India will witness the second and final lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) of 2025 on September 7, a rare celestial event with both scientific and spiritual significance. According to Hindu beliefs, the period of Sutak Kaal, which begins before the eclipse, is considered inauspicious. This phase carries strict rules about what should and should not be done. Astrologically, the eclipse is believed to affect 27 Nakshatras and 12 zodiac signs, making its impact even more significant.
What is Sutak Kaal?
Sutak Kaal is a pre-eclipse period observed as ritually impure. It begins 9 hours before the lunar eclipse, for this eclipse, it starts at 12:59 PM on September 7, 2025. During this time, people avoid auspicious activities, temple visits, cooking, and worship, as the cosmic energies are believed to be disturbed.
What NOT to Do During Sutak Kaal and Chandra Grahan
To protect oneself from the negative effects, several restrictions are followed:
- Avoid touching sacred plants like Tulsi, Peepal, and Banyan.
- Do not worship or touch deity idols.
- Pregnant women should avoid stepping out and using sharp objects.
- Cutting hair or nails is considered unlucky.
- Avoid cooking and eating during the eclipse; add Tulsi leaves to food for protection.
- Refrain from traveling or doing heavy physical work.
What to Do During the Eclipse
While prohibitions exist, Sutak is also a powerful time for spiritual practices:
- Chant mantras and meditate for peace and protection.
- Keep Tulsi leaves in food and water.
- Use Kusha grass in rituals to maintain purity and repel negative energy.
The eclipse ends at 1:26 AM on September 8. Once over, certain cleansing rituals are performed:
- Take a purifying bath.
- Clean your home with water or Gangajal.
- Worship deities and donate white items like rice, milk, curd, sugar, silver, white clothes, and coconut.
- Prepare and eat only fresh food.
In Vedic tradition, the Moon is associated with the color white. Donating white objects during a lunar eclipse strengthens the Moon’s influence in the horoscope, reducing Chandra Dosha and bringing blessings of peace, health, and prosperity.
The Skanda Purana narrates that during Samudra Manthan, the demon Swarbhanu disguised himself to consume the nectar of immortality. The Sun and Moon exposed him, leading Lord Vishnu to behead him with the Sudarshan Chakra. His head became Rahu and his body Ketu. In revenge, Rahu and Ketu periodically swallow the Sun and Moon, causing eclipses.
Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan), 7 September 2025: Zodiac-Wise Horoscope and Astrological Effects
Special Significance: Pitru Paksha and Zodiac Signs
This Chandra Grahan coincides with Pitru Paksha, the fortnight dedicated to honoring ancestors. All Shraddha, Pindadaan, and Tarpan rituals should be completed before Sutak begins.
Astrologers warn that natives of Taurus (Vrishabha), Libra (Tula), and Aquarius (Kumbha) should remain cautious, as they may face financial stress, health issues, or professional challenges during this period.
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