Story of Surya Grahan and Chandra Grahanam in Hindu Religion

Surya Grahan, solar eclipse, is widely mentioned in the Holy Scriptures of Hinduism. There is also an interesting myth regarding the occurrence of Surya Grahan. It happened during the Samdura Manthan (churning of ocean) episode in the Puranas. Rahu (Demon) and Mohini, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, are the main characters in the incident.

The Amrit (elixir) that was obtained from churning the ocean was cunningly stolen by Ausras (Demons). Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini, a beautiful damsel, to win back the Amrit. She achieved her mission by enamoring the Asuras, they fell for her beauty and handed over the Amrit to her.

Mohini returned to the Devas and started distributing it. Devas sat in a line and mohini gave a portion to each one of them. Rahu, an Asura, who found out that they were tricked took the form a Deva and sat in the line between Chandra (Moon God) and Surya (Sun God).

When Mohini approached Rahu, Chandra and Surya realized that Rahu was not one among them and soon identified him as an Asura. Mohini soon severed the head of Rahu which flew into the sky. Rahu’s, depicted in the form of a Snake head occasionally, continued to live and decided to avenge Surya and Chandra.

Thus periodically Rahu engages in a war with Surya and Chandra. The Chandra Grahan (Lunar eclipse) and Surya Grahan (Solar eclipse) takes place when Rahu gobbles up Moon and Sun respectively. Surya and Chandra then fights to free themselves.

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Chandra Grahan Time – Lunar Eclipse February 2009 Timings

There is a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse, Chandra Grahan, on February 09, 2009. The Eclipse will be visible in India, Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. The eclipse will be visible at moonrise in Gulf countries, along the western coast of India and Eastern Europe. In Australia and New Zealand the lunar eclipse will begin on the midnight of February 09, 2009 and end early morning of February 10, 2009. The eclipse will be visible at moon setting along the pacific coast of United States of America. It is not visible along the Atlantic Coast.

In penumbral eclipse there will be a partial shadow of earth on the moon. It is a sort of partial eclipse.

Here are the timings of the lunar eclipse around the world on February 9, 2009 as per local timings:

India

Delhi – From 18:09 to 22:08
Mid Eclipse will be at 20:08 (local time)

UAE

Dubai – From 16:39 to 20:38
Mid Eclipse will be at 18:38 (local time)

Hong Kong

Victoria – From 20:39 to 00:38
Mid Eclipse will be at 22:38 (local time)

Nepal

Khatmandu – From 18:09 to 22:08
Mid Eclipse will be at 20:08 (local time)

Indonesia

Jakarta – From 20:39 to 00:38
Mid Eclipse will be at 22:38 (local time)

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur – From 19:39 to 23:38
Mid Eclipse will be at 21:38 (local time)

Singapore

Singapore – From 20:39 to 00:38
Mid Eclipse will be at 22:38 (local time)

Thailand

Bangkok – From 19:39 to 23:38
Mid Eclipse will be at 21:38 (local time)

Australia

Adelaide – From 22:09 to 02:08
Mid Eclipse will be at 00:08 (local time)

Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney – From 22:39 to 02:38
Mid Eclipse will be at 00:38 (local time)

New Zealand

Christchurch – From 00:39 to 04:38 on February 10
Mid Eclipse will be at 02:38 (local time)

United States

In most of the United States the eclipse will be at moon setting and it is not visible along the Atlantic Coast.

Chicago – From 06:39 to 10:38
Mid Eclipse will be at 08:38 (local time)

Image Courtesy NASA (click on the image for a larger view)

Image courtsey NASA

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