The first lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) of the year is set to occur on March 14, 2025. In Hindu tradition, lunar eclipses hold astronomical, spiritual, and religious significance. This event is believed to impact human life and is associated with the celestial movements of Rahu and Ketu.
Types of Lunar Eclipses
There are three types of lunar eclipses:
- Partial Lunar Eclipse: When only a portion of the Moon passes through Earth’s shadow.
- Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: When the outer shadow of the Earth falls on the Moon, making it faintly visible.
- Total Lunar Eclipse: When the entire Moon is covered by Earth’s shadow, giving it a reddish hue.
Scientific and Mythological Perspectives
From a scientific perspective, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in a straight line, causing the Earth to block sunlight from reaching the Moon. In Hindu mythology, it is believed that Rahu and Ketu, shadow planets, are responsible for eclipses, as they attempt to consume the Moon, leading to this celestial phenomenon.
Visibility of the March 14 Lunar Eclipse
This total lunar eclipse will not be visible in India. It will be primarily seen in the Pacific Ocean, North and South America, Western Europe, and Western Africa.
Indian Timings of the Eclipse:
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 09:27 AM IST
- Partial Eclipse Begins: 10:39 AM IST
- Total Lunar Eclipse Ends: 11:56 AM IST
Impact on India
Since the eclipse will occur during the daytime in India, it will not have any visible impact. Consequently, it will hold no religious significance, and the traditional ‘Sutak’ period (a time of restrictions before the eclipse) will not be observed.
This astronomical event will be of great interest to stargazers and scientists globally, but for India, it will remain a distant celestial occurrence.
