What should you do or not do during lunar eclipse
Answer in simple Jain way (for householders):
1. Before the lunar eclipse
Do:
- Finish your food well before the eclipse begins
- Decide your pachchakkhan (vow) for that period:
- Boil and filter water in advance if you will need it for health after the eclipse.
- Keep the house and especially the pūjā place clean, finish routine work early.
Avoid:
- Starting to cook or eat close to the eclipse time.
- Planning heavy social programs or entertainment for that period.
---
2. During the lunar eclipse
Do:
- Use the time for adhyātma (spiritual work):
- Keep the body and mind as peaceful and still as possible.
Avoid:
- Eating or drinking during the eclipse (except for genuine medical need).
- Sleeping, gossiping, unnecessary phone/TV, time-pass.
- Violent or passionate activities – anger, fights, harsh speech, etc.
(The idea is: eclipse time is very powerful for karma-bandh as well as karma-kṣay. If you use it for sādhanā, it gives great benefit; if wasted, it can increase bondage.)
---
3. After the lunar eclipse ends
Do:
- Take a snān (bath) and change into clean clothes.
- Clean the kitchen and utensils properly.
- Do a short pūjā / Navkār / stavan with gratitude.
- Then do parnā (break your fast / vow) as per the pachchakkhan you took:
- If possible, do a small dān (charity) or help to others.
Avoid:
- Eating food that was lying open during the eclipse – generally it is discarded, not eaten.
- Jumping straight into heavy, rajasic food or loud activities immediately after; allow some calm time.
---
In summary, for a Jain, a lunar eclipse is a special time for extra sāyam (self-control) – no eating/drinking during the grahan, more mantra, samayik and pratikraman, snān and clean-up after, and then simple parnā according to your vow.