The 2026 Lunar Eclipse, popularly known as Chandra Grahan, is a significant celestial and spiritual event in India. Occurring on Purnima (Full Moon), this lunar eclipse holds deep importance in Hindu traditions, astrology, and religious practices. Devotees across India observe fasting, perform puja, and engage in donation (daan) and seva during this powerful lunar phase.

This detailed guide covers Chandra Grahan 2026 date and time, visibility in India, rituals, astrological effects, fasting rules, and auspicious remedies.

What is a Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan)?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon. In Hindu belief, this phenomenon is associated with Rahu and Ketu, symbolizing karmic cleansing and spiritual transformation.

There are three types of lunar eclipses:

• Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
• Partial Lunar Eclipse
• Total Lunar Eclipse

The March 2026 Chandra Grahan will be a deep partial lunar eclipse, visible in India during moonrise.

Chandra Grahan 2026 Date & Time in India (IST)

Main Lunar Eclipse Visible in India

• Date: Tuesday, 3 March 2026
• Day: Tuesday
• Moon Phase: Purnima
• Type: Partial Lunar Eclipse (Moon rising during eclipse)

Lunar Eclipse Timeline (IST)

• Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 2:14 PM
• Partial Eclipse Begins: 3:20 PM
• Greatest Eclipse (Peak): 5:04 PM
• Partial Eclipse Ends: 6:47 PM
• Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 7:53 PM

👉 In most Indian cities, the Moon will rise while the eclipse is already in progress, making the event clearly visible in the evening sky.

August 2026 Lunar Eclipse – Visibility

• Date: 28 August 2026
• Type: Partial Lunar Eclipse
• Visibility in India: ❌ Not visible

This eclipse will occur during daytime in India and hence will not be observable.

Religious & Spiritual Significance of Chandra Grahan 2026

In Hinduism, Chandra Grahan on Purnima is considered a spiritually intense period. It is believed that:

• Meditation during lunar eclipse amplifies spiritual energy
• Charity and donations remove past karmic obstacles
• Mantra chanting during eclipse brings faster results

Many devotees dedicate this time to Annadaan (food donation), temple seva, and prayers for peace and prosperity.

Chandra Grahan 2026 Fasting Rules

• Fasting usually begins from sunrise
• Only satvik food is consumed before the eclipse
• Some devotees observe a complete fast
• Pregnant women, elderly, and sick individuals are advised not to fast strictly

After the eclipse:

• Take a bath
• Clean the home and prayer area
• Prepare fresh food

Chandra Grahan Puja & Rituals

Recommended practices during lunar eclipse:

• Chant Om Namah Shivaya
• Chant Gayatri Mantra
• Worship Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Chandra Dev
• Light a ghee lamp after eclipse ends

❌ Avoid:

• Cooking or eating during eclipse
• Starting new business or investments
• Touching idols during eclipse period

Astrological Effects of Lunar Eclipse 2026

Astrologically, lunar eclipses influence:

• Mental health and emotions
• Relationships
• Sleep patterns
• Decision-making ability

Remedies

• Donate white food items (rice, milk, sugar)
• Feed cows or needy people
• Perform Rudrabhishek or Chandra Shanti Puja
• Offer water mixed with milk to Shivling

Donation & Seva During Chandra Grahan

Charity during lunar eclipse is considered highly meritorious.

Popular donation options:

• 🥣 Annadaan Seva
• 🛕 Temple construction donation
• 👧 Kanya Bhojan Seva
• 🕯️ Gau Seva
• 🧘 Spiritual seva & mantra sponsorship

Donations made during Chandra Grahan are believed to multiply in spiritual benefit.

Scientific Importance of Lunar Eclipse

From a scientific perspective, lunar eclipses help astronomers:

• Study Earth’s atmosphere
• Observe Moon’s surface temperature
• Understand orbital dynamics

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch with naked eyes.

Disclaimer: The remedies, benefits, advice, and statements mentioned in this article are for general information purposes only. Shri Ram Temple Kamarpal and Suma Blessings Foundation do not endorse the content presented in this article. The information contained herein has been gathered from various sources, including astrologers, panchangs, sermons, beliefs, religious texts, and legends. Readers are advised not to regard this article as the ultimate truth or claim and to exercise their own discretion. Shri Ram Temple Kamarpal and Suma Blessings Foundation oppose superstition.