Surya Grahan 2016 (Solar Eclipse)

An eclipse occurs when the orbits of the Sun and the Moon align together in such a way that the shadow of the object falls on the other. When the light of the Sun is blocked by the Moon and its shadow falls on the earth it is known as Solar eclipse and when the light of the Sun is blocked by the earth and its shadow falls on the moon it is known as Lunar eclipse. Eclipse has always been a fascinating event both for astronomers and astrologers. Significant events are predicted by the placement of the planets in the signs of the zodiac at the time of eclipse. An eclipse occurs twice or thrice every year but the position of Sun and Moon in the zodiac is different every time. The duration of the eclipse and the location of the eclipse is also different. Hence the results and the interpretation of an eclipse becomes an interesting topic for astrologers. It has also been accepted worldwide that eclipse plays an important part in prediction of mundane matters. Solar eclipses are very powerful new moons which signify important events and herald a new beginning and ending.

As per the Indian Standard Time, the first solar eclipse (Total Solar Eclipse) will be taking place from 05:43:00 hrs and will end at 06:44 on March 9, 2016. Whereas, the other Solar Eclipse (Annular Solar Eclipse) that will be take place at 11:43 and will end at 17:30 on September 1, 2016. The first eclipse will going to be visible in India including the countries like Australia, Palau, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, China, Myanmar, Guinea, South Korea, Indian Ocean and North Pacific Ocean. The second Solar Eclipse will not be visible in India, but it will be visible in countries like Africa, South Pole, Madagascar, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Mozambique and Geban.

Penumbra

- The Moon's faint outer shadow.

- Partial solar eclipses are visible from within the penumbral shadow.

The Moon's penumbral shadow produces a partial eclipse visible from a much larger region covering the South Pacific and southern South America.

Umbra

- The Moon's dark inner shadow.

- Total solar eclipses are visible from within the umbral shadow.

Moon's umbral shadow crosses the South Pacific Ocean where it makes no landfall except for Mangaia (Cook Islands) and Easter Island (Isla de Pascua).

The path of totality ends just after reaching southern Chile and Argentina.

Since time immemorial eclipse has been significantly associated with our culture. The ancient shashtra mention not to perform any work during Surya Grahan as it is considered to be highly inauspicious. A complete fast is to be taken during the eclipse period. One should not take food at the time of Grahan because it is said that at this time the most harmful rays from the sun can be seen and absorbed. Taking a holy dip at sacred rivers and tirths on the Surya Grahan day is considered to be highly auspicious. One should look at an eclipse through a screen or a reflection of it. A pregnant woman should never look directly at an eclipse. Pregnant women are supposed to not come out of the house, with no sunlight entering either by doors or windows. This is to avoid the harmful rays.

Purify the body by taking a bath and by chanting mantras. Some of the important mantras that are chanted during the Surya Grahan include: Gayatri Mantra, Ashtakshara Mantra, Mahamrityunjay Mantra is also chanted during eclipse. Other mantras chanted are Surya Kavach Strotra and Aditya Hridaya Strotram. It is important that one chants mantras or remembers god in any form at this time to keep calm and the aura clean. All Hindu Temples remain closed during Surya Grahan. Temples open only after proper rituals are performed to get rid of the ill effects of the Surya Grahan.

Surya Grahan (Total Solar Eclipse) that is happening on March 9, 2016 will affect each Zodiac sign, Scroll down to take a look:

Aries – Arians, this year eclipse will bring many beneficial results to your life. You will live your life with joy.

Taurus – Taureans, this eclipse will give you the chance to realise that happiness is the secret to all beauty. Hence, you will be rewarded with prosperous moments.

Gemini – The eclipse that is falling this year will recommend you; not to take any negative comments seriously. Be brave and feel motivated.

Cancer – Cancerians, you need to take care of yourself during this phase. The key message for you is to know ‘Health is Wealth’.

Leo – Lions, if someone is trying to bring you down, it means you are above them. During this phase people might envy you.

Virgo – Happiness will knock your doors and many cherishable moments will be relished by you Virgonians.

Libra – This eclipse might prove to be a little bit troublesome for you Librans. But not to worry, as happiness equivalent for all troublesome situations.

Scorpio – Scorpions, an agony of doubt might create problems in your life. Thus, try to avoid such things during this phase.

Sagittarius – A great news for you Sagittarians. Money will enter in your life due to this Surya Grahan.

Capricorn – Capricorns, be alert as during this phase someone might try to harm you. So don’t let anyone make your cuts turn into bruise.

Aquarius – Aquarians, you also need to be careful as someone might plan strategies against you soon. So, be aware in all the steps you take.

Pisces – Pisceans, soon your expenditure values might get increased. You are suggested to keep control on your budget.