Myths related to solar eclipse

Ancient Indian mythology says solar eclipse occurs when Rahu and Ketu, two evil demons, swallow the Sun, snuffing out its life giving light.Devout Hindu's believe it to be a bad omen.During the eclipse, believers pray and fast for the early release of Sun god - still a common practise across Indian hinterlands.Devotees take dips in holy rivers and perform rituals to help the sun God. Housewives blow conch shells to keep the demons away.While astronomers get ready to study the biggest eclipse of this century, many Indians are still firm in their beliefs.Some superstitionsFear of evil lurking behind a solar eclipse has given rise to many superstitions:1. Pregnant women are not to go outside during the eclipse as it may harm the baby.2. Food is neither eaten nor cooked. Even water becomes undrinkable.3. Another theory forbids people to hold sharp objects like knife as they could cut themselves.Significance of Sun templesSun temples across the country are dressing up for the occasion. Thousands are expected to throng the Gaya Sun temple to witness the eclipse and offer prayers. To dispel bad omen special prayers are being organised by the temple authorities.Like Gaya, sun temples in other parts of the country are also getting decked up. Special yagnas would be performed during the solar eclipse.After astronomers, astrologers are the next most sought after people during these occasions.Astrologers proclaim that eclipses always lead to great disasters. According to the fortune tellers this solar eclipse will leave a deep impact on people's lives being the longest one that will be witnessed on earth in the century.