Chandra Grahan | Understanding the Lunar Eclipse | Astral Impacts

Chandra Grahan that finds mention in the astrology, astronomy and Hindu Puranas is a mesmerizing celestial event that has fascinated humanity for millennia.

It is a celestial event that invites reflection, spiritual practices, and a sense of community. Whether observed for its spiritual benefits or followed for cultural practices, Chandra Grahan remains a captivating and revered occurrence in Hindu beliefs.

Chandra Graha or Planet Moon

Chandra Graha or Planet Moon, plays a significant role in a person’s birth chart and helps enhance their personality. As per Vedic Astrology, the moon is also associated with moods, feelings, memory, charm, sensitivity, growth, popularity, and emotions. Afflictions on the moon can cause various problems that can negatively impact our lives. Therefore, one must perform certain rituals to overcome them to achieve the best results.

What Puranas say about Grahana?

Rahu and Ketu are considered to be the two halves of the immortal Asura (demon) Swarbhanu, who was beheaded by the Lord Vishnu. Rahu-Ketu had to be maintained separate from each other by Soorya and Chandra to prevent them gaining strength. Hence, Rahu and Ketu keep attacking Soorya and Chandra causing Grahan (Eclipses). They try to completely devour the Sun and Moon. Rahu periodically engages in a war with Surya and Chandra. The Chandra Grahan (Lunar eclipse) when Rahu tries to gobble up Moon. Surya Grahan (Solar eclipse) takes place when Rahu tries to gobble up Sun. Surya and Chandra then fights to free themselves.

Puranic Background of Grahana or Eclipse

Puranas mention the reason for the birth of Rahu Ketu which is associated with Doorvasa Maharshi cursing Lord Indra and all the Devatas to lose their Divya Shakti (Divine powers) and their immortality. Indra requested the holy sage’s forgiveness. Danavas or the demons, learning this curse, attacked the Swargaloka (Heavens) and occupied the whole universe. The displaced Devatas led by Indra approached Lord Brahma for help, who in turn guided them to Lord Vishnu.

Amrit Manthan – The Great Churn

Lord Vishnu made a plan and suggested Devas to approach Danavas or Asuras and ask them for their co-operation in churning the Ksheera Sagar (Milky Ocean) to obtain ‘Amrit’, the elixir or nectar of immortality. They started churning using Mount Mandhara and the great Serpent Vasuki. Several interesting objects emerged. Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling cow, celestial horse Ucchaishravas, Airavat, the celestial elephant, the Kausthubha gem, the Kalpa-Vriksha (wish-fulfilling tree), Apsaras, the beautiful celestials maids, Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and finally Dhanvantari.

Dhanvantari Avatar

Dhanvantari, the god of medicine, appeared holding the pot of amrita. The Asuras forcefully snatched it from Dhanvantari, and refused to give it to Devatas. Lord Vishnu then incarnated as Mohini, the enchantress, the most beautiful female form in the universe. Mohini successfully took control of the vessel with elixir of immortality and she suggested Devatas and Danavas to sit in different rows, so that she distributed Amrit among them.

Birth of Rahu and Ketu

One demon named Swarbhanu, disguised himself and was able to sit in the row of Devatas and swallowed the nectar given to him. Soorya and Chandra noticed this beguile and they informed Mohini. Vishnu as Mohini cut off his head with Sudarshan Chakra. However, Swarbhanu having consumed Amrit had become immortal. He could not die, but his head separated from his body.

These separated head and body came to be referred as Rahu and Ketu. These separated bodies tried to attack Soorya and Chandra and devour them.

Rahu and Ketu prayed to Lord Vishnu. He placed them in the Celestial group of Grahas, giving them a boon.

Rahu-Ketu Gochara Phala And Vedic Astrology

In Vedic Astrology, of all the nine planets, Rahu and Ketu have a special significance.

It is mentioned in Gochara Phala that Rahu brings ‘Bahubalam’ or physical strength. Planet Ketu brings ‘Kulasya Unnathi’, or rise and upliftment of the whole family. Rahu and Kethu transition from one zodiac sign to another happens once in eighteen months. Both the planets always travel & transit simultaneously.

Read more about Rahu-Ketu Gochara And Rahu-Ketu Gochaara Parihara Homam here:

Rahu-Ketu Gochaara Parihara Homam

Significance of Chandra Grahan

In the Hindu culture, eclipses, both solar and lunar, are believed to carry significant astrological and spiritual implications. They are viewed as a time for increased introspection, meditation, and spiritual practices. The darkening of the Moon during a lunar eclipse symbolizes the unseen and unconscious aspects of the self, urging individuals to reflect on their hidden emotions and subconscious mind.

Conduct during Chandra Grahan

During a lunar eclipse, specific actions and behaviours are advised in the Hindu culture. It is common to fast during the eclipse and engage in spiritual activities such as chanting prayers, mantras (Jaap), or hymns. It is advised that, individuals refrain from consuming food or water a few hours before the eclipse and until it concludes, breaking their fast only after the ritualistic bath and offering prayers.

Rituals to Perform

Purification and Cleansing: Before the eclipse, individuals often take a ritualistic bath or dip in sacred rivers to cleanse themselves spiritually.

Meditation and Prayer: Devotees engage in meditation and prayer to enhance their spiritual connection during this period of heightened cosmic energy.

Offering to Deities: Making offerings to deities is a common practice, symbolizing reverence and seeking blessings.

Chanting Mantras: Recitation of specific mantras is believed to enhance the spiritual experience and aid in self-reflection.

Charity and Donations: Giving to the less fortunate is encouraged during eclipses, promoting a sense of community and empathy.

Benefits of Observing Chandra Grahan

Spiritual Growth: The introspective nature of eclipses provides an opportunity for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and inner development.

Enhanced Focus: Fasting and engaging in spiritual practices during an eclipse can improve concentration and focus in one’s life.

Cleansing and Purification: Many see eclipses as a time for cleansing and purifying the mind, body, and soul.

Cautions during Chandra Grahan

Health Concerns:

Fasting during an eclipse can be strenuous, and individuals with health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before participating.

Pregnancy and Conception:

In some cultures, pregnant women are advised to stay indoors and avoid any strenuous activity during an eclipse.

What Rashis are affected by Chandra Grahana 2023?

Those born under Mesha Rashi with Ashwini Nakshatram are likely to undergo Ashubha phala (Malefic Effects) as per almanac.

What Nakshatra-Born are affected by Chandra Grahana 2023?

Anyone born in the Nakshatra, Ashwini (1^st Paada) or the Revati (4^th Paada) are likely to be affected due to the reading as ‘GANDAANT PAADAS POSITION’.

This means ending of a Nakshatram and the beginning of Nakshatram, where a knot is tied or connected.

Note: Those in at the age of 18-20 and 36-38 born in Revathi Nakshatra and Ashvini Nakshatra have to exercise most care.

Would you like to know more about your Nakshatra?

What Should You know About Your Nakshatra?

Chandra Grahan Remedies

It is recommended that, those affected by Chandra Grahan perform or participate in Dhanvantari Homam with Navagraha Shanti Homam. Offering Abhishekam with milk is believed to be beneficial.

Dhanvantari Homam | Chandra Grahana Special | Srirangapatna, 29th Oct.

Chandra Grahana Mantras Chant

There are several Mantras you can choose to chant on the day of Chandra Grahana.

Chandra Shanti Mantras

|| सोमाय नमः ||

|| ಸೋಮಾಯ ನಮಃ ||

|| somAya namaH ||

or

|| दिव्यशंखतुषाराभं क्षीरोदार्णवसंभवं |

| नमामि शशिनं भक्त्या शंभोर्मुकुटभूषणं ||

|| ದಿವ್ಯ ಶಂಖತುಷಾರಾಭಂ ಕ್ಷೀರೋದಾರ್ಣವಸಂಭವಂ |

| ನಮಾಮಿ ಶಶಿನಂ ಭಕ್ತ್ಯಾ ಶಂಭೋರ್ಮುಕುಟಭೂಷಣಂ ||

|| divyaSaMKatuShArABaM kShIrOdArNavasaMBavaM |

| namAmi SaSinaM BaktyA SaMBOrmukuTaBUShaNaM ||

Chandra Grahan Shanti Mantra

योसौ वज्रधरो देव: आदित्यानां प्रभुर्मत: ।

सहस्रनयन: शक्रो ग्रहपीडां व्यपोहतु ।

मुखं य: सर्वदेवानां सप्तार्चिरमितद्युति: ।

सूर्य परागसंभूतां अग्ने: पीडां व्यपोहतु।

य: कर्मसाक्षी लोकानां धर्मो महिषवाहन: ।

यमश्चंद्रोपरागोत्थां ग्रहपीडां व्यपोहतु ।

रक्षोगणाधिप: साक्षात् नीलांजनसमप्रभ: ।

खड्गहस्तोऽतिभीमश्च ग्रहपीडां व्यपोहतु ॥

नागपाशधरो देव: सदा मकरवाहन: ।

स जलाधिपतिर्देव: ग्रहपीडां व्यपोहतु ॥

प्राणरूपो हि लोकानां सदा कृष्णमृगप्रिय: ।

वायुश्चंद्रोपरागोत्थां ग्रहपीडां व्यपोहतु ॥

योऽसौ निधिपतिर्देव: खड्गशूलगदाधर: ।

सूर्य परागकलुषं धनदोऽत्र व्यपोहतु ।

योऽसाविंदुधरो देव: पिनाकी वृषवाहन: ।

सूर्य परागपापानि स नाशयतु शंकर:॥

त्रैलोक्ये यानि भूतानि स्थावराणि चराणि च।

ब्रह्मविष्णुर्करुद्राश्च दहंतु मम पातकं ॥

ಯೋಸೌ ವಜ್ರಧರೋ ದೇವ: ಆದಿತ್ಯಾನಾಂ ಪ್ರಭುರ್ಮತ: |

ಸಹಸ್ರನಯನ: ಶಕ್ರೋ ಗ್ರಹಪೀಡಾಂ ವ್ಯಪೋಹತು |

ಮುಖಂ ಯ: ಸರ್ವದೇವಾನಾಂ ಸಪ್ತಾರ್ಚಿರಮಿತದ್ಯುತಿ: |

ಸೂರ್ಯ/ ಪರಾಗಸಂಭೂತಾಂ ಅಗ್ನೇ: ಪೀಡಾಂ ವ್ಯಪೋಹತು|

ಯ: ಕರ್ಮಸಾಕ್ಷೀ ಲೋಕಾನಾಂ ಧರ್ಮೋ ಮಹಿಷವಾಹನ: |

ಯಮ: ಸೂರ್ಯಪರಾಗ ಸಂಭೂತಾಂ ಗ್ರಹಪೀಡಾಂ ವ್ಯಪೋಹತು |

ರಕ್ಷೋಗಣಾಧಿಪ: ಸಾಕ್ಷಾತ್ ನೀಲಾಂಜನಸಮಪ್ರಭ: |

ಖಡ್ಗಹಸ್ತೋಽತಿಭೀಮಶ್ಚ ಗ್ರಹಪೀಡಾಂ ವ್ಯಪೋಹತು ||

ನಾಗಪಾಶಧರೋ ದೇವ: ಸದಾ ಮಕರವಾಹನ: |

ಸ ಜಲಾಧಿಪತಿರ್ದೇವ: ಗ್ರಹಪೀಡಾಂ ವ್ಯಪೋಹತು ||

ಪ್ರಾಣರೂಪೋ ಹಿ ಲೋಕಾನಾಂ ಸದಾ ಕೃಷ್ಣಮೃಗಪ್ರಿಯ: |

ವಾಯುಶ್ಚ  ಸೂರ್ಯ ಪರಾಗೋತ್ಥಾಂ ಗ್ರಹಪೀಡಾಂ ವ್ಯಪೋಹತು ||

ಯೋಽಸೌ ನಿಧಿಪತಿರ್ದೇವ: ಖಡ್ಗಶೂಲಗದಾಧರ: |

ಸೂರ್ಯ ಪರಾಗಕಲುಷಂ ಧನದೋಽತ್ರ ವ್ಯಪೋಹತು |

ಯೋಽಸಾವಿಂದುಧರೋ ದೇವ: ಪಿನಾಕೀ ವೃಷವಾಹನ: |

ಸೂರ್ಯ ಪರಾಗಪಾಪಾನಿ ವಿನಾಶಯತು ಶಂಕರ:||

ತ್ರೈಲೋಕ್ಯೇ ಯಾನಿ ಭೂತಾನಿ ಸ್ಥಾವರಾಣಿ ಚರಾಣಿ ಚ|

ಬ್ರಹ್ಮವಿಷ್ಣುರ್ಕರುದ್ರಾಶ್ಚ ದಹಂತು ಮಮ ಪಾತಕಂ ||

Chandra Stotram – A part of Navagraha Mantras

Learn chanting Chandra Stotram here:

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