Eclipse Timing (IST)
Totality duration: 1 hour 28 minutes
What is a Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon)?
During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon passes completely through Earth's umbral shadow. Sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere gives the Moon a reddish color, hence called "Blood Moon". This is considered significant in Vedic astrology as the Moon (Chandra) is temporarily obscured by Rahu.
Visibility in India
Limited Visibility - Moon Setting During Eclipse
This eclipse occurs during morning hours in India when the Moon is setting. Only the early penumbral phase will be visible in Eastern India before moonset. Western and Southern India will not see the eclipse.
| City | Visibility | Moonset Time | Phases Visible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guwahati | Partial | 6:05 AM | Very early penumbral only |
| Kolkata | Partial | 5:52 AM | Very early penumbral only |
| Patna | Minimal | 5:50 AM | None (moonset before eclipse) |
| Delhi | Not Visible | 6:15 AM | None (moonset before eclipse) |
| Mumbai | Not Visible | 6:35 AM | None |
| Chennai | Not Visible | 6:10 AM | None |
| Bangalore | Not Visible | 6:20 AM | None |
| Hyderabad | Not Visible | 6:18 AM | None |
Best Visibility Regions: Americas (North and South), Europe, Africa, and Pacific regions will see the complete eclipse.
Sutak Period
Sutak Timing
Lunar eclipse sutak begins 9 hours before the eclipse starts. Since the eclipse is partially visible in Eastern India, sutak should be observed:
Sutak Rules:
- No cooking or eating during sutak period
- Pregnant women should stay indoors
- Do not perform puja or religious ceremonies
- Mantra chanting and meditation are beneficial
Astrological Significance
Moon Position
Moon will be in Virgo (Kanya Rashi) during this eclipse. Virgo moon sign natives should be extra cautious.
Nakshatra
Eclipse occurs in Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra. Those with Moon in this nakshatra may experience significant changes.
Rahu-Ketu Influence
Total eclipse indicates strong Rahu influence. Emotional and mental stability may be challenged.
Effects Duration
Eclipse effects can last 1 month per hour of totality = approximately 1.5 months of impact.
Mantras to Chant
Chandra Gayatri Mantra (108 times)
"Om Chandraya Vidmahe Nakshatra Rajaya Dhimahi Tanno Soma Prachodayat"
ॐ चन्द्राय विद्महे नक्षत्र राजाय धीमहि तन्नो सोम प्रचोदयात्
Chandra Beej Mantra
"Om Shraam Shreem Shraum Sah Chandraya Namah"
ॐ श्रां श्रीं श्रौं सः चन्द्राय नमः
Rahu Shanti Mantra
"Om Rahave Namah" - Chant 18,000 times for complete shanti
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra (For protection)
"Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat"
Precautions During Lunar Eclipse
Pregnant Women
- Stay indoors during entire eclipse
- Do not use sharp objects
- Do not sew, stitch, or cut
- Rest and chant protective mantras
- Wear durva grass for protection
Food Precautions
- Do not eat during sutak period
- Add tulsi/kusha grass to water
- Discard all cooked food after eclipse
- Raw fruits may be consumed if needed
- Drink water only if necessary
Effects by Zodiac Sign
The March eclipse in Virgo will particularly affect:
What to Do After Eclipse
Ritual Bath (Snan)
Take bath after eclipse ends. Add Gangajal, tulsi, or sesame to water. Wash hair and change clothes.
Donate (Daan)
Donate white items: rice, milk, curd, white cloth. Also donate to Brahmins or feed the poor.
Purify Home
Sprinkle Gangajal in all rooms. Light incense and diya. Remove any food prepared before eclipse.
Temple Visit
Visit Shiva or Chandra temple. Offer prayers and light diya for peace and protection.
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