Weekly Horoscope (20 - 26 August 2018)

These 3 Zodiac Signs will be blissfully happy! Read weekly horoscope and know how different aspects of your life will flourish this week.

This week of August will be especially blissful for the natives of Taurus, Virgo and Pisces Zodiac sign. With the influence of planetary transits and Nakshatras, these natives will gain monetary benefits, go on trips and will attain happiness in their lives.

Furthermore, the week is also significant from religious point of view. On August 22, it will be Shravana Putrada Ekadashi, Onam on August 25 and Raksha Bandhan on August 26. Also, Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga is occurring on August 24 and August 25 this week. As per Hinduism and Vedic Astrology, this Yoga is considered very auspicious for a person. Every task performed in this Yoga proves to be successful and in the most splendid way. Additionally, after fluctuations in the prices of Gold and Silver, there prices may reach sky high.

Now, take a look at below predictions for all 12 signs to know what surprises might be there in store for them this week:

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

Click here to know your Moon Sign: Moon sign Calculator

ARIES

Tensions in family life would make you unhappy. Furthermore, your father’s health would...Read More

TAURUS

You may gain monetary benefits through business partnerships. You may also...Read More

GEMINI

You may feel mentally stressed about something, which may affect your health. But...Read More

Planetary influence on your life through your Birth Chart? Read: Planets in Astrology

CANCER

Multiple things will engage your mind, as a result, you may have...Read More

LEO

Your determination to complete your tasks, would boost your self - confidence and persistence. However...Read More

VIRGO

You may go on a long distance trip or may spend money on other activities, however...Read More

Vastu Shastra: Know About Vastu Dosh & Vastu Tips

LIBRA

You would have to maintain harmony between your personal and professional life. Also, pay attention...Read More

SCORPIO

This week, you may get concerned with useless matters, which may result in...Read More

SAGITTARIUS

Seeing an increase in your expenses, you are advised to manage your finance well, or you may...Read More

Also Read: What is Shani Sade Sati? How it influences your life?

CAPRICORN

This week, you may think about changing your job, in which you might get...Read More

AQUARIUS

Your mother would also feel happy, though your father’s health may decline. You are advised...Read More

PISCES

You may plan a long trip this week, and after extreme efforts, you would get...Read More

Visit our online store for all astrological solutions: AstroSage Online Shopping Store

Sun Transits to Leo Today, Know Its Astrological Significance

Which 5 Zodiac signs will get lucky with Sun transit? Today on August 17, 2018, Sun is transiting in Leo sign. Read here to know the astrological significance of this planet’s transit on your job, business, education and other domains.

In Vedic Astrology, Sun is the significator of soul, father, ancestors, prestige and status. The good position of Sun in a person’s Kundli (birth chart) leads him/her to high government services, respect and fame. But, if Sun is debilitated in one’s Kundali, it causes Pitra Dosha. So to avoid that, one should offer Argh and water as well as worship the Sun God on regular basis. This also increases one’s self-confidence.

Today on Friday, August 17, 2018, Sun has transited in Leo at 07:02 AM in the morning, and will remain in this sign till 7:02 AM on Friday, September 17, 2018. This transit period will be highly beneficial for the natives of Aries, Leo, Virgo, Libra and Scorpio. At the same time, the position of Sun in Leo will elevate the prices of gold, silver, cotton, sugar, oil and red colored goods.

Now, read here to know in detail about the effects of Sun transit on your life:

हिन्दी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें…

To know your Moon sign, click here: Moon Sign Calculator

ARIES

In this period, you might think about changing your current job. As far as...Read More

TAURUS

This planetary movement indicates that health status of your mother would improve, and she would be able to...Read More

GEMINI

This transit would increase your overall potential, and you would be more open to taking...Read More

Know Remedies for Sun Related problems, Read: Planet Sun in Astrology

CANCER

Aggression, ego and harshness would make their way into your speech, and as a consequence...Read More

LEO

With this transit, you would develop a charismatic personality, which would make you...Read More

VIRGO

During this period, your desire to travel abroad may be fulfilled. Your workplace might also...Read More

Know your future as per Numerology Reading 2018

LIBRA

This will be the period that you have been yearning for a while as monetary gains are...Read More

SCORPIO

In this duration, your position and authority at work would increase, and you might get...Read More

SAGITTARIUS

During this transit period, your honor would increase as well as your social status would...Read More

Buy Genuine Ruby to appease Planet Sun: 5 Carat Ruby Gemstone

CAPRICORN

It is predicted that the health of your father may decline in this period. Furthermore...Read More

AQUARIUS

There would be an increase in your spouse’s ego, which might lead to some...Read More

PISCES

As a result of this planetary movement, your spouse might act aggressively and...Read More

Buy Gemstone, Yantra and other Astrology Products: AstroSage Online Shopping Store

72nd Independence Day Celebrations Today

Know how will be upcoming days for India! Today, India is celebrating its 72nd years of independence. On this occasion, know how will be the future of India according to its birth chart.

The country is celebrating its 72nd anniversary of independence today. Its picture has transformed completely since 1947. In these 7 decades, Indians have worked hard to lead India to the heights of eminence. One can see huge development in the field of Medical Science, technology, Finance, Economy, Defence, Business, Agriculture, etc. but challenges are still there and India is ready to take them head-on.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

Not only Government, but people of India should also make effort for improvement in terms of illiteracy, unemployment, health facilities, financial inequality, discrimination and various other national issues. This should be the motto of this year’s Independence Day. Now take a look at how will be the upcoming days for India according to its horoscope.

Also Read: Nag Panchami Today and its Religious Significance!

India got its freedom on August 15, 1947 at 12:00 AM midnight. As per astrology, independent India outset at this time, and therefore, according to this time, its Birth Chart is as follows:

India's Birth Chart

According to this birth chart, Lagna (ascendant) of India is Taurus and it is residing in Rahu Ascendant House. Mars is posited in 2nd House. Planets such as Venus, Mercury, Sun, Moon and Saturn are situated in 3rd House. At the same time, Jupiter is in 6th House and Ketu in the 7th House. Lagna for Navmansh Kundli is Pisces, which is in the 11th position from Taurus in Lagna Kundli. The status of both the Kundli (horoscopes) reflects auspicious and progressive results in all situations. From the beginning of year 1947, India has passed through the Mahadashas of Saturn, Mercury, Ketu, Venus and Sun. Now, from August 11, 2018, India is going through Moon and Jupiter Mahadasha.

• As per birth chart of India, Moon is posited in 3rd House in Cancer. At the same time, Jupiter (being the ruling planet of 8th and 11th House) is residing in 6th House in Libra sign.
• From 3rd House, one can finds details about transport communication, telecommunication, share market, writing and similar things of India. 8th House tells about the natural disasters and problems that may occur in future in India. 11th House informs about parliament, assembly and nations’ law and order.
• Furthermore, 6th House informs about the possible infectious diseases in the country, military ammunitions, labor class, foreign support, mortgages, etc. Moon, which is the lord of 3rd House is residing in it. This situation reflects India’s aggressive personality and self-confidence globally. However, Jupiter’s situation in the 6th House indicates toward natural calamities and instability, and further toward debt situation of India, which may decrease initially, but later may increase.

According to the 72nd anniversary of free India, Cancer Lagna has risen on August 15, 2018. This year, Lagna ruling planet, i.e. Moon is posited in the 3rd House with its friendly planet as well as with its enemy planet, Venus. Muntha is in 10th House, and the ruling planet of Muntha is situated in 7th House in its exalted sign. However, the planet is bothered by Ketu. Additionally, Sun, Mercury, Rahu, Mars, etc have their hidden aspect on Muntha, while Jupiter has direct aspect on Muntha. Now, with the help of this year’s horoscope of India, let’s take a look at the bigger picture of India in the coming future.

India and Its Neighbouring Countries at a Glance

As per India’s yearly horoscope, China will try to bother India again. It will try to obstruct India’s economy, and with the help of other countries including Pakistan, China will also try to politically restrain our country. However, India will remain prepared for facing the challenges that China will reflect on the country, and will also try to overcome China and Pakistan diplomatically.

Inflation, Corruption and the Common Man

Agitated by inflation, corruption, new rules and regulation, and the overbearing attitude of government officials, the common man may act aggressively or may show protest on the streets. However, the government will try to strengthen its administrative system, along with its working situation. As a result, government schemes would be fully implemented, which will benefit the citizens of the country.

Political Instability and Struggle

As Kaal-Sarp Yoga is in India’s Kundali till September 19, 2018, therefore one would see political instability in the country. Social conditions are also likely to be unstable in this period. There may also be the loss of life or property in some states of India due to natural calamities.

Let's take an oath on the occasion of 72nd anniversary of India’s independence! We should vow to keep our country clean and maintain its unity, integrity and mutual goodwill. AstroSage wishes our readers a happy Independence Day!

Nag Panchami Tomorrow, Know Its Importance & Muhurat Timings

Know legends and significance of Nag Panchami! Follow the celebrations of Nag Panchami festival on August 15, 2018 with Hindu rituals and tradition.

According to Hindu Calendar, Nag Panchami or festival of snakes is celebrated on the fifth day of moonlit fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Shravan. It is a Hindu festival celebrated every year to worship snakes. This year, Nag Panchami will be celebrated on Aug 15 2018. As per Vedic Astrology, snakes are considered deities, and so, Naag Devta (Snake God) is especially worshipped on this day. It is also believed that if a person worships snakes on this sacred day, they remain steer clear of the possibilities of snake bites. There are a handful of Hindu mythologies that are filled with stories and tales about snakes. The festival is celebrated worldwide with great fervor and faith.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

Another important event that held on this day is the arduous trekking pilgrimage known as Nagdwar Yatra to Pachmarhi. On this occasion, food is cooked in a Karahi (cooking pot) as an offering to the Snake God.

Naag Panchami 2018 Puja Muhurat
Naag Panchami Puja Muhurat	From 05:49:59 to 08:28:11
Duration	2 Hrs 38 mins

Note: This muhurat is applicable for New Delhi. To know muhurat timings in your city, read Nag Panchami Puja Vidhi and Muhurat

Mythological Significance of Nag Panchami

There are some Indian mythological scriptures such as Skanda Purana, Agni Purana, Narada Purana and Mahabharata, which give information about Puja rituals for worshipping snake and also mention its religious and mythological significance. As per ancient beliefs, it is believed that the origin of snakes is associated with Lord Brahma, and that is the reason why worshipping them is considered auspicious. The son of Lord Brahma, known as Kashyapa had four wives. His first wife was the mother of all Devtas, second wife of Garudas, third wife of Nagas and fourth wife was the mother of all Asuras. The third wife of Kashyapa, named Kadroo, had given birth to Nagas. Therefore, Nagas (snakes) are also known by the name of Kadrooja.

Nine Species of Snakes (Nagas)

The Sanskrit names of 9 Great Nāgas are Anant, Vāsuki, Sheshnāg, Padmanābha, Kambala, Shankhapāla, Dhārtarāshtra, Takshaka, and Kaliya. Nag Panchami, also known as Bhratru Panchami, is the day when sisters along with their brothers worship snakes and their burrows (snake hole) to seek the blessings of snakes. Sisters performed this Puja for the well-being of their brothers, so that they do not suffer or steer clear of snake bites. This Hindu festival is also celebrated as Vishari Puja or Bishari Puja in some regions of the country, where Bisha or Visha means “poison”.

Importance of Snakes in Hindu Religion and Vedic Astrology

India has always been known as the land of snake worshippers and snakes. People of India celebrates the festival of Nag Panchami in honor of serpents and snakes. During the festival of Nag Panchami, people wash the snakes with milk ensuring their families safety from danger of snakes.

It is believed that snakes are imbibed with more powers than humans. The connection of snakes with Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Subramanya, shows their religious significance and hence, shows the devotion of Hindus towards cobra and other snakes throughout the country. The relation of snake with Moon nodes in Hindu astrology is known for more than one reason. It is believed that the tail of the snake is considered as Ketu (Dragon’s tail) and the head as Rahu (Dragon’s head). If seven planets of an individual are surrounded between Rahu and Ketu in reverse order, it is said that the person has Kalasarpa Dosha or defect due to black snakes in his Zodiac Chart. It brings bad luck and hardship in an individual’s life. Therefore, it can be rectified by worshipping the snakes on the day of Nag Panchami.

Celebration of Nag Panchami in Different States

In the state of Maharashtra, there is a city called Nagpur where snakes have special eminence. The name of the city is derived from the word Naga (means snake) as the place or the place is full of snakes. Mahal area in Nagpur has a temple called Nagoba, where worshippers offer special prayers to snakes on Nag Panchami day. It is said that the temple was found under the Neem tree, known as “Nagoba ka vota”.

In Banaras (Varanasi), Akharas (where wrestling practice has been performed) are decorated on the day of Nag Panchami. Additionally, Akharas are cleaned and painted with images of snakes, priests, and the gurus. Here, the festival is important as wrestlers are the symbol of virility and Naga symbolizes the “scheme of virility”. Therefore, the decoration of Akharas and images of snake shows snakes drinking milk. 

In Kashmir, snakes have been worshipped by Hindu people from a very long time. In north eastern states such as Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Assam, Goddess Manasa Devi is worshipped on this occasion. In Hindu mythology, Manasa Devi is considered the Queen of Snakes and sister of Vasuki. She is also believed to be the Snake Goddess, Jaratkaru, the same snake that was wrapped around Mandarachal mountain during Samudra Manthan. In Maharashtra, devotees go round the burrows (snake hole) and sing songs in praise of snake gods. Furthermore, Manasa plant symbolizing the Goddess Mansa is also worshipped on this day. It is not only worshiped in the month of Shravan, but also in the month of Bhadra.

In Karnataka, the preparation for the festival starts on the New Moon day of Bhima Amavasya, which is five days prior to the festival of Panchami. The festival is celebrated within the boundaries of the house. The devotees offer raw milk and green Bananas. Girls offer prayers to the images made with white clay and painted with white dots. During the ritual, they offer prayers and take a vow by tying a thread dipped in turmeric paste on their right wrist. An image of snake is drawn on the floor in front of the house and milk is offered as a religious offering. Before one night of the festival, they complete the fast or take a salt free diet. After Puja, a delicious feast is held.

It is observed that if Nag-Panchami is celebrated every year with devotion and gaiety, then snakes bestow the person with good health, wealth and happiness. However, if snakes are unhappy or angry, they make you sick and no medicine can heal your from pain or suffering.

We hope that you like this article on Nag Panchami. If you want to read more updates on festivals or any other astrological event, read our blogs on AstroSage Magazine.

Weekly Horoscope (13 - 19 August 2018)

Surprises round the corner for 4 lucky Zodiac Signs! Read weekly horoscope and know what your stars have in store for you. Also know how different aspects of your life will flourish this week.

This week seems to be highly beneficial for the natives of Taurus, Cancer, Libra, and Aquarius. With the influence of planetary transits and Nakshatras, happiness will grace the lives of these people. At the same time, lives of the natives of other signs will go on as usual.

Furthermore, this week is quite significant from astrological, religious and cultural point of view. On August 15, 2018, it will be the 72nd Independence Day of our country, which will be celebrated with patriotism and enthusiasm. On the same day, festival of Nag Panchami will also occur. On August 17, Sun will transit in Leo and influence the lives of the natives of various Zodiac signs differently.

Today, the first day of the week, is beginning with Hariyali Teej festival. At the same time, it will be the third Monday of Sawan month. To know more, read: Sawan Somvar Vrat Puja Vidhi and Its Religious Importance

Now, take a look at below predictions for all 12 signs to know what surprises might be there in store for them this week:

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

Click here to know your Moon Sign: Moon sign Calculator

ARIES

Direct your energy towards accomplishing various tasks ahead. Your presence would...Read More

TAURUS

You may feel disappointment for not getting the desired output of your hard work. But...Read More

GEMINI

Your health may become upset in this period, so you are recommended to...Read More

Planetary influence on your life through your Birth Chart? Read: Planets in Astrology

CANCER

You will get complete support of your younger siblings. However...Read More

LEO

This week, you may remain quite busy. As a result, you will not be able to spend...Read More

VIRGO

You would have to work extra hard as senior officials have their eyes on you, however...Read More

Vastu Shastra: Know About Vastu Dosh & Vastu Tips

LIBRA

You may invest your savings in your work, and if you are a business person, this action would prove to be...Read More

SCORPIO

Ups and downs may occur at work, and it also seems be a possibility that you may plan to...Read More

SAGITTARIUS

You may feel upset this week. The reason being that you may feel disappointed...Read More

Also Read: How To Heal Yourself With Color Therapy?

CAPRICORN

This week, ups and downs will be a part of your life. Pay attention to your health as well. However...Read More

AQUARIUS

Good income is a possibility this week. However, you may suffer from...Read More

PISCES

You will remain quite busy this week. As a result, you may spend less...Read More

Visit our online store for all astrological solutions: AstroSage Online Shopping Store

Hariyali Teej Tomorrow, Know its Significance

Know rituals and legends of Hariyali Teej! Also know how to appease Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Follow the celebration of Hariyali Teej with enthusiasm and fanfare.

This year, Hariyali Teej or Madhushrava Teej will occur on 13th August 2018, i.e. tomorrow on Monday. The festival of Hariyali teej is celebrated for marital bliss and well-being of the families. There are three teej festivals that are celebrated across Northern India. As per Hindu Calendar, Hariyali Teej, Kajari Teej and Hartalika Teej occur in Sawan and Bhadrapad months. It is observed that women in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Bihar celebrate Teej with great gaiety and fanfare. On this auspicious day of Sawan, colorful ethnic wear, sumptuous sweets like Ghevar and fasting mark the celebrations of the unification of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

As per Hindu Calendar, Hariyali Teej will occur tomorrow on 13th August, while Kajri Teej will be celebrated on 29th August. Kajari Teej or Badi Teej is celebrated 15 days after Hariyali Teej or Choti Teej. In Rajasthan, processions of Teej Mata are taken on the streets, songs are sung and dances are performed. This day marks as the official holiday in Haryana and Government also organises several functions. There is also a tradition for women to enjoy swings. In Chandigarh, students perform plays and cultural programs and Chandigarh government makes special arrangements in Rock Garden for Teej celebration. In Punjab, all girls and women gather and perform Gidda and visit their families.

Women in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, celebrate the festival of Teej with great joy and enthusiasm. 

Legend Associated with Hariyali Teej

Teej is a festival that symbolizes the reunion of Shiva and his wife Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, on this auspicious day, Parvati came to Shiva’s abode, marking the union of husband and wife. It shows the sacrifice of a wife to win the heart and soul of her husband. This festival marks the celebration of well-being of spouse, children and personal purification.

Goddess Parvati observed a fast for around 108 years in order to prove her love and devotion for Lord Shiva, before he considered her as his wife. According to some scriptures, she was born 107 times before she take the birth of Parvati, and at her 108th birth, she was granted the boon to be the wife of Lord Shiva because of her dedication, perseverance and penance over many births. Hence, the festival of Teej is celebrated to salute the devotion of Parvati, who is also often called as ‘Teej Mata’.

The Mythological Significance of Hariyali Teej

It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva accepted Goddess Parvati as his wife after she fasted for him for many years. There are Legend which says that she prayed and took 108 births to be Lord Shiva’s wife. Goddess Parvati is also known as Teej Mata. The union took place on the third day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan.

There is a tradition of sending a basket of gift called ‘Sindhara’ to the daughter and her in-laws by her parents. The gift contains Henna cones, new bangles, homemade sweets and ghewar. Because of the Hindu tradition of sending Sindhara, Hariyali Teej is also known as Sindhara Teej. The day is also called as Choti Teej or Shravan Teej. On the other hand, the Teej that falls after 15 days of Hariyali Teej is known as Badi Teej. 

Celebration of Teej

• On this auspicious day, married couples visit Lord Shiva temple and offer red flowers to him. They also offer Bhog, Solah Shringar and pray for their happy married life.
• As per Hindu culture, parents of married women send a basket to their daughters on Teej, known as Sindhara, which is full of fruits, ghevar, mehndi cone and bangles.
• On this day, the atmosphere is filled with traditional songs of Teej, and women decked up in ethnic wear especially in green colored clothes. They put on a bindi, wear anklets, bangles, mehndi (henna) and do all Solah Shringar. 
• In rural areas, groups of girls and women gather around swings and enjoy the beautiful greenery and weather of Sawan month. 
• Women observe a fast during the day, decked up traditionally and offer prayer to the Lord Moon in the evening. 
• A special puja is performed to worship the lord moon with curd, milk and flowers. Religious hymns are chanted and songs are sungs.

AstroSage wishes our readers a blissfully happy hariyali Teej!

Surya Grahan Today, Read Horoscope Predictions

Special Benefits for 4 Zodiac Signs! Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipse) will occur today in the afternoon. Read here to know its timings, Sutak Kaal and predictions for the natives of all 12 signs.

The third and last Solar Eclipse of the year is occurring today on August 11, 2018. It will be a partial Solar Eclipse, and will be visible in North East Europe, North America, North West Asia and other countries. Sutak Kaal and religious significance of the eclipse will be valid in these regions.

Surya Grahan (August 11, 2018)
Time	Type	Visibility
From 1:32:08 PM till 5:00:40 PM (as per IST)	Partial Solar Eclipse	Northeast Europe, North West Asia, North America, Atlantic and Arctic regions

Note: This partial Solar Eclipse will not be visible in India and therefore, its Sutak timings and religious significance will not be considered here.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

Astrological Impact of Surya Grahan

This Solar Eclipse is occurring in Ashlesha Nakshatra and Cancer. Ashlesha is the Nakshatra of Mercury and Cancer is ruled by Moon. Therefore, the people associated with both these Nakshatra and Sign may face the malefic effects of Surya Grahan. With the eclipse occuring during Ashlesha, lawyers, politicians, teachers, astrologers, Chemical Engineers, chemists and businesspersons may face its adverse effects. As Cancer is a water sign and ruled by Moon, therefore, the native of this sign may also face mental and water related problems.

Horoscope Predictions for Surya Grahan

• Aries: There is a possibility of success in certain aspects such as job and business. New sources of income will be achieved. Progress in career is also predicted. You will feel elated as well.
• Taurus: Your social status will grow along with monetary gains. You will feel happy with support from your loved ones and friends. You will also feel happy with success in every activity.
• Gemini: You may have to go away from your family due to some work or other reasons. You may feel mentally stress due to increase in your problems. Additionally, less income and more expenses would also create problems for you. You may suffer from health issues as well.
• Cancer: Increase in stress may affect your personal and professional life. Drive carefully and not speedily. Do not ignore your health.
• Leo: Due to some reason, you may engage in a dispute or argument with your family members. You are advised to be patient in such situations and talk in a controlled manner. Financial situation will remain as usual.
• Virgo: Siblings will support you in every situation. Short trips are likely. Courage and strength will increase in you. Your interests in business will lead you to success.
• Libra: Instability and restlessness may affect your life for a while. Problems in family life may occur. Your mother’s health may also decline.
• Scorpio: Students may feel lack of concentration while studying. Misunderstandings may lead to problems in relationship with your beloved. There may occur differences of thoughts between you and your children, and their health may also get affected. Your income and growth may pace slowly in this period.
• Sagittarius: You will get success in every task related to job and business. This will make you elated and happy. You will prosper in your domain. You will also dominate your opponents.
• Capricorn: You may have to face some problems in your marital life. There are chances of arguments with your spouse. Misunderstandings may also lead to disputes with your business partner. Your spouse may have to struggle to get success in their working domain.
• Aquarius: Sudden money losses and disgrace to your honor may disappoint you. Face or skin related problems may also occur. Constant problems may cause difficulties for you.
• Pisces: Increase in stress may affect your health. Long journeys may prove troublesome for you. Certain issues at home may lead to difference of thoughts between you and your father. You may have to struggle for getting success and respect.

What a Pregnant Women should avoid during an Eclipse?

Surya Grahan Sutak Kaal

As we have already discussed that this partial Solar Eclipse will not be visible in India, therefore, its Sutak timings and religious significance will not be considered here. However, following activities are prohibited in Sutak period:

• Worshipping idols or touching them, eating and drinking is prohibited and considered inauspicious during Sutak and Eclipse period.
• It is highly beneficial to chant mantra during Sutak and Surya Grahan period.
• These traditional rules of Sutak period are not applicable on helpless and sick people, elders, children and pregnant women.
• Do not eat food. Only if it is necessary, then take milk, fruit, juice or Sattvic meal. Also avoid preparing food in this period.

Do’s and Don’ts during Surya Grahan

It is believed that negative energies become stronger during an eclipse, which affect humans negatively. Therefore as per religious beliefs, it is important to follow certain things during Solar Eclipse to avoid its malefic effects.

• Put some Basil leaves in cooked meal, and in milk and curd before eclipse begins. This negates the effect of Surya Grahan on edible items.
• Eat your food before and not during the eclipse.
• Do not perform Puja or touch idols of deities, Tulsi and Shami plant.
• Pregnant women should avoid activities such as cutting, sewing and peeling.
• Avoid using a knife, scissor or needle.
• Chant Surya Mantra and ruminate the name of God during this period.

Things to Do after Surya Grahan

• Take a bath after Eclipse and also bathe the idols of the deities.
• Sprinkle Gangajal over Tulsi and Shami plant.
• Donate things to the poor and needy after Grahan.

This will be the last Solar Eclipse of the year. Next Year in 2019, again you will see 3 Solar Eclipses. Among them, first will be seen on January 6, 2019. Surya Grahan is a celestial phenomenon with special astrological significance. Its influence on human life and around the world is seen for quite some time.

AstroSage wishes you a very bright future.