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Chandra Grahan: The last lunar eclipse of 2025 falls on the full moon day of Bhadrapada month, coinciding with the start of Pitru Paksha, an important period in Hindu rituals
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon. (AI Generated)
In Hindu tradition, a lunar eclipse is considered an inauspicious celestial event with both spiritual and astrological significance. The last lunar eclipse of 2025 will occur on the full moon day of the Bhadrapada month, falling on Sunday, September 7.
This day also marks the beginning of Pitru Paksha or Shradhkarma, a period regarded as highly significant in Hindu rituals. Since the eclipse will be visible in India, the Sutak Kaal (the inauspicious pre-eclipse period) will be observed. For those performing Shradh Karma on Bhadrapada Purnima, knowing the Sutak timings will be especially important.
September will also be an eventful month for skywatchers, as it will bring not just a lunar eclipse on September 7 but also a solar eclipse on September 21.
How Does A Lunar Eclipse Occur?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon. As a result, sunlight does not directly reach the Moon, making it appear dark. The eclipse on September 7 will be a total lunar eclipse, during which the Moon will take on a deep copper-red hue, often referred to as a ‘Blood Moon’. The eclipse will last 3 hours, 28 minutes, and 2 seconds.
What Is Sutak Kaal?
Sutak Kaal is the time before an eclipse begins, during which religious rituals, cooking, and other auspicious activities are avoided. The period is regarded as inauspicious, though it holds spiritual importance.
For a lunar eclipse, Sutak Kaal starts 9 hours before the eclipse. During this time, temple doors are closed, and worship is suspended. For this eclipse, Sutak Kaal will begin at 12:57 PM on September 7.
Timings
Sutak Kaal begins: 12:57 PM
Eclipse duration: 8:58 PM to 1:25 AM
Total eclipse: 11:01 PM to 12:23 AM
Where Will It Be Visible?
The lunar eclipse will be visible across India as well as in parts of Europe, including England, France, Germany, and Italy. It will also be visible in most African nations, Australia, New Zealand, and some regions of America.
Rules During Sutak Kaal
- Eating, drinking, defecation, urination, and worship without a ritual bath are prohibited.
- Pregnant women are advised to be extra cautious, as eclipses are believed to affect the unborn child.
- Religious texts recommend chanting, meditation, and penance during this time.
- Placing Tulsi, Kush, or Durva leaves on stored food helps protect it from the ‘dosha’ of the eclipse.
What To Do After The Eclipse
- Take a ritual bath, preferably with water mixed with Ganga water.
- Sprinkle Ganga water around the house and perform prayers.
- As the eclipse falls on the first day of Pitru Paksha, offering charity in the name of ancestors is considered especially meritorious.
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