08/12/2026
Dear Devotees,
We would like to inform all devotees about the upcoming *Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan)* occurring on *Wednesday, August 12, 2026.* Please note the eclipse timings, traditional dietary guidelines, and remedy details below:
* *Eclipse Start Time*: 12:55 PM
* *Eclipse End Time*: 2:23 PM
* *Affected Nakshatras*: Pushya, Aslesha, and Magha
*Important Dietary Guidelines (Fasting Information)*
Following Vedic traditions, cooking and eating food during the eclipse period is strictly avoided as cosmic rays are believed to affect food purity.
* *Fasting Period*: Devotees are advised to refrain from eating or drinking during the eclipse from *12:55 PM to 2:23 PM*.
* *Fresh Meals*: It is highly recommended to finish your meal before the eclipse starts and cook fresh food after the eclipse concludes.
* *Exemptions*: Children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions are exempt from strict fasting rules and may take food as needed.
*Grahana Shanti Puja*
To mitigate cosmic effects and invoke planetary blessings, the temple will perform a special *Grahana Shanti Puja* in the evening. Devotees born under *Pushya,* *Aslesha,* *and Maghaare* strongly encouraged to participate.
* *Puja Time:* 6:00 PM
* *Puja Sponsorship:* $75
*Recommended Donations (Dana)*
To ward off negative energies, individuals born under the affected Nakshatras are advised to donate the following items to any temple:
* Cracked wheat or wheat flour
* Milk
* Sugar
*Special Temple Schedule Notice*
* Due to the Solar Eclipse, the temple will be *closed in the morning.*
* The temple will *reopen as scheduled in the evening* for the Shanti Puja and regular darshan.
We cordially invite all affected individuals and their families to sponsor the puja, join the sacred rituals, and pray for peace and well-being.
Respectfully,
S V Temple of Durham
