Significance of Lunar and solar eclipses
Lunar and solar eclipses hold significant importance across various Hindu texts and traditions. According to Purana, they are times for venerating Lingas and cleansing sins by wearing Rudraksham. Jyotisha indicates that these eclipses have specific astrological outcomes, with both positive and negative implications. Dharmashastra allows for certain rituals, like Shraddha, during these events. Furthermore, in Indian history, eclipses are crucial for astronomical calculations, emphasized in the Karanakesari text, which offers methods and tables for understanding their characteristics.
Synonyms: Moon eclipse, Sun eclipse
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Lunar and solar eclipses'
In Hinduism, lunar and solar eclipses signify special reverence for Lingas in Prabhasa, allow exceptions for Shraddha rituals, offer instant sin cleansing through Rudraksham, and evoke specific astrological outcomes, both beneficial and harmful.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) These events are exceptions where Shraddha may be performed, despite the general prohibition of night performance.[1]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Astronomical events during which wearing Rudraksham is deemed to cleanse one of sins instantly.[2]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The occurrence of either type of eclipse brings specific outcomes based on Hindu astrological beliefs, indicating both beneficial and harmful effects.[3]
The concept of Lunar and solar eclipses in local and regional sources
Lunar and solar eclipses are central themes in the Karanakesari text, which offers detailed calculations and methods for understanding these astronomical events, showcasing their significance in Indian astronomy through practical examples and complex computations.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Lunar and solar eclipses are important topics within Indian astronomy and involve complex computations. The book provides worked-out examples of these computations, which are valuable for understanding the underlying models and practical applications.[4] (2) These celestial events are the focus of the Karanakesari text, which provides methods and tables for calculating their circumstances and characteristics, with the text divided into sections for each type.[5]