Tradition? Religion? Science? The REAL Reason Hindus Fast During an Eclipse

In the Western world, the natural phenomena of eclipses are revered for their beauty and wonder. People go out to watch and admire the sky, and it is an outing for families to enjoy. 

But step into the world of Hindu beliefs, and you'll find a contrasting tale. Here, eclipses cast a shadow of apprehension, seen as bringers of misfortune and ill fate. It's a time when many Hindus refrain from partaking in even the simplest of activities - including eating. Yet, the rationale behind this observance is far from mere superstition. Delve deeper, and you'll uncover a dual narrative: one steeped in ancient religious lore, and the other grounded in scientific understanding.

According to ancient Hindu scriptures like the Vedas and the Skanda Purana, indulging in food during an eclipse invites misfortune and health afflictions. In one legend, the devas and asuras, who symbolized good and evil respectively, churned the ocean to receive the nectar of eternal life. As one of the asuras, Svarbhanu, posed as a deva to receive the nectar, the Sun god (Surya) and Moon god (Chandra) alerted Mohini, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who then used a discus to behead Svarabhanu. But because the asura had already consumed a portion of the nectar, his immortal but detached head and body lived on under the names Rahu and Ketu. Legend has it that Rahu occasionally swallows the sun and the moon because of the gods’ part in his misery, causing solar and lunar eclipses.

Beyond mythology, there's scientific rationale behind this tradition. Eclipses are thought to emit harmful radiation that contaminates food, fostering bacterial growth and posing health risks upon consumption. The Hindu solution? Tulsi, revered for its antibacterial properties. Adding Tulsi leaves to cooked food before an eclipse serves as a safeguard against bacterial proliferation, ensuring both spiritual adherence and physical well-being.

So next time there’s an eclipse, admire it from a distance and refrain from eating, and make sure you protect your cooked delights with the Holy Basil, Tulsi!

Author: Anish Heda