Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon) — 3 March 2026
पूर्ण चंद्र ग्रहण (ब्लड मून) — Tuesday, 3 March 2026
The first total lunar eclipse of 2026 turned the Moon a dramatic copper-red color as it passed through Earth's deepest shadow. Known as a Blood Moon, this Chandra Grahan was visible in India after moonrise, with eastern regions getting the best view of totality. The eclipse occurred in Kanya (Virgo) Rashi with the Moon at 12°54'.
Eclipse Phase Timeline (ग्रहण चरण समयरेखा)
🇮🇳 Visibility in India
The eclipse was visible in India only after moonrise (~6:00 PM in most cities). Eastern India (Kolkata, Guwahati) saw more of the total phase. Western and Southern India witnessed mainly the partial phase after moonrise.
ग्रहण भारत में केवल चंद्रोदय (~शाम 6:00 बजे) के बाद दिखा। पूर्वी भारत (कोलकाता, गुवाहाटी) में पूर्ण चरण अधिक दिखा। पश्चिमी और दक्षिणी भारत में मुख्य रूप से आंशिक चरण दिखा।
🌍 Where is this Eclipse Visible?
East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, Pacific, North America, parts of India (after moonrise)
पूर्वी एशिया, दक्षिण-पूर्व एशिया, ऑस्ट्रेलिया, प्रशांत, उत्तर अमेरिका, भारत के कुछ भाग (चंद्रोदय के बाद)
⏰ Sutak Kaal (सूतक काल)
Sutak began at 9:20 AM IST and ended with the eclipse at 6:36 PM IST
सूतक सुबह 9:20 बजे शुरू हुआ और ग्रहण के साथ शाम 6:36 बजे समाप्त हुआ
Mantras for Chandra Grahan (चंद्र ग्रहण मंत्र)
✅ Do's
• Take a bath after the eclipse ends (Grahan Snan)
ग्रहण समाप्ति के बाद स्नान करें (ग्रहण स्नान)
• Chant mantras — Gayatri, Mahamrityunjaya, or Rahu mantra
मंत्र जपें — गायत्री, महामृत्युंजय, या राहु मंत्र
• Donate food, clothes, or essentials after the eclipse
ग्रहण के बाद भोजन, कपड़े या आवश्यक वस्तुएँ दान करें
• Sprinkle Ganga Jal in the house after Grahan ends
ग्रहण के बाद घर में गंगा जल छिड़कें
• Pregnant women should rest in a clean room during Sutak
गर्भवती महिलाएँ सूतक के दौरान स्वच्छ कमरे में आराम करें
• Add Tulsi (holy basil) to stored food and water before eclipse
ग्रहण से पहले संग्रहित भोजन और पानी में तुलसी डालें
❌ Don'ts
• Do not eat or drink during Sutak Kaal (except water for the sick)
सूतक काल में खाना-पीना न करें (बीमारों को पानी छोड़कर)
• Do not start any new work or sign contracts during eclipse
ग्रहण के दौरान कोई नया काम शुरू न करें या अनुबंध न करें
• Do not look at the eclipse with naked eyes (solar eclipse)
नंगी आँखों से ग्रहण न देखें (सूर्य ग्रहण)
• Do not sleep during the eclipse period
ग्रहण काल में सोएँ नहीं
• Do not cook food during Sutak — consume pre-prepared food
सूतक में खाना न पकाएँ — पहले से बना भोजन खाएँ
• Do not touch idols or Tulsi plant during eclipse
ग्रहण के दौरान मूर्तियों या तुलसी के पौधे को स्पर्श न करें
Effects on 12 Rashis (राशिफल पर प्रभाव)
This eclipse occurs in Kanya (कन्या) Rashi — natives of this sign and the opposite sign are most affected.
Eclipse energy pushes career transformation. Avoid impulsive decisions. Chant Surya or Chandra mantra.
Financial matters need caution. Pending investments should wait. Good time for spiritual practice.
Communication and relationships face temporary turbulence. Avoid starting new partnerships.
Health requires attention during eclipse period. Rest well. Donate white items for Chandra Grahan.
Solar eclipses directly impact Leo natives. Self-identity undergoes transformation. Practice patience.
Lunar eclipse in Kanya brings emotional clarity after confusion. Career changes ahead. Stay grounded.
Hidden matters may surface. Good for resolving old disputes. Avoid travel during Sutak period.
Transformation energy is strongest for Scorpio. Release what no longer serves you. Deep meditation recommended.
Educational and spiritual pursuits face delays. Guru-related matters need patience. Study scriptures.
Professional life sees restructuring. Authority figures may change. Focus on long-term planning.
Solar eclipse in Kumbh (Feb) directly affects Aquarius. Major life shifts possible. Embrace change mindfully.
Lunar eclipse in Meen (Aug) brings emotional release. Creative energy surges. Practice water-based rituals.
Understanding Lunar Eclipses (चंद्र ग्रहण)
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting Earth's shadow on the Moon. In Vedic astrology, this is called Chandra Grahan and is associated with Rahu swallowing the Moon. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon often turns a dramatic copper-red color, earning the name Blood Moon.
Safe to Watch: Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye. No special equipment is needed. The reddish color comes from Earth's atmosphere bending sunlight into the shadow — the same effect that makes sunsets appear red.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon)?
The Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon) occurred on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. Maximum eclipse is at 17:03 IST (11:33 UTC).
Is the Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon) visible in India?
Yes, this eclipse is visible from India. The eclipse was visible in India only after moonrise (~6:00 PM in most cities). Eastern India (Kolkata, Guwahati) saw more of the total phase. Western and Southern India witnessed mainly the partial phase after moonrise.
What is the Sutak Kaal for this eclipse?
Sutak began at 9:20 AM IST and ended with the eclipse at 6:36 PM IST. During Sutak, avoid eating, sleeping, and starting new work.
In which Rashi does this eclipse occur?
This eclipse occurs in Kanya (कन्या) Rashi at 12°54'. In Western astrology, this corresponds to Virgo.