The Story of Chandra Grahan

Long ago, during the great event known as the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) collaborated to obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortality.

When the nectar finally appeared, the Devas didn’t want the Asuras to have it. To protect the nectar, Vishnu took the form of Mohini, a beautiful enchantress, and began distributing it only to the Devas.

But one clever Asura, named Swarbhanu, disguised himself and sat in the line with the Devas. He managed to take a sip of the nectar. Just then, the Sun (Surya) and the Moon (Chandra) noticed the trick and pointed it out.

Immediately, Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to cut off Swarbhanu’s head. But because he had already tasted the nectar, he did not die. Instead, his head and body lived on separately.

• The head became Rahu.

• The body became Ketu.

Rahu was furious with the Sun and the Moon for revealing him. Since then, it is said that Rahu chases them across the sky. When Rahu swallows the Moon, we see a Chandra Grahan (lunar eclipse). When he swallows the Sun, we see a Surya Grahan (solar eclipse).

Rahu tries to swallow moon

Traditional Beliefs and Warnings

A Grahan is not treated as an ordinary day. Ancient texts say the energy of the Earth shifts, and so people follow certain guidelines:

Warnings

• Pregnant women are advised not to step outside or look at the eclipse.

• Cooking and eating during Grahan are avoided.

• Sacred rituals and temple activities are usually paused.

Dos During Grahan

• Chant mantras - The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra or Gayatri Mantra are commonly recited.

• Meditate or stay calm - A powerful time to sit quietly.

• Stay indoors - Traditionally followed to avoid disturbances in energy.

• Cover food and water - To keep them pure during the eclipse period.

Don’ts During Grahan

• Do not eat or cook until the eclipse ends.

• Avoid starting new work, deals, or journeys.

• Do not perform puja or rituals until after the Grahan is over.

• Pregnant women are told not to use sharp objects like needles or knives during this time.

After the Grahan

• Take a bath - Seen as cleansing and refreshing.

• Cook fresh food - Meals are prepared anew.

• Offer prayers - Gratitude to the Sun, Moon, and cosmic order.

• Charity - Donating food, clothes, or money is considered especially auspicious.

Chandra Grahan is more than a shadow on the moon; it is a reminder to pause, pray, and trust that light always returns after darkness.