Holy Bath in Brahma Sarover in Kurukshetra during Surya Grahan

Millions of Hindus take a holy dip the famous Brahma Sarover at Kurukshetra in Haryana on the Surya Grahan or solar eclipse day. The Brahma Sarover located here is a highly sacred ‘Tirth’ and it is believed that Lord Brahma began the creation process from here. Lord Krishna discussed the Bhagavad Gita with Arjuna on the battle field of Kurukshetra and the greatest battle in epic Mahabharata also took place here.

It is widely believed that to bath in the in Brahma Sarover in Kurukshetra is equal to performing the famous Ashwa Medha Yajna or Yagam mentioned in several Hindu scriptures. During the Surya Grahan period it is a mela like atmosphere in Kurukshetra. It is also said that all the holy waters in the rivers mentioned in the Hindu scriptures flow to the Brahma Sarover Tirth during solar eclipse.

It must be also noted that during the famous 18-day Kurukshetra battle fought in the Mahabharata, on the fourteenth day of the battle a total solar eclipse takes place, which helps Arjuna to kill Jayadratha. This happened with the blessing of Lord Krishna.

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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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Holy Dip at Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra on Surya Grahan Day

source : http://www.hindu-blog.com

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