Dos and Don'ts During Chaitra Navratri 2024 and Solar Eclipse Observance

Chaitra Navratri, an auspicious Hindu festival, commences this year on April 9, 2024. However, it is preceded by a significant celestial event - the occurrence of the first solar eclipse of the year on April 8, coinciding with Chaitra Amavasya. In Hindu tradition, solar eclipses are traditionally viewed as inauspicious events, marked by heightened influence of Rahu, a shadow planet believed to impact various aspects of life. Consequently, it is commonly recommended to refrain from engaging in auspicious activities during an eclipse, understanding the actions to avoid during this celestial event is crucial.

Dos and Don'ts During Chaitra Navratri

This Navratri and Solar eclipse is claiming some BIG event in the world in upcoming months. Shani Dev is all set to enter into Purvabhadrapad Nakshatra on 6 April 2024. The animal of this Nakshatra is a male lion. 🦁 The lion is connected to Maa Durga, who fights a war against…

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Refraining from consuming food during a solar eclipse is advised by religious beliefs. Scriptural teachings warn of dire consequences for those who eat during this celestial event. Instead, it is customary to place basil leaves in grains as an offering during a solar eclipse. Tulsi and Peepal trees hold sacred significance, with Tulsi revered as the abode of Goddess Lakshmi and Peepal associated with Lord Vishnu. Therefore, plucking basil leaves or interfering with Peepal trees during a solar eclipse is discouraged as it is considered displeasing to the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.

Touching or worshiping idols of deities during a solar eclipse is considered taboo, leading temples to typically remain closed during this period. Instead, devotees are encouraged to spend the day in recitations to counteract any negative effects of the eclipse.

Special attention is advised for pregnant women during a solar eclipse. It's recommended for them to stay indoors from the onset until the conclusion of the eclipse and to avoid using sharp objects like needles, knives, or scissors.

Chaitra Navratri and Solar Eclipse Protocol

🕉 Chaitra Navratri 2024 नवरात्र के दौरान मां दुर्गा के 9 रूपों की विशेष पूजा करने का विधान है।साथ ही सुख और शांति के लिए व्रत भी किया जाता है।पंचांग के अनुसार, चैत्र नवरात्र की शुरुआत 9अप्रैल से होगी और समापन 17अप्रैल को होगा pic.twitter.com/l86Xy4DCtT

— VARUN ARORA (@VARUNARORA47982) April 4, 2024

According to Hindu beliefs, the environment undergoes a period of impurity during a solar eclipse, and thus extra precautions are necessary to shield oneself from potential adverse effects. Scriptures advise abstaining from engaging in auspicious activities, prayers, or shopping during this time, as the positive influences of benefic planets in one's horoscope are believed to be diminished.

Negative energies are believed to intensify during a solar eclipse, making it advisable to refrain from commencing new endeavors or auspicious activities. Additionally, it's recommended to avoid cutting nails or hair during the eclipse.

Before the onset of the eclipse, it is customary to ensure that temple doors are closed. Following the eclipse, purification rituals including bathing with holy water, acts of charity, and ablutions for the idols of deities with holy water are performed. Finally, after the eclipse, households are sanctified by sprinkling holy water throughout.