Chandra Grahana Sankalpam

[Guest guest]

Dear Bhagavatas

 

A bhagavata has raised the following. questions regarding the Chandra

Grahanam occurring tomorrow in the USA

 

The total eclipse of the moon visible tomorrow in the USA is not at all

listed in some Panchangams like Srirangam Koil Panchangam. In some others

like "Pambu" Panchangam though mentioned, it is clearly stated that there is

no observance of PuNyakAla Tharpanam etc.as it will not be visible in INDIA.

 

Since it is visible in the USA-

1. Do we have to observe PuNya kAla TharpaNam here?

2. If so, would it not be contrary to fact to cite "BhAratha VarshE,

Bharathah khandE" in our Grahana Sankalpam as it is not visible in "BhAratha

Varsham and Bharathah KhaNDam"?

 

It is not a question of one's personal feeling of being 'comfortable' with

citing as above but what should actually be cited in consonance with the fact

of the circumstances and the SishTAchAram of citing the exact location where

the ritual is observed which is the bottom-line of the Sankalpam?

 

May I invite the response of experts in AnushTAnam to advise?

 

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy

[Guest guest]

Dear Bhagavatas

An error had crept into my earlier posting on the subject. I have mentioned

"PAmbu PanchAngam" instead of "VAsan PanchAngam" which actually mentions

about the eclipse but with the remarks "Chandran vAnathil theriyumidangaLil

grahaNam kAtchikkuriyathu" meaning "in those places where the eclipse appears

on the sky, it can be viewed".

 

And, it is a recognized practice that PuNyakAlam is required to be observed

only in places where the eclipse (partial or full) is visible.

 

Sri T. R. Govindarajan wrote in a private mail on 12/30/99 11:25:53 PM

Eastern Standard Time

"In year 2000, there is a total lunar eclipse readily accessible from the

Americas on January 20 on Full moon day.

Total eclipse begins 11:04 p.m. (jan 20);

deepest eclipse 11:44 p.m. (jan 20)

total eclipse ends 12:22 a.m. (jan 21)

moon leaves umbra 1:26 a.m (jan 21)."

 

As per the VAsan PanchAngam the timings shown are as follows. The

corresponding timings in USA are also indicated below

Friday 21st Begins 8.31 am.ISD i.e Thursday 20th 18.01 pm EST in USA

Friday 21st Deepest 9.35 am ISD i.e. Thursday 20th 20.05 pm EST in USA

Friday 21st Ends 11.55am ISD i.e Thursday 20th 22..25 pm EST in USA

This raises a further question:-

In our Sankalpam should we say "Guru vAsaram" meaning Thursday, when it

actually occurs here in USA or "Brighu vAsaram" meaning Friday, if we should

adopt the "BhAratha varshE, Bharathah KhaNDe" version when and where it does

NOT occur?

This may also be clarified.

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy

[Guest guest]

Ramanbil

Full-name: Ramanbil

Thu, 20 Jan 2000 14:36:48 EST

Re: Chandra Grahana Sankalpam

jagan_bharadwaj

In a message dated 1/20/00 1:01:51 PM Eastern Standard Time,

jagan_bharadwaj writes:

 

<< Anything south of Mt. Meru should be considered Bharata Varsha and even if

one resides in America the sankalpam Bharata VarshE etc. will remain the

same. This is the opinion given by either the Prakritam or Thirukudandai

Andavan. >>

 

Dear Sri Jagan

The entire world is said to be south of Meru including Bharatha Varsha and

Ramanaka Varsha etc. But, Bharatha Varsha does not seem to be correct. It

should be "Mero: DakshinE PArsvE but Ramanaka VarshE"

 

<The eclipse begins at 9.05PM est and will end in the early hours of the

morning.>

Most Panchangams and American almanacs place the beginning at about 10.01pm.

 

<One should have a bath before and after the eclipse. (The second

bath will have to be maanasikam because of the time of day).

The second SnAnam (whether mAnasikam or otherwise) is only optional, so far

as my understanding goes. If you have any authority that they are obligatory,

please let me know. I have made this point in my subsequent posting.

 

< Japam done during this time will have multiple effects of japam done

during regular time.>

I have invited attention to this also in my said posting.

Thanks

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy