Celestial events have always held a significant place in human cultures, and solar eclipses, known as Surya Grahan in India, are no exception. As the moon casts its shadow upon the sun, temporarily dimming its brilliant light, various customs and beliefs come into play. One such custom is the closure of temples in India during a solar eclipse.

So, let’s explore the reasons behind this age-old practice and the underlying beliefs that shape it.

Spiritual Significance

Temples are amongst the holiest places where Hindu devotees gather to offer their Adoration and prayers and seek blessings from divine forces. During Surya Grahan or solar eclipse, people believe the cosmic energies experience a transformation.

Therefore, devotees strongly consider the period highly inauspicious due to the temporary disturbance in the balance of energies. And that’s why temple authorities shut the temples down to avoid unfavorable influences that might affect the sanctity of the place and the rituals performed within it.

Astronomical Alignment

The astronomical considerations eventually influence the practice of closing temples during solar eclipses significantly. In fact, astrology practitioners consider the alignment of celestial bodies during an eclipse as a powerful cosmic event.

They believe that concentrated cosmic energies can profoundly affect the environment and living societies, whether humans or wildlife. Temples are the epicenters of spiritual energy.

So, closing them during the eclipse defines a protective measure for the temple’s exterior structures and protects devotees from unfavorable effects.

Respect and adhere to the practice of closing temples during Surya Grahan and honor the sanctity of the temples and maintain spiritual purity.

Feature Image Credit: Image by Chris Reich from Pixabay. (free for commercial use)