Chandra Grahan 2023: Last Lunar Eclipse Of The Year In India, Know When Sutak Period Begins
At midnight today, 28 October, the moon of Sharad Purnima, renowned for its radiant glow, will appear to dim as it experiences a partial lunar eclipse , remaining within the Earth's shadow for several hours. Presently positioned approximately 3,69,425 km from the Earth, the Moon's luminosity will be temporarily obscured.
The lunar eclipse is set to commence following the penumbral eclipse at 11:31 pm on October 28. However, the partial eclipse, reaching its peak at 1:44 am after midnight, will start at 1:05 am. The partial eclipse will conclude at around 2:23 am, followed by the lingering penumbral eclipse, which will culminate at 3:57 am.
Hence, scientifically, the complete eclipse will last for 4 hours and 25 minutes, while the partial eclipse will span 1 hour and 17 minutes. The sutak associated with this event is scheduled to commence from 4 pm today.
Grasp the concept of an eclipse
When the Earth aligns between the Moon and the Sun, obstructing the Sun's light, the Moon can be enveloped by the Earth's shadow, leading to a lunar eclipse. Specifically, a penumbral eclipse transpires when the Moon traverses the Earth's penumbral shadow, while a partial lunar eclipse occurs when a portion of the Moon encounters the denser region of the Earth's shadow. At this moment, both of these phenomena are unfolding concurrently.
The eclipse will be visible in the following countries
The lunar eclipse phenomenon will be observable from a wide range of locations, including most parts of India, Asia, Australia, North America, South Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Based on mathematical projections, approximately 92.14 percent of the global population will have the opportunity to witness some aspect of the penumbral eclipse, while 87.07 percent will be able to observe the partial eclipse.
Eclipse period
Penumbral eclipse: Starts on October 28 at 23:31:48
Partial eclipse: Starts on October 29 at 01:05:25
Maximum eclipse: Occurs on October 29 at 01:44:05
Partial eclipse ends: Occurs on October 29 at 02:22:40
Penumbral eclipse ends: Concludes on October 29 at 03:56:25
Total duration of lunar eclipse: 4 hours 25 minutes
Total duration of partial eclipse: 1 hour 17 minutes
The influence of negative forces intensifies during the Sutak period
The lunar eclipse holds significant religious significance. The Sutak phase initiates prior to the lunar eclipse. As per astrological insights, a lunar eclipse coinciding with Sharad Purnima is occurring after a span of 30 years, and it will be observable in India. The Sutak period begins 9 hours before the lunar eclipse, while it commences 12 hours before a solar eclipse.
Numerous regulations concerning the lunar eclipse are outlined in religious scriptures. It is believed that practices such as worship, physical contact with deity idols, and sleeping during the eclipse are prohibited. Additionally, temple doors are shut during this time, and household places of worship are veiled with cloth. The prevailing belief is that the influence of negative forces amplifies while divine energies diminish during eclipses. Consequently, silent chanting of mantras and meditation on the divine are undertaken during this period.
1. If you have a temple within your home, take note of these considerations prior to the Sutak period
2. Ensure that the temple is thoroughly cleaned before the Sutak period.
3. Prior to the Sutak period, conduct the evening Aarti in your home temple.
4. If feasible, make all offerings to God before the commencement of the Sutak phase.
5. Close the temple doors at the onset of the Sutak period, and refrain from opening them under any circumstances.
6. Place basil leaves and water near Laddu Gopal as an offering.