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Raghu Seshadri • November 5, 1995 


could someone explain why one has to have a shower after an eclipse? is it
religion or just something passed on for generations?
                                                                 kanaka


What is the difference between the two ? Isn't religion
something that is passed on for generations as well ?

As for the explanation - whenever something inauspicious
occurs, like a death in the family or some such,
a ritual purification is called for. This is a shower
followed by chanting certain mantras for purificatory
purposes. Now an eclipse is considered one of
those inauspicious things. An eclipse is a bad omen,
portending something unpleasant .. That the puranic tale
symbolizes it as the gobbling up of the moon or
the sun by Rahu is significant. It is a malevolent
event, and calls for defensive measures.

RS