Grahan (Eclipse)
గ్రహణం
Sanskrit: ग्रहण · Category: Calendar
Quick Definition
Solar (Surya Grahan) or Lunar (Chandra Grahan) eclipse — Rahu/Ketu obscuring Sun or Moon.
Detailed Explanation
Important spiritual events. Sutak (impurity period) begins 12 hours before solar eclipse, 9 hours before lunar. During eclipse: bathe, do japa, avoid food, no temple visit, no nirgun puja. Pregnant women observe special precautions. Post-eclipse: bathe, change clothes, perform charity, do gangajala sprinkling at home.
Where Grahan (Eclipse) Fits
This term belongs to the Vedic Calendar system — the family of luni-solar reckonings used across India and Nepal (Vikram Samvat, Shalivahana Shaka, Kollam Era, Bengali Samvat, Tamil calendar). Each calendar handles adhikamasa (intercalary months) and ayanamsa (sidereal correction) differently, but all share a common base of tithi-nakshatra-vara. See the full Telugu calendar for current-year dates or the festivals guide for how calendar events map to observance dates.
Common Questions About Vedic Terminology
Why do Vedic terms have Sanskrit, Telugu, and English forms — which one should I use?
All three are legitimate. Sanskrit (ग्रहण) is the original scriptural form found in the Vedas, Puranas, and Sutras. Telugu (గ్రహణం) is the regional adaptation used in daily practice across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. English transliteration (Grahan (Eclipse)) is a modern convenience for cross-cultural communication. For ritual accuracy and mantra chanting, Sanskrit pronunciation matters. For everyday discussion — including with a purohit — Telugu is perfectly fine. In writing (blogs, calendars, apps), English transliteration is the practical choice for reach.
Where can I verify this term in the classical texts?
The definitions on this site are cross-referenced against the primary Vedic sources — Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (astrology), Muhurta Chintamani (electional), Surya Siddhanta (astronomy), Gṛhya Sūtras (household ritual), and the Rig/Yajur/Sama/Atharva Veda (foundational). Modern reference works include Panchanga Ganitam by K. S. Krishnamurti and the Rashtriya Panchang (Government of India). For deeper study, consult a qualified acharya or the glossary editorial team.
How is Grahan (Eclipse) used differently in North India vs South India?
Regional variations exist for almost every Vedic term. North Indian traditions (Vikram Samvat calendar, Purnimanta month convention) may compute or observe the same concept slightly differently from South Indian traditions (Shalivahana Shaka calendar, Amanta month convention). The underlying scriptural definition is the same; the applied practice varies. Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam traditions typically follow Amanta reckoning; Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati traditions typically follow Purnimanta. For this term, both systems produce equivalent results when interpreted correctly — differences are in nomenclature, not substance.
See Also
Related Terms
Author & Sources
Compiled by Pandit Ramachandra Sharma, Vedic Astrologer & Panchangam Scholar. Definitions cross-referenced against classical texts: Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Muhurta Chintamani, Surya Siddhanta, Gṛhya Sūtras. See the full Vedic Glossary for 58 terms across Panchanga, Astrology, Calendar, Dosha, Ritual, and Sanskara categories.