All eyes on the celestial show?

Dr. Vilas Nanal, ayurvedic practionerAyurveda mentions the effect of eclipses on human life. It is based on three factors or what we call...

Dr. Vilas Nanal, ayurvedic practioner
Ayurveda mentions the effect of eclipses on human life. It is based on three factors or what we call the doshas that control the physiology. These are vayu, pitha and kapha. Vayu is responsible for all the movements inside the body. These are circulation, digestion, ambulation and so on. Next is pitha which is responsible for breaking down the food, so the body can relate to it. This is also generates heat. Lastly, there is the kapha which keeps all these elements together. The sun is represented by pitha. In a solar eclipse, those prone to pitha problems, or stress will suffer from its effects. They may have some indigestion or undue stress. Pregnant women are advised not to witness the eclipse. The reason is that since she is in a life-giving phase, she should not witness anything that occludes life. Not enough study has been done on this subject. So one cannot say for sure that this is how things work. But then not everything in life has an explanation.

Vinita Kapahi, housewife
In 1980, many places in India witnessed a total solar eclipse. I was expecting my first child then. We were at Bangalore. Of course, I was told by all and sundry that I should not see the eclipse, I should not get out of the house, sit in a dark corner, not drink anything and so on. But my late husband Vijay Kapahi, scientist wanted me to experience the thrill of a total solar eclipse as he knew it was the most beautiful sight on earth. He explained that all this was old wives8217; tale and convinced me to witness it.I not only saw the eclipse but did all that I was to avoid. We had a party at home and all of us drank plenty of tea, coffee and other drinks. We trimmed our plants, I chopped vegetables. My son today is a normal person. He is studying to become a marine engineer.

The superstition may be the result of someone losing their sight hundreds of years ago and is believed in even today. Nature is the most wonderful gift and if one takes proper precautions then there is no way she can harm you.

Malati Ranade, social worker
I am not at all superstitious and I don8217;t believe that the eclipse can do any harm. Why should that period be bad and others good? Years ago, mental illness was called lunacy because it was believed that the moon had something to do with it.

I have worked for over 30 years as a social worker in the mental hospital and believe that the sun or the moon has nothing to do with our psychological well-being. I believe that our lives are a predestined script and we can change nothing. My father always told me that whatever happens, happens for the good so why worry ? Anyway, there8217;s not a lot we can do, may as well enjoy what we have.

Dr Narendra Dabholkar, president, Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti.
The solar eclipse is a wonderful phenomenon for all to observe and enjoy. Why waste such a beautiful moment by falling prey to superstitions? Our organisation has been working towards removing these misconceptions from people8217;s minds for long now.

8220;Like the previous years, we have conducted awareness campaigns that educate people about the truth. It is believed that a pregnant woman should not cut anything on a veeli traditional chopping board with a curved knife. But our volunteers who are pregnant will do this at various places in the State just to prove that it does not affect the unborn child.

Story continues below this ad

As regards the moon affecting the tides, so it affects the water content in our bodies, let me assure you that the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon does not affect small masses. Yes, the moon does affect the sea but if one took out a bucket of water from the sea and kept it on the beach, the moon8217;s pull would not affect it at all. That8217;s because the mass is too small. So is the case with our bodies. It would be safe to say that the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon on our bodies is less than that of a mosquito sitting on your hand.

It is also believed that water gets contaminated during a solar eclipse. But if it is taken as a scientific fact, then this exposed water will have to show the presence of pathogens or bacteria at least 80 per cent of the time. Till then, we have to accept scientific truths, that a solar eclipse is not harmful in any way.

Shrikant Joshi, astrologer
I am an astrologer and I do not believe that the solar eclipse will have any effect on our lives. It is a simple scientific fact that the sun moon and earth are in conjunction, period. Though I cast horoscopes and read them, I do not believe that the stars can predict the future course of our lives. They can tell in a general sort of way the kind of person you are and so on. Astrology to me is a great psychologist. It soothes the mind and I make it a point to tell my clients so. The solar eclipse will, in no way, affect our lives.