Solar eclipse in Hindu mythology

Ring of fire annular eclipse 2012 is set to begin tomorrow noon. 

Meanwhile solar eclipse has an important place in Hindu mythology

Annular solar eclipse is all over the news right now. 18 years is a very long time for any such happening of celestial importance and people are impatiently awaiting it and making preparations to watch it. 

People in California, Utah, New Mexico and many other parts of the US are overjoyed with the prospects of watching the rings of fire around the sun during the solar eclipse.


Meanwhile adherents of different religions are making preparations as prescribed by their religious books.

Hindu religious books have elaborate instructions about what to do and what not to do during the solar eclipse. 

  In the Rig Veda, there are several mentions of the solar eclipse and it has called a curse. “The cause of the eclipses is ascribed to a demon, called Svarbhanu, striking the Sun with darkness. 

When the gods could not discern the Sun (hidden as it was by darkness), they invoked Rishi Atri who repelled its darkness by chanting four Rik mantras (Rigveda 5.40.5-6) ...


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 Ring of fire annular eclipse 2012: Solar eclipse in Hindu mythology | Northern Voices Online: NVO News Blog