Grahan (eclipse) niyam
By tradition, sutak begins before an eclipse (12 hours before a solar eclipse, 9 hours before a lunar eclipse), during which puja, touching murtis, and cooking and eating are avoided. After the eclipse, snan and daan are done.
✅ What to do
- During the eclipse, do mantra jaap and meditation.
- Put tulsi leaves in food, milk and water made beforehand.
- After the eclipse ends, bathe and sprinkle Gangajal in the house.
- After the eclipse, give grain, clothes etc. as daan.
❌ What not to do
- During sutak, do not touch murtis or do puja in the temple.
- Avoid cooking and eating during the eclipse (this rule does not apply to children, the elderly and the sick).
- Never look at a solar eclipse with the naked eye — it can permanently damage your eyes.
- Sutak is not observed for an eclipse that is not visible in your area.
These niyam (rules) are based on tradition and belief; they can differ between regions and families.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours before does the sutak of an eclipse begin?
12 hours before a solar eclipse and 9 hours before a lunar eclipse.
Should sutak be observed for an eclipse not visible in India?
No, by tradition sutak is observed only when the eclipse is visible at your place.