Lunar Eclipse 2025: Complete Guide to Chandra Grahan, Mantras, and Viewing Tips

On the night of September 7–8, 2025, skywatchers across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia will witness a breathtaking total lunar eclipse, popularly known as a Blood Moon. This rare celestial event, also called Chandra Grahan in Hindu tradition, will captivate millions with its stunning deep red glow. With an impressive 82-minute totality, this eclipse is one of the longest in recent years, making it a must-see for astronomy enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike. In this SEO-friendly guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Lunar Eclipse 2025, including city-wise timings, astrological mantras, photography tips, and traditional dos and don’ts.

What is a Lunar Eclipse and Why is it Called a Blood Moon?

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth aligns directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that blocks sunlight from reaching the lunar surface. Instead of turning completely dark, the Moon takes on a reddish or coppery hue due to Rayleigh scattering. This happens as Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths and bends longer red and orange wavelengths toward the Moon, creating the iconic Blood Moon effect. This phenomenon, steeped in mystery and cultural significance, has fascinated civilizations for centuries.

Why is the 2025 Lunar Eclipse Special?

The September 2025 Chandra Grahan is unique for several reasons:

Extended Totality: The total phase lasts 82 minutes, making it one of the longest lunar eclipses in a decade.
Global Visibility: Visible across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia, including major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Bhopal.
No Equipment Needed: The Blood Moon can be enjoyed with the naked eye, making it accessible to everyone.
Astrological Significance: Occurring in Aquarius under Shatabhisha Nakshatra, this eclipse aligns with Purnima (full moon) during Bhadrapada month, coinciding with Pitru Paksha, a period for honoring ancestors.

City-Wise Timings for Lunar Eclipse 2025 in India

Here are the key timings for the Chandra Grahan in India (IST):

Penumbral Phase Begins: 8:58 PM, September 7, 2025
Partial Eclipse Begins: 9:57 PM, September 7, 2025
Total Eclipse Begins: 11:01 PM, September 7, 2025
Peak of Eclipse: 11:42 PM, September 7, 2025
Total Eclipse Ends: 12:22 AM, September 8, 2025
Penumbral Phase Ends: 2:25 AM, September 8, 2025

Global Visibility

The eclipse will also be visible in:

London (BST): 7:30 PM–7:52 PM, September 7
Paris (CEST): 7:30 PM–8:52 PM, September 7
Cape Town (SAST): 7:30 PM–8:52 PM, September 7
Mumbai (IST): 11:00 PM, September 7–12:22 AM, September 8
Tokyo (JST): 2:30 AM–3:52 AM, September 8
Sydney (AEST): 3:30 AM–4:52 AM, September 8

Astrological Impact and Mantras for Zodiac Signs

In Hindu astrology, the Chandra Grahan is believed to influence each zodiac sign differently due to the Moon’s alignment with Rahu and Ketu. Chanting specific mantras during the eclipse is considered auspicious for spiritual protection and balance. Here are the recommended mantras for each zodiac sign:

Aries: “Om Ham Hanumate Namah”
Taurus: “Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye”
Gemini: “Om Anantaye Namah”
Cancer: “Hare Ram Hare Krishna”
Leo: “Ram Ram Rameti Rame Rame Manorame Sahasranama Tatulyam Ram Naam Varanane”
Virgo: “Om Gan Ganpataye Namah”
Libra: “Om Kleem Krishnaye Namah”
Scorpio: “Om Namah Shivaye”
Sagittarius: “Om Dhanvantarayei Namah”
Capricorn: “Om Kaal Bhairaavaye Namah”
Aquarius: “Om Trayabhakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvarukmiv Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Ma Mritat” (Mahamrityunjaya Mantra)
Pisces: “Om Sram Sreem Srom Saha Chandramase Namah”

Astrological Effects by Zodiac Sign

Aries: Expect financial gains, health improvements, and good news for students and couples.
Taurus: Business expansion, promotions, and recognition are likely.
Gemini: A spiritually enriching time with opportunities for pilgrimages and new income sources.
Cancer: Financial setbacks and disputes may arise; focus on spiritual growth.
Leo: Professional challenges and family tensions require patience.
Virgo: Relationships need care; avoid disputes and new investments.
Libra: Mixed outcomes with health improvements but caution against loans.
Scorpio: Favorable for education, career growth, and joyful family news.
Sagittarius: Exercise patience to avoid losses in property or family harmony.
Capricorn: Positive for short trips, professional growth, and resolving disputes.
Aquarius: Improved finances and joy from light-hearted experiences.
Pisces: Financial stress and disputes may surface; use this time for self-realization.

Dos and Don’ts During Chandra Grahan

Hindu traditions emphasize specific practices during the Sutak Kaal (inauspicious period starting at 12:57 PM IST on September 7, 2025) to maintain spiritual purity and ward off negative energies.

Dos

Chant Mantras: Recite the zodiac-specific mantras to promote peace and protection.
Eat Sattvic Food: Consume light, vegetarian meals before the eclipse begins.
Add Tulsi Leaves: Place holy basil leaves in food and water to purify and boost immunity.
Take a Ritual Bath: Bathe before and after the eclipse, or sprinkle Gangajal for cleansing.
Meditate and Pray: Stay indoors, meditate, and read spiritual texts like the Bhagavad Gita or Hanuman Chalisa.
Donate: Offer white sesame seeds or wheat flour to the needy post-eclipse to reduce Moon dosha.
Cleanse the Home: Clean the house after the eclipse to remove negative energies.

Don’ts

Avoid Eating or Drinking: Refrain from consuming food, especially non-vegetarian items, alcohol, or fermented foods during the eclipse.
No Cooking: Avoid preparing fresh meals, as they’re believed to absorb negative energies.
Avoid Auspicious Activities: Postpone weddings, pujas, or havans until after the eclipse.
Limit Travel: Avoid unnecessary journeys, as they may invite obstacles or disturb mental peace.
Temple Restrictions: Do not touch idols or visit temples, as they remain closed during the eclipse.
Avoid Sleeping: Stay awake to maintain spiritual awareness.

Special Guidelines for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are advised to take extra precautions during the Chandra Grahan:

Stay indoors to protect health and the baby’s astrological chart.
Avoid eating or drinking, especially meals prepared before the eclipse.
Refrain from touching sharp objects or sleeping during the eclipse.
Chant calming mantras or read religious texts for spiritual protection.
Keep a coconut filled with water in your lap for added protection.

How to Capture the Blood Moon: Photography Tips

Whether you’re using a smartphone or a DSLR camera, here’s how to photograph the Blood Moon like a pro:

Smartphone Photography Tips

Use a Tripod: Stabilize your phone to avoid blurry shots.
Remote Shutter or Timer: Prevent camera shake by using a remote or timer.
Manual/Pro Mode: Adjust settings for better control.
Low ISO: Keep ISO low for clarity.
Manual Focus: Focus on the Moon for sharpness.
Telephoto Lens: Use a lens attachment or minimal zoom to maintain quality.

DSLR Camera Settings

Mode: Manual (M)
ISO: 100–800 (lower for sharpness, higher for darker phases)
Aperture: f/8–f/11 for sharp Moon details
Shutter Speed:
- Partial Eclipse/Bright Moon: 1/125–1/250 sec
- Total Eclipse/Blood Moon: 1–5 sec (longer exposure for red hues)

Cultural and Spiritual Significance of Sutak Kaal

The Sutak Kaal, beginning at 12:57 PM IST on September 7, 2025, is a time of spiritual caution in Hindu tradition. It’s believed that negative energies peak during an eclipse due to the influence of Rahu and Ketu. Key practices include:

Purity and Preparation: Focus on meditation, prayer, and chanting to maintain spiritual balance.
Safeguarding Energy: Avoid worldly tasks to protect mental and emotional well-being.
Ancestor Connection: As the eclipse coincides with Pitru Paksha, perform Shraddha rituals and offerings only after the Sutak period ends.

Why Avoid Travel During Chandra Grahan?

Hindu scriptures, including the Puranas, consider eclipses inauspicious due to the influence of Rahu and Ketu. The Moon, representing the mind and emotions, is overshadowed, potentially causing mental unrest. Travel during this time is believed to invite obstacles or disrupt peace, so it’s advised to stay indoors and engage in spiritual practices.

Conclusion

The Lunar Eclipse 2025 is a rare opportunity to witness a stunning Blood Moon and connect with its spiritual and astrological significance. Whether you’re chanting mantras, capturing the event with your camera, or observing traditional practices, this Chandra Grahan promises to be a memorable experience. Mark your calendars for September 7–8, 2025, and prepare to marvel at this celestial spectacle visible across India and beyond. For the best views, head to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, and don’t forget to follow the dos and don’ts to honor this sacred event.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Lunar Eclipse 2025 and share your Blood Moon photos with us!