Believe it or not: Indian myths and superstitions around the solar eclipse

[prasad1]

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A total solar eclipse. Picture for representational purpose. Picture courtesy: Pinterest/Corinne Cavanagh

Why? Eclipses, or grahan, are considered inauspicious according to Hindu mythology. The sun, which is worshipped as a major life force in the universe, disappears during the solar eclipse, making it an omen of all things evil. Naturally, then, some rituals are conducted to minimise the negative effects of this natural phenomenon.


The Sun, the Moon and the demon, Rahu
The story of eclipses in Hindu mythology dates back to the samudra manthan, as described in both Bhagawat and Vishnu Puranas. After the amrit or elixir of immortality was churned out of the ocean, the Devas used the apsara Mohini to trick the Asuras out of its share. One of the Asuras, Svarbhanu, disguised himself as a Deva, and sat between the Sun and the Moon for a drink of the elixir.

When Vishnu came closer, the Sun and the Moon revealed that Svarbhanu was a demon. By this time, however, Svarbhanu had already sipped on the drink. Vishnu immediately cut off his head, but since the demon had already swallowed a bit of the nectar, his head became immortal.

The head, known as a separate entity called Rahu (the detached body came to be known as Ketu), then swore vengeance against the Sun and the Moon for depriving him of the elixir. So, from time to time, Rahu catches up with the Sun and the Moon, and swallows them. The incident doesn't last long because Rahu has no hands to grab onto these two celestial gods.

Rituals that protect and purify​

Rahu kaal is definitely considered to be highly inauspicious. Superstitions surrounding the eclipses state that harmful agents are at play during these periods, and so, every action should be guided by the utmost caution during eclipses. The absence of the sun's rays can increase the amount of bacteria and germs in the atmosphere, thereby polluting people.

Here are some of the things that people do and don't do during solar eclipses:

1. Worshipping or touching gods is strictly prohibited during this period. Even temple doors usually stay closed during eclipses. After the eclipse ends, the idols are supposed to be washed with Ganga water to purify them.

2. Meditation, chanting hymns or mantras and singing devotional songs during an eclipse are supposed to protect one from the evil effects.

3. The rules dictate that no food should be cooked during the eclipse. Leftovers are finished off before the period of the eclipse. Some people in India leave tulsi or Indian basil leaves on cooked food items, and cover them to keep them safe.

4. Sleeping, urination, defecation, sexual intercourse and makeup are also prohibited during the eclipse.

5. Pregnant women are considered to be especially susceptible to the evil forces during eclipses. Not only are they supposed to abstain from activities like cutting vegetables and stitching clothes, but in some parts of India, they're not even supposed to sit with their legs crossed.

6. After the eclipse is over, people are directed to take a bath, and change into fresh and clean clothes. Sprinkling of Ganga water or taking a dip in the Ganga is also supposed to wash away the evil done by the eclipse.

While natural phenomenons like solar and lunar eclipses have been explained by science and scientists in details--even Aryabhata, the Indian scientist, gave the perfect scientific explanation for it in the fifth century--religion lies in the domain of faith in the unknown.

You may or may not believe in these superstitions around the total solar eclipse, but they manage to comfort those who believe in mythical celestial events find comfort in them.

Believe it or not: Indian myths and superstitions around the solar eclipse

While India won't be witnessing the total solar eclipse today, the rituals surrounding it will be followed.

www.indiatoday.in

 

[prasad1]

Superstition around eclipses in Hinduism comes from a blend of mythic storytelling, astrological symbolism, and cultural continuity. What began as awe and fear of a cosmic event became ritualized over centuries. The challenge now is to shift from fear-based superstition to meaning-based practice.

 

[prasad1]

Scientific Effects of Eclipses on Humans
Eye Damage Risk: The only direct physical danger is looking at the Sun without protection during a solar eclipse. Even when partially covered, the Sun’s rays can burn the retina, causing solar retinopathy and sometimes permanent vision loss.

Circadian Rhythm Disruption: The sudden drop in light can briefly confuse the body’s biological clock. Some people report mild fatigue or a “jet lag” effect.

Psychological Impact: Eclipses often trigger awe, unease, or heightened emotions. Psychologists note that rare cosmic events can increase stress hormones in sensitive individuals, but they can also inspire deep reflection and humility.

Environmental Effects: During an eclipse, temperature and wind patterns shift briefly, which can affect animals and plants. Birds may roost, insects quiet down, and flowers close as if night has fallen.

Traditional Beliefs in Hinduism
Food Restrictions: Ancient texts advised not to cook or eat during an eclipse. Scientifically, there’s no harmful “ray,” but in pre-refrigeration times, food left out for hours could spoil—so the practice may have had a practical origin.

Pregnancy Taboos: Pregnant women are often told to stay indoors. Science finds no direct harm, but since eclipses can create anxiety in communities, this may have been a way to keep expectant mothers calm and safe.

Spiritual Symbolism: In yoga and Ayurveda, eclipses are seen as times for fasting, meditation, and inward focus—a cosmic “reset button.”

The Balanced View
No mysterious, harmful rays affect humans.

The real risks are eye damage and, for some, mild psychological or circadian effects.

The cultural rituals around eclipses often had symbolic or practical roots, even if they later hardened into superstition.

So, eclipses don’t cause harm in the way superstition suggests, but they do affect us indirectly—through biology (light cycles), psychology (awe, fear, reflection), and culture (rituals, taboos).

 

[renuka]

Scientific Effects of Eclipses on Humans
Eye Damage Risk: The only direct physical danger is looking at the Sun without protection during a solar eclipse. Even when partially covered, the Sun’s rays can burn the retina, causing solar retinopathy and sometimes permanent vision loss.

Circadian Rhythm Disruption: The sudden drop in light can briefly confuse the body’s biological clock. Some people report mild fatigue or a “jet lag” effect.

Psychological Impact: Eclipses often trigger awe, unease, or heightened emotions. Psychologists note that rare cosmic events can increase stress hormones in sensitive individuals, but they can also inspire deep reflection and humility.

Environmental Effects: During an eclipse, temperature and wind patterns shift briefly, which can affect animals and plants. Birds may roost, insects quiet down, and flowers close as if night has fallen.

Traditional Beliefs in Hinduism
Food Restrictions: Ancient texts advised not to cook or eat during an eclipse. Scientifically, there’s no harmful “ray,” but in pre-refrigeration times, food left out for hours could spoil—so the practice may have had a practical origin.

Pregnancy Taboos: Pregnant women are often told to stay indoors. Science finds no direct harm, but since eclipses can create anxiety in communities, this may have been a way to keep expectant mothers calm and safe.

Spiritual Symbolism: In yoga and Ayurveda, eclipses are seen as times for fasting, meditation, and inward focus—a cosmic “reset button.”

The Balanced View
No mysterious, harmful rays affect humans.

The real risks are eye damage and, for some, mild psychological or circadian effects.

The cultural rituals around eclipses often had symbolic or practical roots, even if they later hardened into superstition.

So, eclipses don’t cause harm in the way superstition suggests, but they do affect us indirectly—through biology (light cycles), psychology (awe, fear, reflection), and culture (rituals, taboos).

If you observe nature during an eclipse, there would be no bird flying about till eclipse is over..birds sit silently on trees, cats and dogs too remain indoors.

When I was a kid,behind my house there was a jungle full of monkeys,birds wildboars too.

During an eclipse the monkeys would be silent..no jumping tree to tree..absolute silence..birds too .no tweets and chrips.

Animals are not supertitious but they are sensing something we havent fully understood yet.
There could be some subtle electromagnetic changes which we might not know about and may be that got translated into superstition.

 

[prasad1]

Yes, animals absolutely notice eclipses—and many of them behave in fascinating, sometimes eerie ways when the sky suddenly darkens. Scientists and naturalists have been documenting this for centuries, and modern studies confirm that animals often respond as if night has fallen in the middle of the day.

Mammals like dogs and cats: Domesticated animals may become unsettled or anxious during a lunar eclipse, especially if they’re sensitive to changes in light or human behavior. Pet owners have reported restlessness or barking during these events.

Cultural impact on animals: In regions where humans react strongly to eclipses—through rituals, noise, or movement—animals may respond more to human behavior than the eclipse itself.

So, animals react to the changes in the environment. They do not ascribe superstitions. Even if they did, we as human beings should be smarter than that.

 

[renuka]

Yes, animals absolutely notice eclipses—and many of them behave in fascinating, sometimes eerie ways when the sky suddenly darkens. Scientists and naturalists have been documenting this for centuries, and modern studies confirm that animals often respond as if night has fallen in the middle of the day.

Mammals like dogs and cats: Domesticated animals may become unsettled or anxious during a lunar eclipse, especially if they’re sensitive to changes in light or human behavior. Pet owners have reported restlessness or barking during these events.

Cultural impact on animals: In regions where humans react strongly to eclipses—through rituals, noise, or movement—animals may respond more to human behavior than the eclipse itself.

So, animals react to the changes in the environment. They do not ascribe superstitions. Even if they did, we as human beings should be smarter than that.

I am starting to feel we humans are over rated.
We assume we should be more intelligent than animals..I am starting to doubt it.

 

[sravna]

Humans may well be the most foolish if not the most stupid too. I am talking of those who advance self at the expense of others.

 

[sravna]

We are sitting ducks for Maya and most easily trapped. Animals are lot more intuitive and do not have ego.

 

[sravna]

What is believable or not is determined by the truth of premises. If the premise physical reality is an illusion is true then science would seem absurd as deeper explanations would replace it.

So let's us not ridicule something just because it is scientifically absurd.