Grahan 2025: Both the Sun and the Moon are celestial events. But an eclipse is not considered auspicious in Hinduism. From a religious and scientific point of view, there is a special difference between solar and lunar eclipses, which you must know.

Eclipses occur every year, which include lunar and solar eclipses. The next eclipse of this year is going to occur on 21 September 2025, which will be a solar eclipse. Eclipse is considered an astronomical event. At the same time, it is considered inauspicious from a religious point of view. Everyone must have heard about solar and lunar eclipses, but very few people know the difference between the two eclipses. Let us know what is the difference between solar and lunar eclipses.

Difference between solar and lunar eclipse

From the point of view of science, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes between the sun and the earth and the sunlight is not able to reach the earth. Whereas a lunar eclipse occurs when the earth comes between the sun and the moon and the shadow of the earth falls on the moon . Both lunar and solar eclipses are astronomical events, but eclipses also have special religious significance in Hinduism. Let us know from a religious point of view what is the difference between solar and lunar eclipses

Difference Between Solar and Lunar Eclipse

• Solar eclipse occurs on the new moon day and lunar eclipse occurs on the full moon day.
• During a solar eclipse, the Sun is covered by the Moon, whereas during a lunar eclipse, the Moon comes into the shadow of the Earth.
• Solar eclipse is visible during the day whereas lunar eclipse is visible at night.
• The Sutak period begins 12 hours before the solar eclipse. In case of a lunar eclipse, the Sutak period begins 9 hours before.

Apart from the difference between solar and lunar eclipse, there are some similarities in the rules of both eclipses. According to the belief of Hinduism, these rules are followed even today during eclipse. Like-

• During solar and lunar eclipse, as soon as the Sutak period begins, worship is prohibited and the doors of the temple are closed.
• It is forbidden to do any auspicious work during the period of solar and lunar eclipse.
• After the end of solar and lunar eclipse, Ganga water is sprinkled at home, puja is performed after bathing and charity is considered essential.
• Eating or cooking food is prohibited during solar and lunar eclipse. Also, pregnant women are advised to take special precautions.
• There is a religious belief regarding solar and lunar eclipse that Rahu and Ketu engulf the Sun and Moon during the eclipse.

FAQs

Q.  Can auspicious work be done during eclipse?

A.   No, one should avoid doing auspicious work during the eclipse.

Q. Is it necessary to take a bath after the eclipse ?

A. Yes, after the eclipse is over one should take a bath and sprinkle Ganga water at home.

Q. Are there any planets other than the Sun and the Moon?

A. No , there are mainly two types of eclipses: solar and lunar eclipse.