✦ Solar Eclipse ✦
✦ The Sun eclipsed by Rahu-Ketu — a unique spiritual interval ✦
✦ What is Solar Eclipse? ✦
A solar eclipse = the astronomical event in which the Moon comes between the Sun and Earth, partially or fully covering the Sun. It can occur only on Amavasya — and not even on every Amavasya, because the Moon's orbit is tilted ~5° from the ecliptic.
According to the Puranas, during the Samudra Manthan, Rahu obtained amrita through deception. When Sun and Moon revealed this to Vishnu, he severed Rahu's head with the Sudarshana chakra. The head became "Rahu" and the body became "Ketu". Since then, Rahu and Ketu attempt to swallow the Sun and Moon — the cause of eclipses.
The sutaka period for a solar eclipse begins 12 hours before. During this time, temple doors close; eating, sleeping, and study are avoided. During the eclipse, mantra-japa, meditation, and charity yield exceptional fruit. After eclipse-end, bathe, purify the puja-place, and use fresh water and food.
Three types — total (Sun fully covered), partial (Sun partially covered), annular (Sun's center covered, outer ring visible). Religious significance is the same for all three.
✦ Concept & Rule ✦
Astronomical basis: the intersection points of the Moon's orbit with the Sun's ecliptic — the "lunar nodes" — are precisely "Rahu" and "Ketu". A solar eclipse can occur only when Amavasya falls near a lunar node. There are 2–5 solar eclipses per year, but not all are visible from any one location. Visibility from India varies eclipse by eclipse.
✦ Upcoming Solar Eclipses (2026-2028) ✦
12 Aug 2026 · Wed
Total · Iceland, Spain · NOT visible in India
6 Feb 2027 · Sat
Annular · S. America, Africa · NOT visible in India
2 Aug 2027 · Mon
Total · Saudi Arabia, Yemen · partially visible in India
26 Jan 2028 · Wed
Annular · Spain, N. Africa · NOT visible in India
22 Jul 2028 · Sat
Total · Australia, NZ · NOT visible in India
17 Feb 2026 · Tue
Annular · Antarctica, S. Africa · NOT visible in India
12 Aug 2026 · Wed
Total · Iceland, Spain · NOT visible in India
6 Feb 2027 · Sat
Annular · S. America, Africa · NOT visible in India
2 Aug 2027 · Mon
Total · Saudi Arabia, Yemen · partially visible in India
26 Jan 2028 · Wed
Annular · Spain, N. Africa · NOT visible in India
22 Jul 2028 · Sat
Total · Australia, NZ · NOT visible in India
* Delhi panchang reference. May vary by ±1 day for other locations.