Chandra Grahan: Drawing Lines Between Science and Mythology

A country where worshipping forms of nature is just as common as worshipping the deities. You must have heard of many regional festivals in India where worshipping agricultural produce, animals, or even mountains is normal. However, Indians participate equally in various astronomical events connected with mythology. Chandra Grahan or lunar eclipse is one of them. With the fusion of multiple beliefs and scientific discoveries, let’s discover the significance of Chandra Grahan and its associated tales.

Chandra Grahan 2025: Dates and Timings

The year 2025 is expected to experience two Chandra Grahans. The first Chandra Grahan is on 14th March 2025, which is a Friday just one day after Holika Dahan. While the lunar eclipse is expected on this day, it shall not be visible in India. It is expected to be seen in North America, South America, some parts of Europe, as well as Africa. The second lunar eclipse will take place on 7th September 2025, which is a Sunday. This Chandra Grahan shall be visible across India. The eclipse is expected to begin at 8:58 p.m. and end by 2:25 a.m. on 8th September 2025. It is also expected that the moon shall appear deep red on this day. The timings are based on predictions and can vary according to the astronomical calculations.

Mythologies Associated With Chandra Grahan in India

1. Tale of Rahu and Ketu (Samudra Manthan)

The deities or the astrological planets that we know are differently connected to mythologies. These stories and their connection with astrological events create even more intrigue for enthusiasts. One of the popular stories about the Chandra Grahan (lunar eclipse) is found in the Puranas. It is common to know that good and bad are always in conflict. Such was the case of gods (devas) and demons (asuras) in the past.

The gods were led by Indra, and they lost their strength due to a curse from Sage Durvasa. Hence, they figured out a way to regain their power. That is when Lord Vishnu advised them to churn the ocean to obtain Amrit (nectar of immortality). Surprisingly, the Mandara mountain was used as a churning rod. Vasuki, a snake, was used as a rope. The devas held the tail of the serpent while the Asuras held the head. They pulled back and forth to churn the ocean. As the nectar emerged, the asuras wanted it all. The devas wanted to consume amrit before the asuras.

Knowing of the conflict, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a beautiful woman named Mohini. She was then given the responsibility to distribute nectar and only served the devas. One of the asuras named Swarbhanu disguised himself as a deva to consume nectar. The sun god and moon god recognised the asura and alerted Lord Vishnu. 

What next? Before the nectar could pass below his throat, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to behead Swarbhanu. However, it was known later that Swarbhanu did consume a few drops of the nectar, thereby making him immortal. His head became Rahu and the headless body became Ketu.

Filled with anger, Rahu promised to take revenge on the Sun and Moon for exposing him. Rahu now chases the Sun (Surya) and the Moon (Chandra) across the sky. Whenever Rahu catches the Moon, he swallows it, thereby causing a Chandra Grahan (lunar eclipse). Since Rahu is only a head and has no stomach, the Moon reappears after some time, which ends the eclipse.

2. Ghatotkacha in the Kurukshetra War

Ghatotkacha was the son of Bhima and the demon princess Hidimba. It is believed that darkness at night enhanced powers of demons. Since he was half-demon (Rakshasa), he had the ability to fight courageously during night. It was the 14th day of the war when Ghatotkacha wrecked the Kaurava army by creating havoc. Mythology suggests that a lunar eclipse occurred on this night making him an unstoppable force.

Did you know, once Ghatotkacha travelled to the Mayong village in Assam for special powers? Known for its occult practices and powerful sorcery, Ghatotkacha learnt secret techniques of magic and enhanced his strength here.

3. Sage Gautama’s Curse

Did you know Sage Gautama was a highly respected and powerful rishi (sage)? He was best known for his wisdom and righteousness. Even his wife Ahalya was created by Lord Brahma. She was extremely beautiful among all the women around. They lived in an ashram practising devotion. 

Mythology suggests that Lord Indra was infatuated by her beauty and disguised himself as Gautama to enter their hut. When Sage Gautama returned and saw Indra leaving his ashram, he realised the disguising trick. Some versions of the story suggest that Lord Chandra was involved in helping Indra by acting as a lookout and distracting Gautama. Hence, Gautama cursed Lord Chandra, leading to his periodic fading (Chandra Grahan). Traditions believe that Chandra Grahan occurs due to Gautama’s curse.

Rituals Followed on Chandra Grahan in India

Chandra Grahan (lunar eclipse) is a significant celestial event in India. While it is a scientific phenomenon for the world, the case remains different with India. The event is connected with spiritual, religious and astrological aspects. In fact, people across different communities and tribes follow various rituals and beliefs. It is believed that certain practices protect against negative energies and maintain purity. So, let’s understand the unexplored rituals on Chandra Grahan.

1. Avoiding Food and Water

Considering the mythological curses, it is believed that the moon’s energies are disturbed during Chandra Grahan. Hence, all the food and water become impure during this time. A lot of Hindu devotees avoid eating or drinking for the entire duration of the eclipse.

2. Chanting Mantras and Prayers

Chandra Grahan is believed to bring negative energies throughout its duration. Hence, many people chant powerful Vedic mantras to protect themselves. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is chanted for health and the removal of evil energies. You can also chant the Chandra Beej Mantra for strengthening the mind and removing bad karma. Praying to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Goddess Durga is common on this day.

3. Avoiding Temple Visits 

Most local as well as famous temples in India usually remain closed during the Chandra Grahan. It is believed that negative energies can affect the purity of deities. Idol worship is generally restricted on this day to minimise the effect of the eclipse. Hence, you can avoid visiting places of worship and choose to chant God’s name for protection right from your home.

4. Participating in Charitable Activities 

A lot of cities in India experience interesting, unique rituals on Chandra Grahan. The underprivileged people of the society get out after the eclipse to ask for food and money. They plead with others to offer them any food or clothing. Donating in this form is considered highly auspicious. It is believed to cure any ill effects of the Chandra Grahan. Most of the time, grains, milk, silver, white clothes and rice are donated to the poor. You can even choose to donate these things to Brahmins to remove doshas (negative effects).

5. Protecting Pregnant Women

This ritual is indeed interesting, as you might not get to see this everywhere. Chandra Grahan is an important day for pregnant women in India, as they need to take special care of their little ones. Most families put curtains on windows so that the darkness of the sky does not reflect in the house.

Strict precautions are followed to protect the unborn baby. Expecting mothers are not allowed to cut anything with a knife or scissors. Even stitching and going outdoors are prohibited. Many also believe that placing a coconut or iron object nearby is good for the wellness of the baby. Lastly, some apply turmeric or sandalwood paste on the belly to ward off negative influences.

Tribal Rituals on Chandra Grahan 

Many tribes of India, including Santhal, Bhil and Gond, believe that an eclipse occurs when a demon or serpent swallows the moon. Hence, they perform special prayers to the sun and moon gods. Let’s explore the practices tribals follow on Chandra Grahan.

• They burn sacred herbs to purify the environment.
• They often beat drums, blow conch shells and make loud noises. It is believed that loud sounds can drive away negative energies.
• Some tribes in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha observe a fast during the eclipse. They also organise a communal feast later. Certain tribes indulge in sacrificial prayers.
• They break coconuts or indulge in animal sacrifices to appease their gods. This is done to prevent disasters.
• They light sacred fires and offer grains, fruits and milk to their deities.
• Few tribes in Northeast and Central India believe that bathing in a river or pond during an eclipse cleanses them from bad luck.
• On the contrary, fishermen and coastal tribes avoid going near the sea, assuming that the waters become unstable during the Chandra Grahan.

To learn about these tribes, you can stay at hotels near Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum Bhopal and visit the museums dedicated to them.

Chandra Grahan: From the Astrological Point of View

With a lot of beliefs in India, you are certain to come across weird, intriguing or superstitious rituals followed on Chandra Grahan. Astrologers see the lunar eclipse as an opportunity to reduce negative energies. Many of them recommend wearing gemstones. They even suggest chanting Rahu and Ketu mantras on this day. You can even see special havan (fire rituals) to reduce the ill planetary effects. Even those affected by Chandra Dosha (moon-related afflictions) perform special pujas during the eclipse.

On the other hand, tantric practitioners hold different beliefs on this day. Chandra Grahan is a powerful time for spiritual growth for them. They believe that practising deep meditation helps one stay protected from evil. Some even believe that darkness inspires the Rakshasa to perform tantric practices, including black magic and sorcery. Hence, the only way to channel energies is to indulge in meditation.

Traditional vs Scientific Understanding of Chandra Grahan

In ancient times, people believed that negative forces or demons swallowed the moon. As the lunar eclipses were seen as cosmic omens, people continued to carry these beliefs from generation to generation. Communities gathered to form their personal belief systems, leading to an overall environment of assumptions. That’s exactly why Chandra Grahan is still considered inauspicious in the country.

On the other hand, modern science explains that a lunar eclipse is a natural celestial phenomenon. It occurs when Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon. It casts a shadow on the moon’s surface, which has nothing to do with the disturbance of energies. Scientists have even dismissed fears of food contamination or negative radiation. Many researchers clarify an eclipse has no direct impact on health. Instead of fear, astronomers and space enthusiasts celebrate lunar eclipses as fascinating astronomical events.

Modern-Day Relevance of Chandra Grahan 

Even in today’s time, traditional beliefs encircle the minds of Indians. It still remains to be a significant event; however, its meaning has evolved with advancements in science. While many follow the ancient ritual, you can also find enthusiasts in the field of astronomy and space exploration. Chandra Grahan is now seen as an exciting celestial phenomenon for individuals who aspire to study the cosmic event deeply.

Even space research organisations like ISRO and NASA actively promote scientific awareness among the public. You can be a part of live eclipse broadcasts, telescope viewings and educational programs. Such initiatives help people appreciate the phenomenon of an eclipse without fear. Major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune have been key places to promote stargazing events, thereby connecting people to knowledge. If you, too, find it intriguing, you can easily book affordable hotels in Mumbai via the Treebo Club website or app during such events.

While scientific institutes play a major role in reducing fear, we cannot forget the impact of social media. The rise of social media has helped in both spreading scientific facts and reinforcing myths about Chandra Grahan. You can see multiple posts and videos on the topic rolling over different media platforms. A lot of these videos also shed light on cultural traditions and explain why certain rituals are followed in modern times.

Final Words on Chandra Grahan!

Chandra Grahan fascinates humanity in various ways. It blends mythology, science and spiritual aspects of the bygone eras. The fusion of scientific reasoning and traditional practices allows people to experience the eclipse in both ways. While some see it as a natural wonder, others see it as a moment of spiritual significance. Now that you know all about Chandra Grahan, see what fits you the best and celebrate the day with heartfulness.