There are numerous recording of Surya Grahan, or Solar Eclipse,
in Hindu scriptures. The most famous being the Suryagrahan
during the famous Mahabharata war. Usually, Hindus do not
perform any work during Surya Grahan and they purify themselves
by taking a bath and by chanting mantras. A complete fast is
undertaken by many Hindus during the period. In Hindu religion,
taking a holy dip at sacred rivers and tirths on the Surya
Grahan day is considered highly auspicious. Update: The next
Surya Grahan is on July 11, 2010. But this is not visible in
India and major parts of the world. Ancient sages and texts like
Brahman Siddhanta restrict viewing the eclipse – one should look
at an eclipse through a cloth or a reflection of it. A pregnant
woman should never look directly at an eclipse. Mantras Chanted
during Surya Grahan Some of the important mantras that are
chanted during the Surya Grahan include: Ashtakshara Mantra
dedicated to Shri Krishna. Ashtakshara mantra is ‘Shri Krishna
ha sharnam mama.’ Astakshari Mant