Why Are Hindu Temples Closed During Eclipses?
From time immemorial the temples across the country close them during the eclipse period. Our ancestors follow the practice of staying inside, eating nothing etc. Some says its just a pure myth and there is nothing scientific in it. There are many practices that are followed to deal with both Solar and Lunar Eclipses by Hindu’s. The temples are still closed during the eclipse period and opened only after performing some rituals.
There are two explanations for this. The Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth and blocks Sun from Earth. Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly behind the Earth when the Sun, Moon and Earth are aligned. So both in Solar and Lunar Eclipses, there is a reduction in the Sunlight and Magnetic energy from the Sun. In Lunar Eclipse, the Moon’s gravitational pull changes considerably because of the alignment. So it is believing that, these changes increases the Negative Energy in the atmosphere which is bad for the inhabitants of Earth. Since the Idols in the temples carry positive energy, this negative energy can pollute the Idols. More over the excess Ultraviolet rays and X-Rays during the Eclipse can affect the peoples assembling in the temples. Another concept is related to the Geomagnetic field. The Idols in the temples are placed in regions where there is high magnetic energy. The Magnetic field around the idol may change due to changes in the Geomagnetic field during Eclipses.
Temples are basically something like Quantum healing centers, where the geometry is used to create certain subtle energy flow conducive to deep subjective experience, enabling the devotees to experience god within himself within the temple, says Santhip Kanholy in his answer on Quora.
Different shrines evoke different kinds of subtle energies, and particular aspects of the divine. These subtler energies also interact with the cosmic energies coming from the solar system, planets, etc. So it is to make use of those cosmic energies and to enable further balancing of the energies within a temple, they are closed during eclipses.
Exceptions
But there are exceptions of shrines closing during the eclipse – In Kerala, the 1500 years old Sree Krishna Temple at Thiruvarpu, Kottayam, will never close during Eclipse period and another Temple is “Kalahasthi” in Andhra Pradesh.
While temples across the country were closed to avoid the ‘evil effects’ of lunar eclipse on Saturday, the Sri Kalahastheeswara shrine in Srikalahasti town remained open. From times immemorial, this temple has remained aloof from the practice of closing the shrine for religious considerations.
While the mythological serpents Rahu and Ketu are believed to cast their evil effects over the sun and moon respectively during solar and lunar eclipse, the duo is very much worshipped in this place. This forms the backdrop for the firm belief that the bad rays, if any, will be effectively countered by the serpents.
Other practices during the Eclipse
Closing the doors and windows and remaining inside the home – It may be for preventing the harmful UV and X-Ray entering into the home and to prevent looking the Sun during eclipse which will harm Eyes
Making Noise with Tin boxes or Coconut leaf base – To reduce Panic feeling towards Darkness in daytime
Prohibition of Eating – Food may be contaminated with unwanted energy during Eclipse. Emotional state may change which affects digestion
Bathing after the Eclipse – To remove the germs that become active when sunlight reduces.
January 31 will witness the first total lunar eclipse of 2018
===========
Must Read : A Once in a Lifetime ‘Super Blue Blood Moon Eclipse’ Will Arrive Tonight
Must Read : Ramayana : Life Lessons from the Hindu Epic for ASEAN Nations
