Only a few days remain before the month of Sawan begins. In Sanatan Dharma, this entire month holds special significance. It is believed that every single day of Sawan is dedicated to Lord Bholenath, and worship, *Jalabhishek* (offering water), and *Rudrabhishek* performed with sincere devotion during this period yield manifold blessings. This is why crowds of devotees flock to Shiva temples as soon as Sawan arrives; notably, hundreds of thousands of *Kanwariyas* from across the country travel to Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar to offer holy water.

However, this time, people have a major question regarding Sawan. The reason is that two eclipses are set to occur during the month of Sawan in 2026. Consequently, people are curious to know whether the eclipses will restrict the worship of Lord Shiva, whether temple doors will remain closed, and whether the *Sutak* period (inauspicious time associated with eclipses) will have any impact. An astrologer from Deoghar has provided answers to all these questions.

**What the Deoghar Astrologer Says**
Pandit Nandkishore Mudgal, a renowned astrologer from Deoghar, states that Sawan begins on July 30th this year. From an astrological perspective, this Sawan is considered particularly significant because two eclipses are scheduled to occur during the month: a solar eclipse on August 12th and a lunar eclipse on August 28th. The occurrence of two eclipses within a single Sawan has raised concerns among people, but there is no need for alarm.

**Will Not Be Visible in India**
Pandit Nandkishore Mudgal explains that neither of these eclipses will be visible in India; that is, neither the solar eclipse nor the lunar eclipse will be seen here. Therefore, the *Sutak* period associated with these eclipses will not be applicable in India. Since the *Sutak* period is not in effect, there is no need to close temple doors, halt the worship of the deity, or stop the *Jalabhishek* ritual. Devotees will be able to worship Lord Bholenath with full rituals, just as they always do. 

Chant Mantras on This Day
He explained that worshipping Lord Shiva holds special significance during the month of Sawan. If devotees chant Shiva mantras—such as the *Mahamrityunjaya Mantra* or *Om Namah Shivaya*—extensively on the day of the eclipse, it is considered spiritually highly auspicious. The time of an eclipse has always been regarded as special for spiritual practice, meditation, and mantra chanting; therefore, devotees should dedicate much of their time on this day to remembering Lord Shiva.

Observe Traditions Nonetheless
The astrologer also noted that even though the eclipse will not be visible in India, pregnant women should still exercise some caution. According to religious beliefs, one should avoid going out unnecessarily during the eclipse, minimize the use of sharp objects, and keep remembering the Divine. Although no direct impact of the eclipse has been scientifically proven, religious traditions can be observed out of faith.

No Restrictions on Worship During the Eclipse in Sawan
Sawan is set to be a very special month from both religious and astrological perspectives. While two eclipses are occurring, they will not be visible in India; consequently, there will be no restrictions on Shiva worship, *Jalabhishek* (ritual offering of water), *Rudrabhishek*, or regular temple rituals. Devotees should worship Lord Bholenath without any confusion, chant mantras extensively, and reap the spiritual benefits of the holy month of Sawan. This is the message conveyed to devotees by Pandit Nandkishore Mudgal, an astrologer from Deoghar.

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