Significance of Solar eclipse
Solar eclipse holds significant importance in various scriptures and traditions, particularly in Vaishnavism and Puranas. It is described as an astronomical event where the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, obscuring sunlight. This event is often associated with various spiritual practices, enhancing the effectiveness of rituals and pious acts. It is seen as an auspicious time for charitable actions, holy baths, and ancestral offerings. Overall, solar eclipses are regarded as moments of heightened spiritual opportunities and merit accumulation.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Solar eclipse'
In Hinduism, a solar eclipse symbolizes an auspicious time for spiritual practices, emphasizing merit in rituals, holy baths, and ancestral offerings, while invoking significant celestial influences connected to divine experiences and cosmic events.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) An astronomical event where the sun is obscured, considered an auspicious time for performing religious acts.[1] (2) A celestial event during which the Sun is obscured by Rahu, seen as a time of special spiritual significance for holy ablutions.[2] (3) An event during which a rite at Lolarka is believed to be particularly efficacious for seeking divine benefits.[3] (4) An astronomical event that plays a key role in the transformations and rituals described in the narrative.[4] (5) An astronomical event believed to have special spiritual significance, often linked to rituals.[5]
From: Padma Purana
(1) An astronomical event during which the sun is obscured by the moon, associated with special rituals and merits.[6] (2) Another celestial event, paralleled with the lunar eclipse, where Ganga's influence is similarly recognized for its power of redemption.[7]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Solar eclipses are caused by Rahu, who directs his course from the sun to the moon and vice versa.[8] (2) An event when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, creating a shadow on the Earth, significant for ancestral offerings.[9]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The auspicious hour of complete Solar eclipse is considered to have the highest benefit, highlighting its importance in spiritual practices.[10]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A phenomenon described as the expanse between the principles of the body.[11]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) The celestial event during which King Chandrasharma intended to give charity, marking a significant time for spiritual activities.[12]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A celestial event that is associated with heightened spiritual activities and visits to holy places in the provided text.[13]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The event during which King Candrasharman performed the gift that was targeted by censure and sin.[14]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) An astronomical event that the speaker associates with a significant memory of beauty and experience.[15] (2) The astronomical event that Krishna travels to observe, setting the scene for His glorification.[16]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) An astronomical event that occurs at Kurukshetra, which impacts the effectiveness of pious acts.[17]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The astronomical event during which the Vrajavasis gather at Kurukshetra to meet Shri Krishna.[18]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Events involving the obscuration of the Sun, which are associated with various negative impacts on mankind.[19] (2) A celestial event where the effects will occur after a year.[20] (3) An event in which the moon obscures the sun, varying in visibility based on different geographical locations.[21]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An astronomical event that is associated with the impurity of Rahu and is noted as an unfit time for study.[22] (2) Natural phenomena during which the sun is obscured, noted as a time when performance of Shraddha may be permissible despite general prohibitions.[23]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A phenomenon where the sun appears to be swallowed, caused by Rahu, leading to delusion among people who do not understand the sun's true nature.[24] (2) An astronomical event where the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, temporarily obscuring the sun.[25]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A cosmic event where Rahu attempts to swallow the sun, resulting in the sun being obscured.[26]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) An astronomical event during which the sun is obscured, mentioned as an exception where midnight bathing is allowed.[27]