New Delhi, March 3 (NationPress) The inaugural lunar eclipse of 2026 is set to take place this Tuesday evening, prompting priests and temple management across various states to announce closures and provide spiritual guidelines for followers regarding this significant celestial event.

Religious figures shared insights with IANS, detailing the eclipse timing, the observance of 'Sutak Kaal', and recommendations for devotees to heed.

In Uttar Pradesh, Acharya Ramvilas Chaturvedi informed IANS that the lunar eclipse occurring on March 3 is classified as a “rising eclipse.” According to him, “The lunar eclipse on this date will commence at 3:20 P.M. and continue until 6:47 P.M. Being a rising eclipse, it will be observable where the Sun sets between 4:00 and 4:30 P.M.; however, it will not be visible in central or western India.”

He further elaborated that the Sutak period—deemed inauspicious in Hindu customs—initiates precisely nine hours prior to the eclipse. During this time, religious rituals and temple functions are typically put on hold.

Satyendra Ji Maharaj of the Maa Dakshineshwar Kali Temple in Bihar conveyed to IANS, “Today marks a total lunar eclipse. It begins at 3:20 P.M., with the Sutak period commencing nine hours beforehand. During this duration, temple worship and deity darshan are suspended. Reciting mantras dedicated to your deity and guru during this time can yield enhanced spiritual rewards.”

He further noted that in Bihar, the eclipse visibility would last for approximately 20 minutes. “Precautions must be taken. Elderly individuals requiring essential medications are permitted to take them. Those who prepared food before the eclipse should add tulsi leaves to it and only consume it post-eclipse,” he recommended.

In Uttar Pradesh, Shailendra Tripathi, a priest at the Hanuman Temple, stated to IANS, “During the Sutak Kaal, idol worship and rituals are forbidden, hence we have secured the temple doors.”

Pandit Shyam Ji Pathak also referred to this event as the first lunar eclipse of 2026, asserting, “The eclipse will span from 3:20 P.M. to 6:48 P.M. Engaging in chanting and spiritual practices throughout this period is believed to foster success.”

In Jharkhand, Manoj Kumar, a priest at the Pahari Temple remarked, “A lunar eclipse is underway, necessitating the closure of temple doors. The Sutak period begins nine hours before the eclipse.”

Throughout various states, temple officials adhered to traditional protocols, securing temple doors during the Sutak period and advising devotees to participate in prayers and mantra chanting from home. The eclipse has led to increased religious observances, with numerous followers undertaking fasting and spiritual practices in alignment with longstanding traditions.