The year 2020 has seen two Chandra Grahan and one Surya Grahan so far. And the fourth eclipse of the year is expected to occur on the night of July 5. However, it won’t be visible in all the countries in the world. The Grahan will be visible in parts of North and South America and Europe and western parts of Africa. Read on to know more about the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse.
What is Penumbral Eclipse or Upachaya Grahan?
According to Hindu beliefs, a Grahan which cannot be seen with naked eyes will not leave any adverse impact on people and their natal charts. On the day of the penumbral lunar eclipse (known as Upachaya Grahan), the Moon moves through the outer part of the Earth’s shadow or the regular umbra. The Upachaya Grahan takes place when the Sun, Earth, and the Moon are imperfectly aligned. During such a placement, the Earth blocks the sun rays from falling on the Moon and casts an impression on it with its outer shadow.
July 5 Upachaya Chandra Grahan timings in India
” Given the fact that the eclipse will take place during the day time in India, people in the country wouldn’t be able to view it. The total eclipse is expected to last for 2 Hours 43 Mins 24 Secs “
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse or Upachaya phase Time
First contact with penumbra 8:38 AM
Maximum impact of Eclipse 9:59 AM
Last contact with penumbra 11:21 AM
Upachaya Chandra Grahan July 5 Sutak Timings
Since it is Upachaya Chandra Grahan, Sutak will not be applicable.
Significance of Chandra Grahan
The importance of Chandra Grahan is associated with the Samudra Manthan episode related to theKurma Avatar of Lord Vishnu. The Devas and the Asuras took part in the churning of the cosmic ocean to obtain the Amrit (divine nectar of immortality). Soon after Lord Dhanavantri appeared with the pot of elixir, a demon named Svarbhanu snatched it from him and ran away. Subsequently, Lord Vishnu appeared as Mohini to get the container back. However, Svarbhanu deceived the Devas by getting dressed like them. He also grabbed a portion of the Amrit. And soon after learning about it after getting alerted by Surya and Chandra, Lord Vishnu cut Svarbhanu’s head with his Sudarshana Chakra (discus). Since then, Svarbhanu got divided into two parts. The head came to be known as Rahu, while the tail, Ketu. Therefore, to avenge Surya and Chandra, Rahu swallows them temporarily, and eventually, Ketu releases them.
However, for the believers, unlike sky gazers and astronomy enthusiasts, Grahan is not just a celestial phenomenon but an occurrence that leaves either a positive or a negative impact on people’s horoscope. Moreover, on the day of Grahan, people observe a fast as per the Sutak timings mentioned in the Panchang (calendar of the Hindus).
