencing of a new task. Therefore, in this duration, one should perform Jap-Tap (chanting the name of God) and meditation. Generally, Sutak of Lunar Eclipse begins 9 hours before eclipse, and ends after taking a bath when eclipse ends. Worshipping and touching of idols of deities, eating or preparing food, etc are strictly prohibited during this period. Also, the Grahan rules are only applicable in location where it is visible. Additionally, the rules of Sutak are not applicable on children, sick and elderly people.

Note: Second Lunar Eclipse in year 2019 is visible in India, therefore, its Sutak is valid here.

Things Not to Do during Lunar Eclipse

• Neither prepare food nor eat. Elders, sick people, children and pregnant women can have food.
• Do not touch idols of Gods and Goddesses. Also avoid touching Basil plant (Tulsi).
• Put Basil leaves in foods, water and milk before Grahan.

Things to Do during Lunar Eclipse

• Chant the name of God and meditate.
• Sprinkle Gangajal in your house after Moon eclipse ends. Also perform Havan using Ghee and Kheer (rice pudding).
• Chant Chandra Mantra “Om Kshirputraya Vidmahe Amrit Tatvaya Dheemahi Tanno Chandrah Prachodayat” during Grahan.
• Take a bath after Chandra Grahan ends, and bathe the idols of deities as well. Then, worship them.
• Prepare and eat fresh food after Grahan ends.

Effects of Lunar Eclipse on Pregnant Women

In Hindu religion, pregnant ladies are advised to take special precautions during Grahan. It is believed that during eclipse of Moon, the environment becomes unfavourable or negative. It has a bad influence on the child in the womb. They are also advised not to sew, brocade, cut or peel anything in this duration, as it may harm the organs of the unborn child.

Mythological Story of Lunar Eclipse

According to a religious story, there occured a dispute between the gods and demons about nectar (Amrit) during Samudra Manthan. To resolve this serious discord, Lord Vishnu took the beautiful form of a woman named Mohini. She coaxed and ensnared demons (Asuras) and made them sit in one row, whereas Gods (Devtas) sat in the other row opposite them. Alternatively, Mohini gave Nectar to the Gods, and fake Amrit to Asuras. But, one demon understood this ruse and secretly sat down in the line of Gods. But, Sun and Moon God recognized the demon and told about him to Lord Vishnu. He immediately separated the demon’s head from his body with Sudarshan Chakra. However, since demon had drank the nectar, therefore, his head and body became immortal. This head and body of the demon were later called as Rahu and Ketu, and established as shadow planets among nine planets (Navagraha). As per beliefs, Rahu-Ketu have enmity toward Sun and Moon. Therefore, when Solar or Lunar Eclipse occur, it is astrologically Rahu and Ketu swallowing them to punish or curse them.

AstroCAMP hopes that this article on Lunar Eclipse 2019 has been truly informational for you and wishes you a bright future!