3. Why do temple doors (kapat) get closed during an eclipse? 4. How should one ideally spend time during an eclipse?
Human mind has a natural tendency to look at unusual phenomenon with mixed curiosity and fear and a natural tendency to understand. As a symbol the Sun represents the Divine Consciousness, the Moon is the spiritual mind. A shadow coming across is a symbol of something obstructing the light. There is no doubt some incidental effect of these celestial phenomenon as one can see in the change of animal behavior. From an occult point of view the dark forces tend to automatically become active during the eclipses. That is the origin of the various pujas preceding and during these periods.
However all these effects are minor as there are many other balancing factors operating within creation and much more so in an individual who is even slightly awakened and conscious.
As to what should be done, all my extensive readings as well as a fairly vast repertoire of experience has led me to the conclusion that there is nothing greater than God’s Name and no tapa greater than Japa of the Divine Name. But it should be done as often as one can and with the feeling that the Deity is a living Presence who is always with us as a guardian and a friend.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
