Get ready for a significant celestial event happening today, September 21, 2025: the year’s final partial solar eclipse, known as Surya Grahan. While this rare phenomenon won’t be visible from India, its astrological implications are vast. Eclipses are traditionally considered inauspicious, often signaling cosmic shifts that can impact our lives. This particular solar eclipse will occur under the Virgo zodiac sign. Dive in to learn all about this Surya Grahan, including its timing, associated rituals, and guidelines.
Surya Grahan 2025: Date and Time
- Date: September 21, 2025
- Eclipse Starts: 10:59 PM IST
- Peak Time: September 22, 2025 – 1:11 AM IST
- Eclipse Ends: September 22, 2025 – 3:23 AM IST
Will there be Sutak time in India?
No, the traditional ‘Sutak Kaal’ period will not apply in India since this partial solar eclipse will not be visible from the region. However, out of an abundance of caution, particularly for pregnant women and those who are more sensitive to such celestial energies, it is still advisable to observe general protective measures.
What is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on our planet. In a partial solar eclipse, like the one expected, the Moon only partially obscures the Sun’s disk from our perspective, making it appear as if a ‘bite’ has been taken out of the Sun, unlike a total solar eclipse where the Sun is completely hidden.
Guidelines:
- It is strongly advised to avoid looking directly at the sun with unprotected eyes, as this can cause severe and permanent eye damage. If you wish to observe or capture the event, ensure you use certified solar-safe equipment such as specialized binoculars, telescopes, or eclipse glasses.
- During the eclipse, it is generally recommended to remain indoors as much as possible.
- For expectant mothers, extra precautions are suggested. Staying indoors throughout the eclipse period is highly advisable to ensure the well-being of both mother and unborn child.
- Maintain hydration during a solar eclipse, but refrain from consuming food.
- This period is also seen as a time to conserve and protect your personal energy. Staying indoors can help achieve this.
Solar Eclipse 2025: Rituals
- During the eclipse, it is advised to sit quietly on a ‘kusha aasana’ and chant specific mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, or Goddess Durga. If you are unfamiliar with these mantras, simply close your eyes and meditate by reciting ‘AUM’.
- To help protect food from negative energies or spoilage during the eclipse, it is customary to add Tulsi leaves or Kusha grass to all food items and water.
- Before the Surya Grahan begins, all idols of gods and goddesses in your home temple should be respectfully covered.
- After the solar eclipse concludes, it is important to purify your home and surroundings. Sprinkle ‘Gangajal’ (holy water from the Ganges) to cleanse the aura.
- A ritual bath is traditionally taken after a solar eclipse to purify oneself. If a full bath is not possible, sprinkling Gangajal on your body is an acceptable alternative.
- Adhering to ancient traditions, one should ideally abstain from all food consumption during the Surya Grahan. However, individuals with chronic illnesses or those who require regular medication are permitted to eat and take their medicines.
- Cooking during a solar eclipse is considered inauspicious, so it should be avoided.
- It is believed to be unfavorable to use sharp objects during a Surya Grahan, hence their use should be minimized.
Surya Grahan: Mantras to Recite
During the eclipse, consider chanting these powerful mantras:
- Om Namah Shivaye..!!
- Om Gan Ganpataye Namah..!!
- Om Ghrani Suryaye Namah..!!
- Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye..!!
- Om Trayambhakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvarukmiv Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat..!!
- Ugram Veeraam Mahavishnum Jwalantam Sarvato Mukham Narasimhaam Bheeshnam Bhadram Mrityor Mrityum Namamyaham..!!
Holy Books for Recitation during Solar Eclipse:
Engage in spiritual reflection by reciting from these sacred texts:
- Hanuman Chalisa..!!
- Sundar Kand..!!
- Ramacharitmanas or Chaupayee..!!
- Bhagavad Gita..!!
- Gajendra Moksha Paath..!!
- Shiva Chalisa..!!