Significance of Eclipse
Eclipse is a multifaceted concept in various traditions, particularly within Vaishnavism, where it signifies a celestial event prompting recitation of Hari's names. In Purana, it represents both an astronomical phenomenon and a metaphor for challenges in spiritual journeys, involving Rahu obscuring the sun and moon. Dharmashastra prohibits study during an eclipse, yet allows bathing. In Hindu history, eclipses highlight cosmic models and cultural practices related to pregnant women. Overall, eclipses are significant for spiritual purification and astronomical observation across different texts and traditions.
Synonyms: Obscuration, Covering
In Spanish: Eclipse; In Dutch: Verduistering; In Finnish: Pimennys; In German: Finsternis
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Eclipse'
In Buddhism, "Eclipse" symbolizes a pivotal celestial event, illustrating the king's confrontation with peril, drawing parallels between cosmic occurrences and human experiences of uncertainty and challenge in life.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A significant astronomical event that the brahmin notes, serving as a metaphor for the king鈥檚 encounter with danger.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Eclipse'
In Hinduism, eclipses symbolize significant astronomical events where light is obscured, often linked to spiritual rituals and purification, challenges in personal journeys, and instances prompting devotional practices, notably involving the demon Rahu.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A specific event mentioned as an exception, allowing for bathing despite general prohibitions.[2] (2) An astronomical event where one celestial body moves into the shadow of another, rendering the time unfit for study.[3] (3) An astronomical event mentioned wherein study is also prohibited during its occurrence.[4]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Astronomical phenomena involving the blocking of light from the sun or moon, often associated with Rahu trying to swallow them.[5]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) An astronomical event that serves as a metaphor for temporary obscuration or challenges faced by individuals in their spiritual journey.[6]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A celestial event that the inhabitants of Navadvipa witnessed, prompting them to recite the names of Hari.[7]
The concept of Eclipse in local and regional sources
Eclipse encompasses various aspects, including astronomical computations in the Karanakesari, cultural practices for pregnant women, graphical projections, cosmological implications in Siddhantas, and references in Nityananda's work, highlighting its significance across disciplines.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Eclipses, also known as uparaga, are included in the discussions within the third part of the work completed by Nityananda, as mentioned in the text.[8] (2) The Karanakesari is a work devoted to eclipse computations, and the text mentions lunar and solar eclipses as the subject of the work, with tables and verses dedicated to the topic.[9] (3) These are events that would not be scientifically accounted for in the Siddhantas' cosmological model if the Puranic claim that the sun is closer to the earth than the moon is accepted.[10] (4) This refers to the graphical projection of the eclipse, and the procedure involves drawing circles and lines, with the central circle representing the disk of the eclipsed body.[11]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) An astronomical event during which specific cultural restrictions are applied to pregnant women, particularly regarding chopping vegetables.[12]