Astrologers on Rakhi (Rakshabandhan) Muhurta

I recently read one article on Internet that suggests that the sisters should tie Rakhi on brothers' hand before 11 am on the day of Rakshabandan. The suggested reason is that the Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) is coinciding with Rakshabandhan this year. Grahan is not considered good for any auspicious event. The Lunar eclipse is starting from 11.53 pm and will end at 5.27am next day for the city that the article had been published. The article states though the eclipse is starting late night, no auspicious task should be taken 12 hours before and after it. Article further states that the condition is worsening as the eclipse coincides with the season of kalsarpa dosha which is a time for disasters.

In my opinion, this is another example of how astrologers unnecessary create panic and confusion in public's mind without talking anything specific. The eclipse, as mentioned, starts almost late night and defining it precisely 12 hours doesn't make any sense to me. Will the eclipse will suddenly start showing effects from one minute after 11am? In my opinion, if 11am is safe so does 12noon.

Also the point that it is coinciding with Kalsarpa dosha is ridiculous. Kalsarpa dosha in itself is not accepted by all astrologers and it is a topic of debate among astrologer community. There is no evidence of existence of this dosha in any of our classical texts. This is a known secret in astrologers fraternity that Kalsarpa doshs is a tool for scaring people and making more money by prescribing shanti and parihar. Kalsarpa dosha is a topic for another post but my suggestion is not to worry and continue your schedule without any fear and worry for eclipse or kalsarpa dosha. If you want so, though, you can follow the dincharya (daily routine) suggested for eclipse.

Related Posts:
1. Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) Calculator
2. Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) Calculator

Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) Calculator

Today we passed the date of Surya Grahan, and now we are close to the date of Chandra Grahan that will be seen on 16th August 2008.

The eclipse timings for Delhi is as follows -

Partial Eclipse begins: 07:13 AM IST
Total Eclipse begins: 08:31 AM IST
Mid Eclipse: 08:56 AM IST
Total Eclipse ends: 09:21 AM IST
Partial Eclipse ends: 10:39 AM IST

You can also check the eclipse timings for your city at http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/JLEX/JLEX-index.html. This is a nice free utility given by NASA which can calculate Lunar Eclipse timings accurately.

Related Posts:
1. Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) Calculator

Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) Calculator

You might be knowing that there is partial solar eclipse on August 1st, 2008. Solar Eclipse has given a lot of importance in Hinduism. At the time of the eclipse, people are suggested to bathe in the sacred rivers. They should do charitable acts. They should donate cows, money and gold. One is suggested not not to take food during the eclipse. One should take food only after seeing the sun free from the eclipse. Pregnant women are advised not to see the eclipse otherwise the child born may have some kind of defect. Householders are forbidden from sexual intercourse on the day of the eclipse, for the same reason. Eclipse time is also considered very auspicious for sadhana (spiritual practice).

Khandgrass Surya Grahan Timings in India
August 1, 2008 (15.50 IST to 18.08 IST)
It will be visible everywhere in India.

Sutak time
The Sutak will start from 3.50 a.m. (IST) of Aug 1, 2008 and continue till 6.00 p.m. (IST) or sunset of the same day whichever is earlier.

Partial Eclipse beginning and end timings
City Hrs (IST)
Delhi 16.03 to 17.57
Mumbai 16.27 to 18.04
Chennai 16.41 to 18.08
Kolkotta 16.18 to 18.03
Bangalore 16.42 to 18.07
Jammu 15.54 to 17.51
Ahemdabad 16.16 to 18.01
Guwahati 16.11 to 17.58
Hyderabad 16.30 to 18.06
in other locations, (+,-) 5-10 minutes to the above time.

If you are in some other city or country, still you can find out exact timings of solar eclipse for you. There is one very nice utility given on nasa website for calculating exact timing for Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipse at http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/JSEX/JSEX-index.html.