New Delhi, Mar 3: Temples in several parts of the country closed their doors on Tuesday as Sutak Kaal before lunar eclipse came into effect ahead of the first celestial event of the year. Priests said shrines would reopen after the eclipse concludes in the evening.
In Bengaluru, Shri Kadu Malleshwara Swamy Temple suspended entry for devotees as the inauspicious period began. Similar measures were taken at Maa Samaleswari Temple in Sambalpur, Odisha, as well as at Nageshwar Shiva Temple in Kanpur and the Pahari Temple in Ranchi.
A priest in Kanpur outlined the schedule for reopening, stating that temple doors would open at 7 pm, followed by ceremonial bathing and decoration of the deity. After the Bhog Aarti, devotees will be allowed darshan until 11 pm.
As per Hindu customs, Sutak Kaal before lunar eclipse is regarded as a spiritually sensitive phase that starts several hours prior to the astronomical event. During this period, religious ceremonies are paused, temple gates remain shut, and followers are advised to refrain from eating or performing auspicious rituals. Once the eclipse ends, purification rites and special prayers are conducted before regular worship resumes.
The India Meteorological Department has announced that a total lunar eclipse will occur on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This phenomenon takes place when the Moon moves entirely into the Earth’s umbral shadow, while a partial eclipse happens when only a portion enters the shadow.
Lunar eclipses carry deep religious and astrological significance in Hindu tradition, prompting specific observances across the country.
Meanwhile, in Ujjain, the renowned Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple marked the Holi festival with its traditional early morning Bhasma Aarti.