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Re: Chandra Grahana Sankalpam

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Ramanbil • January 19, 2000 


Dear Bhagavatas
An error had crept into my earlier posting on the subject. I have mentioned 
"PAmbu PanchAngam" instead of "VAsan PanchAngam" which actually mentions 
about the eclipse but with the remarks "Chandran vAnathil theriyumidangaLil 
grahaNam kAtchikkuriyathu" meaning "in those places where the eclipse appears 
on the sky, it can be viewed".

And, it is a recognized practice that PuNyakAlam is required to be observed 
only in places where the eclipse (partial or full) is visible.

Sri T. R.  Govindarajan wrote in a private mail on 12/30/99 11:25:53 PM 
Eastern Standard Time
"In year 2000, there is a total lunar eclipse readily accessible from the
Americas on January 20 on Full moon day. 
Total eclipse begins 11:04 p.m. (jan 20);
deepest eclipse 11:44 p.m. (jan 20)
total eclipse ends 12:22 a.m. (jan 21) 
moon leaves umbra 1:26 a.m (jan 21)."

As per the VAsan PanchAngam the timings shown are as follows. The 
corresponding timings in USA are also indicated below
Friday 21st  Begins     8.31 am.ISD i.e Thursday 20th 18.01 pm EST in USA
Friday 21st Deepest     9.35 am ISD i.e. Thursday 20th 20.05 pm EST in USA
Friday 21st Ends        11.55am ISD i.e Thursday 20th  22..25 pm EST in USA
This raises a further question:-
In our Sankalpam should we say "Guru vAsaram" meaning Thursday, when it 
actually occurs here in USA or "Brighu vAsaram" meaning Friday, if we should 
adopt the "BhAratha varshE, Bharathah KhaNDe" version when and where it does 
NOT occur?
This may also be clarified.
Dasoham
Anbil Ramaswamy