One must follow six rituals during an eclipse.
Fasting
Bathing
Doing good deeds
The above three are common for all including ladies and children.
Tharpanam (should be done even if one has asaucam)
Charity
Aradhanam
Those who are eligible to do the above three should perform them.
Notes:
Both solar and lunar eclipse is a rare auspicious occurrence that should be adhered to as ordained.
Upavasam- fasting should begin 12 hours before a solar eclipse and 9 hours before a lunar eclipse. Food cooked before the eclipse should not be consumed after the eclipse. Food items like pickles, papad are fit for consumption when a darba grass is placed on them before eclipse.
Snanam – taking bath when the eclipse commences will yield the fruits equivalent of taking a holy dip at the Ganges. To get rid of the malefic effects of the eclipse one should take bath after the eclipse.
The Japa-s done during this period will yield good fruits. One who has obtained mantras through proper invocation can chant them, children who have learned stotra patam can recite them for good benefits. One should know the austerities that are to be performed during the eclipse and follow them.
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