Grahan
Every question on the site tagged Grahan, each answered from a timestamped source rather than a summary written from memory.
A solar or lunar eclipse, considered a spiritually potent period for certain rites.
24 notes from our sourcesNotes from our sources
How is the Kalika Kavach applied once siddhi is attained?
After completing 41 or 108 days at the temple, recite the Kavach once or twice daily at home for maintenance; in an emergency, take a fresh Sankalpa naming the individual and recite 108 times.
Why does a penumbral lunar eclipse on Kartik Purnima open a uniquely potent window?
Since Lord Shiva bears a crescent moon rather than a full moon on His forehead, specific energies and Ganas tied to that crescent-moon deity become active and bound by commitment to help — directly or indirectly — specifically during a partial eclipse rather than a total one, making the upcoming penumbral eclipse on Kartik Purnima an unusually potent and rare alignment.
Does the 64 Yogini name-mantra need the Chakra method during an eclipse?
No. The Chakra method is unnecessary — reciting the namavali by itself is more than enough for the eclipse period.
When should a Sabar mantra be recited on eclipse night, and what is offered alongside it?
Recite continuously through the eclipse — by his reckoning from about 9:45 pm to 1:40 am. During the eclipse itself no lamp is needed; japa performed in a temple afterwards requires a Karma-Sakshi lamp, dhoop, fragrant flowers, a sweet Naivedya, and at least nine cloves with camphor lit as Bali.
Where should a family do eclipse japa in Kashi at night?
On the bank of the Ganga, at the ghats. The temple doors will be closed during the eclipse, so seating will not be available everywhere.
Can more than one stotra or mantra be recited during an eclipse?
No. From the eclipse's beginning to its end a single mantra or kavach is recited — only that one becomes Siddh. Break off mid-way and start another and neither will be accomplished.
How does a lunar eclipse complete a mantra's Purashcharana?
Complete the Sankalp and Ganapati pujan before the eclipse begins, start japa four or five minutes before first contact, continue five to ten minutes past the end, then perform the Dashansh Havan, Tarpan, Marjan and Brahman Bhojan the next morning — the Purashcharana is complete and the mantra awakened.
Can eclipse japa be done beside plants growing on a terrace?
Yes — beside Aak, Aparajita, Parijat, Shami or Tulsi. The speaker calls this an entirely divine arrangement.
Is the eclipse sadhana time 9:45 or 10:50 — and which is the main period?
Sadhana runs from 9:45 to 1:40 — that is the full span and where the full fruit lies. The 10:50 figure is the midpoint, when totality sets in; it is named only for someone in genuine physical difficulty who cannot sit the whole time.
Will reciting the Kamakhya kavach during the eclipse accomplish it?
Yes — it will certainly be accomplished, and the speaker tells the questioner to do it.
Can the Jayanti Mangala japa be done on a red sandalwood mala during the eclipse?
Yes. Separate worship of the mala is not specifically required, though it is worshipped anyway within the daily routine — Abhishek and Panchopachar or Shodashopachar worship may be performed.
A listener describes the eclipse practice at Tulja Bhavani — 108 sarees under a white cloth
The speaker had not known of it. At Tulja Bhavani the Goddess is dressed in 108 sarees at once during the lunar eclipse, then covered entirely with a white cloth until the eclipse ends.
When should the Purnima Arghya be given if an eclipse falls that night?
Give it by the afternoon. If it must be given at night and done properly, it can only be after the eclipse has concluded — it cannot be given during Sutak. Reciting from a book during the eclipse is entirely permitted.
Can the Hanuman Chalisa be recited in the eclipse when hostel life prevents full procedure?
Yes — absolutely recite the Hanuman Chalisa.
Can the Durga Saptashati be recited during the eclipse period?
Yes, the full Saptashati recitation can be done — it is not the case that it cannot. But japa is better: choosing one mantra and reciting it throughout the eclipse is superior, even though the Saptashati is itself made of japa mantras.
Where should japa be done if the puja room is closed during the eclipse?
Do it outside the puja room. The puja room stays shut, and no light from outside should reach as far as the deities' space.
If I recite the Saptakshari daily, what should I recite during the eclipse?
The same Saptakshari. If you already recite something daily, recite that during the eclipse period too — that is what will be divine.
Can the Badvanal Stotra be recited for Siddhi during the eclipse?
Yes, but only if it is already your practice. If tomorrow would be the first time you have ever recited it, do not — during an eclipse recite abundantly the thing you have been reciting all along.
Should a kavach or mala be removed during an eclipse?
Nothing is removed. No kavach comes off — everything stays worn throughout.
Can rose water be used to stay awake on the seat during the eclipse?
Yes, of course — the speaker answers in the affirmative and then jokes that putting rose water properly in the eyes will burn enough that sleep flees splendidly.
How is the Sankalp for mantra Siddhi taken during an eclipse — mentally or aloud?
Complete the Ganapati pujan and the Sankalp before Sutak begins, not after. Then in the evening recall it mentally as being under the previously uttered Sankalp. And take the Sankalp aloud — not mentally.
Can the Badvanal Stotra be used as a Sakam Prayoga during the eclipse?
No. The speaker says only wicked people perform Prayoga during an eclipse, to harm others. Practitioners and servants of the right path should do japa of their Ishta's mantra, attempt its Siddhi, and perform Bhajan — accomplish the Badvanal, never apply it.
Do the mala and other items need purification and fire-contact after eclipse Sutak?
No. Fire-contact belongs to death and birth Sutak, not to eclipse Sutak. Sprinkle Gangajal, or plain water with a Tulsi leaf, and everything is purified — there is no provision for fire-contact in it.
What are the closing instructions for Pitru Paksha and the eclipse?
Perform as much service and worship on behalf of the ancestors as possible during the Paksha beginning the next day, take the benefit of the eclipse period, and — for those living in the Ganga region or other divine sites — take the benefit of those places.
No notes match "".