Surya Grahan 2020: The first annual solar eclipse will be witnessed on June 21. During an annular solar eclipse, the Moon is farthest from Earth, with its apparent diameter at that distance not enough to completely block the Sun. The first solar eclipse will appear as a “ring of fire”.
In Hindu mythology, a solar eclipse is also known as Surya Grahan.
The annular solar eclipse on June 21 will begin as a partial eclipse at 9:15 am IST and will attain its maximum form at 12:10p IST. By 3:04 pm, the annular solar eclipse will end.
It will be visible over central Africa, the southern Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan, Northern India, and South Central China. A partial eclipse will be seen over most of Asia, Africa, South and East Europe, northern Australia, and parts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
There are many myths and beliefs that are associated with both solar and lunar eclipse. One such myth is related to pregnant women. They are advised to take special care and precaution due to several reasons.
Let’s know about the beliefs and whether they are fact or just a myth.
Pregnant woman should stay indoors:
It is believed that if a pregnant woman does not stay indoors during the eclipse, it can harm the unborn baby in the womb and may be born with various deformities. However, there is no scientific explanation of this belief.
Pregnant woman should not see the eclipse through the naked eye:
Well, this involves a scientific explanation and this should be followed by all the people including pregnant women. It is harmless to perceive a lunar eclipse through the naked eyes. However, when it comes to a solar eclipse, it should never be perceived through naked eyes as it may severely harm the eyesight.
Solar eclipse can harm the baby:
This is a myth and does not involve any scientific point of view. However, astrologers believe that both lunar and solar eclipse may affect the unborn child if pregnant women step outside.
Precuations a pregnant woman should take during a Surya Grahan:
Block the Sun: To keep pregnant women away from the eclipse, it is advised to block the sun’s rays from entering the house by drawing thick curtains or covering the windows with newspaper.
Chant Mantras: To safeguard the baby from the malefic effects of the solar eclipse, it is advised to chant Santana Gopala Mantra or Maha Mrutyunjaya Mantra during the eclipse period. Vishnu Mantras and Surya Mantras are known to have beneficial effects.
Avoid Using Sharp Objects: Pregnant women are advised not to use sharp objects like pins and needles and knives as using them is believed to cause deformities in the baby.
No Sleeping: During the eclipse time, pregnant women should avoid sleeping. If possible, they should sit on some grass spread on the floor.
