The first lunar eclipse of 2026 will be observed on Tuesday evening, prompting temple closures and religious advisories across several states. Priests and temple authorities announced guidelines regarding the timing of the eclipse, observance of the 'Sutak Kaal', and precautions for devotees.
In Uttar Pradesh, Acharya Ramvilas Chaturvedi told IANS that the March 3 eclipse is a "rising eclipse." He said it will begin at 3:20 p.m. in the northeastern region and last until 6:47 p.m. Since it is a rising eclipse, it will be visible in areas where the Sun sets around 4–4:30 p.m., but it may not be visible in central or western India.
He explained that the Sutak period — considered inauspicious in Hindu tradition — begins nine hours before the eclipse. During this time, temple rituals and religious activities are generally suspended.
In Bihar, Satyendra Ji Maharaj of Maa Dakshineshwar Kali Temple said the eclipse will begin at 3:20 p.m., with the Sutak period starting nine hours earlier. Temple worship and darshan were suspended during this period. He added that chanting mantras during the eclipse is believed to bring multiplied spiritual benefits. In Bihar, the eclipse will be visible only for about 20 minutes.
He advised devotees to follow precautions. Elderly people needing essential medicines may take them. Cooked food prepared before the eclipse should have tulsi leaves placed in it and be consumed only after the eclipse ends.
Shailendra Tripathi, priest of a Hanuman Temple in Uttar Pradesh, confirmed that temple doors were closed during the Sutak Kaal as idol worship and rituals are prohibited. Pandit Shyam Ji Pathak described it as the first lunar eclipse of 2026 and said chanting and spiritual practices during the eclipse are believed to bring success.
In Jharkhand, Pahari Temple priest Manoj Kumar said temple doors were shut as the Sutak period began nine hours before the eclipse.
Temples in Telugu states closed
In Tirupati, the doors of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple atop Tirumala and all major temples in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were closed on Tuesday due to the lunar eclipse.
The priests shut the temple doors after performing rituals. They will reopen them after the eclipse ends and purification ceremonies are completed.
The eclipse will commence at 3:20 p.m. and conclude at 6:47 p.m. As per tradition, the Tirumala temple doors were closed six hours before the start of the eclipse.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which administers the hill shrine, said the temple will reopen at 7:30 p.m. after conducting purification rituals (Suddhi), Punyahavachanam, and other prescribed procedures. Darshan for devotees will resume from 8:30 p.m.
Arjitha Sevas and VIP Break Darshans have been cancelled for the day. Other temples administered by TTD in Tirupati and nearby areas were also closed.
At Tiruchanoor, Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple and Sri Srinivasa Temple were shut. Major temples including Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam, Kodandarama Temple at Vontimitta, Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple in Bhadrachalam, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Yadadri, and Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Simhachalam were also closed.
In Vijayawada, the Kanaka Durga Temple on Indrakeeladri Hills and the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple were closed due to the eclipse.
The Sri Suryanarayana Swami Temple at Arasavalli in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district, Saraswati Temple at Basar, and Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple at Vemulawada were also shut.
It is customary for temples to close during solar and lunar eclipses. Authorities suspend darshan and sevas and reopen temples in the evening after purification rituals are completed.
