On October 25, the final solar eclipse of the year, known as ‘surya grahan,’ will occur. This partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Europe, northern Africa, and large sections of western and central Asia. Most of India, excluding certain areas in the Northeast, will witness the eclipse, commencing at 2:28 pm IST, with the maximum eclipse occurring around 4:30 pm.

During a solar eclipse, the moon positions itself between the sun and Earth, obstructing some of the sun’s light. There are three types of solar eclipses: total solar eclipse, annular eclipse, and partial solar eclipse. In a total eclipse, the moon entirely covers the sun; in an annular eclipse, the moon partially covers the sun, leaving an edge visible; and in a partial eclipse, like the upcoming one, the sun is partly covered by the passing moon.

As per a report by PTI, several temples will be closed during the eclipse, particularly in Telangana. Temples such as Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Yadagirigutta, Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple in Vemulawada, Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Dharmapuri, and Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devi temple in Basar will remain closed.

Astrologer Pandit Jagannath guruji explains the astrological significance of the eclipse, attributing it to Rahu and Ketu, the north and south lunar nodes. These nodes cause eclipses when the sun and moon align with them, creating an illusion of the celestial bodies being engulfed by a snake. Astrologically termed as ‘grahan,’ solar eclipses, in particular, are associated with Rahu. Guruji emphasizes that despite the regular occurrence of Rahu and Ketu cycles, eclipses add a mysterious and darker element to these phenomena.

Regarding the closure of temples during a solar eclipse, guruji states that it is due to the significant release of negative energy during a ‘grahan,’ reaching an “unusual magnitude.” He explains that positive energy typically flows in a clockwise motion from the idol, but an eclipse disrupts this spiritual flow and the aura around the idols. Closing the temple doors prevents the sun’s rays from entering and safeguards the idols from the negativity generated by celestial bodies. The interruption of the yantra impact in temples also affects the mood of the devotees. Guruji concludes that our ancestors were aware of the impact of eclipses on temples and humans, prompting the closure of temple doors on specific days to mitigate these effects on the idols’ aura and the believers’ state of mind.