Surya Grahan 2016 Dates & Time

On March 9, 2016 and September 1, 2016 the world will witness Surya Grahan , a phenomenon in the universe that happens when the Moon reaches between the Sun and Earth. As a result the moon's shadow is cast on the Sun, which is either partially or totally covered in darkness. This is a beautiful visual experience when witnessed from Earth. More importantly this occurrence has been a subject of great interest for astronomers and astrologers too.

However, like always, there is a difference in the way astronomers and astrologers will view Surya Grahan on March 9, 2016 which is total solar eclipse. While astronomers are interested in it as heavenly phenomena, astrologers find deep rooted astrological significance. So, while astronomers suggest we watch Surya Grahan on March 9, 2016 & September 1, 2016 taking the necessary precautions, astrologers say that Surya Grahan is an inauspicious phenomenon and should not be seen at all, with or without precaution.

Some Important Details about Surya Grahan 2016

The Surya Grahan on 9th March, 2016 is Total Solar Eclipse. It will be visible in India, Australia, Palau, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia,d Indonesia, taiwan, Japan, China, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean & North Pacific Ocean, South Korea and Guinea. The Surya Grahan on September 1, 2016 is Kankan Surya Grahan or Annular Solar Grahan. It will not be visible in India but will se observed in Africa, South Pole, Madagascar, yemen, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Mozambique and Geban.

As per IST (Indian Standard Time), Surya Grahan will begin on at 05:43 (March 9, 2016) and ends at 06:44 on March 9, 2016 (IST).

Surya Grahan on March 9, 2016 (Total Solar Eclipse)

On the 9th of March, 2016 the world will witness Surya Grahan , a phenomenon in the Universe that happens when the Moon reaches between the Sun and Earth. As a result the moon's shadow is cast on the Sun, which is either partially or totally covered in darkness. This is a beautiful visual experience when witnessed from Earth. More importantly this occurrence has been a subject of great interest for astronomers and astrologers too.

However, like always, there is a difference in the way astronomers and astrologers will view Surya Grahan on 9th of March, 2016. While astronomers are interested in it as heavenly phenomena, astrologers find deep rooted astrological significance. So, while astronomers suggest we watch Surya Grahan taking the necessary precautions, astrologers say that Surya Grahan is an inauspicious phenomenon and should not be seen at all, with or without precaution.

Why is Surya Grahan considered inauspicious in Astrology

There is also an interesting legend regarding the occurrence of Surya Grahan. Legend has it that both the Asuras and the Gods wanted to consume amrit during Samudra Manthan (churning of ocean). The Amrit (elixir) that was obtained from churning the ocean was cunningly stolen by Asuras (Demons). Lord Vishnu disguised himself as Mohini, a beautiful damsel, to win back the Amrit.

The Asuras fell for her beauty and handed over the Amrit to her. Mohini returned to the Devas and started distributing it. Devas sat in a line and Mohini gave a portion to each one of them. Rahu, found out that it was all a trick and took the form of Deva and sat in the line between Chandra (Moon God) and Surya (Sun God). When Mohini approached Rahu, Chandra and Surya realized that it was Rahu the Asura disguised as Deva. Vishnu beheaded Rahu into two. In astrology Rahu Is, depicted in the form of a Snake head and is considered a malefic planet. Belief has it that Rahu continued to live and decided to avenge Surya and Chandra. Thus periodically Rahu engages in a war with Surya and Chandra, which causes Surya and Chandra Grahan .

Things to Do and Not do

Evil forces are said to work during Surya Grahan .Here are guidelines that our panel of astrologers suggest for Surya Grahan on March 9, 2016 & September 1, 2016:

• Don't begin any important work or deal during Grahan period.
• Don't eat at the time of Grahan.
• Don't consume outside food during grahan
• Don't eat the food which is cooked before grahan.
• Don't see the Grahan with the naked eye.
• Do perform ritual bath and Pooja after the Grahan .Taking a holy dip in river or lake is highly auspicious.
• Only eat after the Grahan Kaal
• Do recite the Surya Stotras such as Aditya Hridayam, Maha Mritunjaya Mantram and Vishnu Stotra during graham
• You can observe fasting on the day of Surya Grahan.

Precaution:

Cosmic radiation generated during Surya Grahan , are considered harmful , both by astrologers and scientists. An important precaution that you must take is never see Surya Grahan with naked eyes. In case you choose to watch it , try seeing it through a google, film or binoculars.