Eclipses are natural set of events that define the beauty of nature and at the same time, help us understand its powder. A Lunar or moon eclipse occurs when the Earth comes under the shadow of the moon. On March 3, the year’s first and most special total lunar eclipse will appear in the sky. The total lunar eclipse is a full moon, which is also known as Blood Moon, because of the reddish colour of the Moon during the event. It gets this unique colour because of the shadow formed by the Earth when it passes directly between the Sun and the Moon.
An eclipse is not just a celestial event that excites our curiosity, but it is also a time which can be utilized to get maximum benefits from spiritual practices. Hence a lot of chanting, prayers and meditation is done at this time. It is often forbidden to cook food or eat during an eclipse.
As per experts, an eclipse has a profound inward pull on our consciousness and so it is the ideal time to pray, offering energy to ourselves and others. In an eclipse there is heightened energy that impacts the environment and our internal system in many different ways. Digestion and metabolism become greatly reduced at this time and hence Ayurveda advises that one should refrain from eating during the eclipse and it is ideal to fast during this time.
For those who cannot fast, it is advised to eat light food.
Penumbral phase: 2:14 PM – 4:58 PM
Partial eclipse begins: 3:20 PM
Total lunar eclipse begins: 4:34 PM
Maximum eclipse: 5:03 PM
Total phase ends: 5:32 PM
Eclipse ends completely: between 6:47 PM and 7:53 PM
As per reports, partial or final phases of the eclipse may be visible in many parts of India. It will all depend on the weather.
As per experts, this year the grahan is coinciding with Holi. It is believed that on Purnima Tithi, the rays of the moon that fall on earth are considered auspicious and sacred and people use this time for spiritual purification and perform religious activities.
As per experts, adding tulsi leaves to food water pots, not just prevent bacterial growth but also help in the bounce back of immunity.
As per experts, avoiding hard to digest food, non-vegetarian food, bread, onion, garlic, alcohol or fermented foods is good as they are either hard to metabolize by the body or disrupt the digestive process.
As per modern science, there is no clear link between eating and health issues on the day of eclipse. However, there are ancient beliefs which say that the moon’s cycle impacts the body. It is also believed that any food we consume on the day or during the day of eclipse takes a longer duration to digest and hence it may cause health issues.
As per astrologers, pregnant women should avoid eating or drinking anything during the eclipse. It is believed that eating during this time may increase the complications in pregnancy with Moon-Sun and Rahu-Ketu in the rashifal of the baby.
As per experts, one should only eat sattvik food post eclipse as this food is light and healthy. It is suggested to eat foods like roti, dal, sabzi, and also include haldi in all the foods, as it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help fight certain infections.
It is suggested to add basil leaves in all the eatables including dairy products before the eclipse begins to avoid the negativity of the chandra grahan.
Once the eclipse ends,one should take a shower, also it is suggested to take a shower before the eclipse begins.
It is also suggested to sprinkle Gangajal in the entire house after the eclipse ends. And one should also sprinkle Gangajal on the other members of the family.
One must get involved in Mantra Chanting as it creates positivity around you. It also helps in keeping your mind quiet and calm.
It is also suggested to donate white sesame seeds and wheat flour to the needy as it helps remove Moon dosha.
Post-eclipse, it is suggested to clean the house to remove all the negative aura that spreads in the house during the eclipse.
It is suggested to avoid eating or drinking anything during the duration of eclipse period, as it is considered to be inauspicious.
It is also suggested to avoid drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and also avoid eggs, meats, and sea foods on the day of eclipse.
It is also suggested not to indulge in any cooking or baking activities during the eclipse period, as it can catch all the negativity of the eclipse and eating contaminated food can impact your health.
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