After 12 years Chandra Grahan or Lunar eclipse is falling on Rakhi on 7th August 2017 and timings will be from 1 pm IST until 9 pm IST, According to Hindu astrologers the Shubh Mahurat for Rakhi thread ceremony is from 11:05 am to 1 pm IST. As per to hindu beliefs, one must avoid certain things during Chandra Grahan In Hinduism and Pooja vidhi after Grahan holds great importance during Surya Grahan and Chandra Grahan. it is the inauspicious time when the Earth atmosphere is contaminated and extra precautions should be taken to avoid any harmful side effects due to contamination. Its duration During Solar Eclipse is of 4 Prahars and during Lunar Eclipse Sutak is observed for 3 Prahars before Eclipse.
Eating during Grahan – It is believed that all food items either solid or liquid are prohibited during Sutak and Eclipse. Hence eating should be avoided during twelve hours before Solar Eclipse and during nine hours before Lunar Eclipse. However, for children, sick and old people are considered an exception to eclipse and food limitation is restricted to only single Prahar or 3 hours.
Prohibited Activities – There are certain things which are believed to be prohibited during grahan such as drinking water, Mal-Mutra Visarjan, oil massage, involving in sexual activities. combing hair and brushing teeth
Precaution During Pregnancy -Pregnant women are strictly advised not to go out during Eclipse. As It is believed that malefic effects of Rahu and Ketu due to contamination can make the baby handicapped or disabled and the probability of miscarriage is increased. Pregnant women are also advised not go for activities like stitching or cutting of clothes as these activities have similar effects on the baby.
Mantra to chant during Lunar Eclipse:
तमोमय महाभीम सोमसूर्यविमर्दन।
हेमताराप्रदानेन मम शान्तिप्रदो भव॥
Rituals After Chandra Grahan: It is advised to not to consume any cooked food and only freshly cooked food should be consumed after Eclipse. The food items like wheat, rice, other cereals, and pickles should be protected by adding Kusha grass or Tulasi leaves. Once eclipse is over one should take bath and should make offerings or charity to Brahmins. Making such offerings after Eclipse is considered highly beneficial.
