An eclipse is a natural phenomenon. It is also called ‘Grahan’ in India, and for Hindus, it has a religious significance, especially for those who observe rituals according to the Hindu calendar. There are 2 kinds of eclipse -  Solar Eclipse and Lunar Eclipse. They occur when an astronomical object obscures the path of light rays fully or partially due to the presence of another object. It is a marvelous sight as well as a rare astronomical event which can be seen only from a limited area. Many people find eclipses interesting and are keen to observe it. But if ancient Hindu texts are to be believed, an eclipse is not a very auspicious event, and can often bring about some unpleasant developments in our lives.

Rahu and Ketu are the two points where the paths of the Sun and the Moon intersect as they move around the sky. Hence, Rahu and Ketu are called the North and the South Lunar nodes, respectively. On some occasions, when the moon passes these nodes, it will be perfectly aligned between the Earth and the Sun, and this causes an eclipse. As eclipses occur when the Sun and Moon are positioned at one of these points, it led to the myth of the Sun being swallowed. In Vedic Astrology, these cycles of Rahu and Ketu find mention, but due to their association with eclipses, Rahu and Ketu acquired a sinister and dark hue. 

Rahu and Ketu are karmic indicators and they are believed to have the power to cause eclipses. The eclipses occur during the Full Moon and the New Moon in the vicinity of Rahu Ketu. As they eclipse the Sun (representing consciousness) and the Moon (Mind) in symbolic terms, they darken our perspective to bring new light. They deal with death and re-birth, change and regeneration. During an eclipse, the light from the Sun and Moon is obscured. The energies created are very psychic and filled with occult power. The period following an eclipse is believed to be a rebirth of the Sun and the Moon. Rahu Ketu’s role in this powerful alignment of the Sun, Moon and the Earth gives them ultimate control of human destiny. Rahu and Ketu are regarded as the enemies of the Sun and the Moon as they ‘swallow’ the two luminaries when the eclipses occur. Their ability to obscure the Sun and the Moon make Rahu and Ketu very powerful. They represent the cosmic law which all have to obey.

Temples are not just abodes of God, they are also places where spiritual healing occurs, and where one can contemplate the divine aspect of life. They are energy or power spots and the place where the temple is, can be seen as a Yantra which generates a subtle energy flow. That energy enables one to experience the divinity within one’s self inside the temple. Each shrine evokes a different kind of energy, which will also interact with the cosmic energies emanating from the solar system, planets, etc. An idol of a deity, which has been installed with due ceremony and proper rituals, will emanate positive energy constantly.

When an eclipse occurs, the aura around the idol becomes disturbed. As per Hindu texts, during an eclipse, the heavenly bodies, especially the sun and the moon, produce abnormal and negative energies. It is for this reason that the temple doors are closed. This is believed to block or minimize the negative energies that may disturb the effects of the divine energy on the worshippers. It is also the practice to place Tulsi leaves on the idols to cover and protect them from the negative energy. Tulsi leaves are chosen as they are believed to have the ability to absorb harmful radiations. But it is seen that the Kalahasteeswara temple in Sri Kalahasthi is not closed when eclipses occur. This Hindu temple is the only one in India where Pooja is offered to Rahu and Ketu. Hence, the temple is not affected by eclipses.

The sages and wise men of yore knew about the effects of eclipses on temples, and on human beings. By closing the temple doors, the negative effects of the eclipse on the idols’ aura, the temples, and the devotees will be reduced.