Lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) is an astronomical event that occurs when our planet Earth comes in between sun and the Moon or its shadow falls on the Moon. One important fact about Chandra Grahan is that it occurs only on a full moon night as on this night all these three celestial bodies are almost in the same line.
Indian mythology have some legend behind this astronomical event according to which Moon is swallowed by some demon due to which Lunar eclipse occurs. In 2017, there will be in total two Lunar eclipses to occur. Many precautions and remedies are followed by the people to reduce the ill effects of Chandra Grahan on their lives.
| Eclipse Date | Type Of Eclipse in 2017 | Visibility in India | Places where Grahan will be visible | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11th February, 2017 | Penumbral Lunar Eclipse | Yes | Indian Ocean, Asia, North America, Africa, North America, South America, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Arctic, Europe, Antarctica. | 04:04:14 to 08:23:25 |
| 07th August, 2017 | Partial Chandra Grahan | Yes | India, North America, Africa, Australia & East of Asia, Europe | 10:44 PM - 11:43 PM - 1:59 AM |
Chandra Grahan 2017 will be on February 11 and August 7. Chandra Grahan or Lunar eclipse occurs when Earth comes in between the Sun and the Moon. Due to this, Moon does not receives the light from Sun and the result is total or partial lunar eclipse. It takes place on full Moon day. According to Indian mythology, during lunar eclipse the Moon is being swallowed by the demon Rahu Ketu.
Chandra Grahan also creates negativity in the life of a person. Various rituals are performed during and after Chandra Grahan to come out from the ill effects. The day of grahan starts with a fast which ends after the end of Chandra Grahan. Chandra Grahan Sutak is the time when the negativity of grahan is at its maximum. During this time temples remain closed, Chandra mantras or Chandra puja along with various other mantras are chanted, consuming eatables are avoided, initiation of any important task is avoided, pregnant ladies are strictly advised to remain indoors and numerous other things are also followed. After the end of Chandra Grahan, people take bath in holy water to wash away their sins. Idols are also given holy bath after Chandra Grahan.
