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[Full title: Celestial Omens (3) The Eclipses]

The eclipses of the Sun and the Moon are well-known astronomical occurrences, but they are supposed to predict the coming events. The demon Rahu is believed to be devouring the Sun and the Moon and thus bring about the eclipses. It is prescribed that one should practice japa etc. during the eclipse in order to free the Sun and the Moon from this calamity. Thereby they are said to be pleased and to grant happiness. 32 The Atharvaveda, Saunakiya recension -Parisista 53 gives some indications by which the occurrence of the eclipses is foreknown, and also mentions the significance and the effects of the eclipses. It points out that when a lunar eclipse is about to occur, the Moon trembles, grows pale and impotent, and the spot on its body becomes larger. When a solar eclipse is about to occur, blots or lines are observed on the Sun. Other signs of an approaching eclipse are: dogs begin to bark incessantly, winds blow fiercely, meteors fall at both the twilights, cows yield less milk, the juice of the 'milky' trees vanishes, 31. Cf. Kausika Sutra 93.7-8; 100. 32. Atharvaveda-Parisistas 53.6.6-7 states that a solar eclipse occurs at an interval of six months, six months, three months, halfyear etc.; but the statement is not clear.

570 waters are seen covered with an oily sheet, the crows move about in a circle, and the jackals howl loudly. The signs of a lunar eclipse are seen from the eighth day of the bright fortnight up to the Full-moon day; and in the case of a solar eclipse, they are seen for the same number of days in both fortnights. 33 The time of the eclipse betokens the future. If the Sun or the Moon rise eclipsed, it indicates the ruin of the knowers of the Vedas, children and those who have matted hair or wear reddish garments (i.e. samnyasins). If the eclipse takes place in the morning, it affects youths, the knowers of sacrifice, aquatic animals and lordly elephants. If it takes place at noon (or midnight), it affects the sudras and the thieves. If the Moon appears cut (parivrkta), it kills the kat king and the spies (carana-caranan). If it looks elliptical (pralamba), 34 it affects women, the empire and the nation; then the people in Trigarta are tormented and also those who wield a danda. In the case of an eclipse occuring in chidra (1.e. the eighth lunar mansion), the birds are killed and there is no rain; when an eclipse occurs in 33. Cf. S.H.Hooke, "Omens - Ancient and Modern", Folklore LXVI, p.335. 34. Brhatsamhita by Varahamihira (5.43-52) mentions ten kinds of eclipses but this word does not occur there.

571 35 mahanaga (i.e. the seventh lunar mansior), the elephants are killed; and when an eclipse takes place in prakira demons are killed. the When the Sun or the Moon rises or sets in an eclipsed condition, there is likely to be complete absence of welfare and prosperity (cf. 70.32.3-6). The crop does not ripen for three years, and the people have to subsist on roots and fruits. All the luminaries are pervaded or disappear; and prosperous nations, kings and ministers are destroyed. If a lunar and a solar eclipse occur at an interval of a fortnight, the earth becomes covered with streams of human blood and mire, and there is draught. If the solar eclipse occurs first and then the lunar, the deities are said to be pleased (cf. Brhatsamhita by Varahamihira 5.98). 36 The colour of the Sun or the Moon at the time of the eclipse presages evil for the different castes white for the Brahmanas, red for the Ksatriyas, yellow for the Vaisyas and black for the Sudras. If the colour is gray, it creates winds; if brown (drauksa), it leads to rain; if yellow, it ruins the crops; if red, it leads to a battle; if dry, it 35. For the explanation of these astronomical terms, see Laghujataka 1.17; Suryasiddhanta 2.18,67. The term prakirna is hardly met with. 36. Varahamihira (Brhatsamhita by Varahamihira 5.26) states that if both the eclipses occur in the same month, it indicates a revolt in the army and also war. Cf. Brhatsamhita by Varahamihira 5.97.

572 00 leads to death; and if there are many colours, it creates a terrible disease among the people. When the colour is smoky or fiery; it creates, in the villages or cities, havoc arising out of fire (Cf. Brhatsamhita by Varahamihira 5.53-59). When Rahu, with a red or blue border, moves upon the Sun; the minister kills the king or the king his minister. If the eclipse takes place on the Naksatra under which a king is born; it indicates the loss of kingdom, destruction of friends and death for the king. The Parisista says that when the indications are observed but the eclipse does not follow, there is danger from war and famine. It is laid down that if the Sun or the Moon sets in an eclipsed condition, the twice-born should not take food until they are seen again. All that time should be spent in the recitation of mantras and the performance of rites. During an eclipse one should not eat. One may eat after the eclipse is over, after taking bath. If the Sun or the Moon sets in an eclipsed condition, one may take food the next day after bath.