Eclipse raises doubts on fest

Kakinada: Opinion is divided among almanac writers over the necessity to change the sacred thread that Hindu men wear on Sravana Pournima, on Monday, in view of the eclipse occurring later in the night. Pandits say that sisters may tie rakhis during the auspicious hours of the day.

Opinion is divided among almanac writers over the necessity to change the sacred thread that Hindu men wear on Sravana Pournima, or Jandhyala Pournima on Monday, in view of the eclipse occurring later in the night. Pandits say that sisters may tie rakhis to their brothers during the few auspicious hours of the day.

According to Brahmasri Vaddiparti Padmakar of the Pranav Peeth, the sacred thread should be changed on Monday in the manner prescribed. As there is an eclipse later in the day, the sacred thread (jandhyam) should be changed again on Wednesday; Tuesday is inauspicious for changing the thread. Unless the thread is changed again, a person is not entitled to perform poojas, yagnas, yagas, and annual ceremonies for his ancestors, he said.

He said that Parivajrakacharya, the disciples of Jagadguru Sankaracharya, had followed this system in the past and that it has also been mentioned in the shastras.

Mr G.M. Pattabhisastry, president of the Druk Siddantha Almanac Writers Association, said the thread should be changed on Monday and Tuesday.

He says that there was no mention of Tuesday being inauspicious in the shastras.

Mr Ponnaluri Srinivasa Gargeya, the president of the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Druk Siddantha Almanac Writers Association, said the sacred thread should not be changed on Monday. He said it could be changed on another day, such as Bhadrapada Pournima.

The lunar eclipse is will begin on Monday night. The festival of Rakhi may be observed within an auspicious muhurat determined as per the Hindu calendar.