A lunar eclipse occurs during a full moon, when the earth is between the sun and the moon. A solar eclipse occurs during a new moon when the moon is between the sun and the earth. A full moon and a new moon are about 2 weeks apartOne should take a bath after an eclipse because it is believed that the earth is plunged into darkness during a lunar or solar eclipse. Darkness symbolizes impurity and therefore one has to sit in one place and chant the name of God. Once the eclipse is over, light returns back to the earth; and to rejoice, one has to cleanse the impurity that darkness brought, worship God and offer donations to express one’s happiness.
In the same way, we are all engulfed by an eclipse in the form of mãyã. So, just as one does for an eclipse, one should pray to God in order to overcome the force of mãyã.
Answered by meenusai
at
11:41 AM on January 11, 2008