The second solar eclipse of the year will occur on the sacred day of Sarvapitri Amavasya, October 2, 2024 at 9:13 PM IST and end at 3:17 AM IST the following morning. Even though the eclipse might not be visible everywhere, its astrological importance remains significant.
Here are some essential remedies that can help alleviate any adverse spiritual effects of the eclipse:
Remedy 1: Bathing and Mantra Recitation
Before the eclipse starts, take a ritual bath. Bathing before a solar eclipse is considered a way to purify the body and spirit, protecting against negative influences.After bathing, chant the Aditya Hridaya Stotra or the Gayatri Mantra. These mantras help invoke divine energy and shield against the potential negative effects of the eclipse. Chanting is believed to connect you with the divine forces of the Sun, helping restore balance and light during this period of cosmic disruption.
Remedy 2: Donation of Jaggery and Feeding the Needy
Another essential remedy during this time is the donation of jaggery. After the eclipse, donate jaggery and feed the needy. This act of charity is said to help neutralise any harmful influences from the eclipse. Offering food to those in need is seen as a way to balance karmic energies and ensure that any disturbances from the eclipse do not have long-lasting effects.
Remedy 3: Consuming Satvik Food
It is advisable to consume only satvik food during the eclipse. This includes fresh fruits, dairy products, nuts, and seeds. Satvik food is considered pure and light, helping to maintain mental and spiritual clarity during the eclipse. Avoid heavy or processed foods, as they are believed to attract negative energies. Keeping the body light and nourished with simple, natural foods helps maintain balance and reduces the intensity of the eclipse’s effects.
Remedy 4: Drinking Water from a Copper Vessel
For individuals affected by Chandra Grahan Dosha, drinking water stored in a copper vessel during the eclipse is a recommended remedy. Copper is known for its purifying properties and can help stabilize emotional and mental fluctuations. Drinking from a copper vessel during the eclipse helps calm the mind and restores a sense of equilibrium amidst the astrological disturbance.
Remedy 5: Feeding Animals and Offering Charity
The solar eclipse falling on Sarvapitri Amavasya makes this a powerful time to honour ancestors through acts of kindness and charity. Feed animals, such as cows, dogs, and birds, as this is believed to please the spirits of ancestors and help resolve past karmic debts. Offering charity, whether to animals or to those in need, helps uplift spiritual energy during this period, promoting harmony and peace.
Spiritual Practices During the Eclipse
During the eclipse, avoid stepping outside unnecessarily, and refrain from looking at the eclipse directly. Astrologers advise staying indoors, avoiding physical exertion, and abstaining from making major decisions during the eclipse. Pregnant women are advised to take special precautions, such as staying away from direct sunlight and refraining from cutting, stitching, or using sharp objects during this period.
After the eclipse has ended, it is recommended to cleanse your surroundings by sprinkling Ganga jal (holy water) around your home and lighting incense or oil lamps. This practice dispels the negative energies that may have accumulated during the eclipse and restores a positive environment.
Surya Grahan is a time for introspection, purification, and spiritual connection. By following these remedies, one can navigate the energies of the eclipse with protection and grace through charity, mantras, or simple acts of kindness to calm the potentially disruptive effects of the solar eclipse and invite balance and peace into your life.
[Authored by: Prashant Kapoor, Founder, AstroKapoor, a leading Vedic Astrology Platform of the nation, also recognized as the First Medical Astrologer in the World]