What is Sutila in astrology?

Sutila refers to the specific degrees where an eclipse can occur – the sensitive points around Rahu and Ketu. When Moon is within these degrees, it is considered under Grahan (eclipse) influence, creating Sutila Dosha.

Is Chandra Grahan Dosha always harmful?

Not always. If the Moon is strong (in own sign or exalted) and well-aspected, the native may channel the intense energy into spiritual depth, artistic genius, or psychic abilities. However, it often brings emotional instability that needs conscious handling.

How can Chandra Grahan Dosha be remedied?

Remedies include Chandra Mantra chanting (Om Chandraya Namah), offering water to the moon on Mondays, fasting on Mondays, feeding cows, and performing Rudra Abhishekam. Wearing a pearl (Moti) after expert consultation helps strengthen the Moon.

Chandra Grahan Dosha:A Lunar Eclipse

Q: What is Chandra Grahan Dosha in astrology?

Chandra Grahan Dosha (also known as Sutila Dosha or Grahan Dosha) occurs when the Moon is afflicted by being within the eclipse zone (Sutila) in the birth chart, or when a person is born during a lunar eclipse. It indicates mental afflictions, emotional turbulence, and karmic shadows from past lives.

🌑 What is Chandra Grahan Dosha?

In Vedic astrology, Chandra Grahan Dosha (also known as Sutila Dosha or Grahan Dosha) arises when the Moon is afflicted by being within the eclipse zone (Sutila) in the birth chart, or when a person is born during a lunar eclipse. The Moon represents the mind, emotions, and mother. When it comes under the shadow of Rahu and Ketu (the eclipse nodes), it creates deep-seated mental afflictions, emotional turbulence, and karmic shadows from past lives.

Chandra Grahan Dosha - Lunar eclipse and Moon affliction in astrology

The Eclipse Shadow

When Moon is within 16°40′ of Rahu or Ketu, it enters the Sutila (eclipse) zone. This grahan (eclipse) influence clouds the mind with subconscious patterns, fears, and karmic memories.

The ancient sages considered birth during an eclipse inauspicious, as the Moon loses its luminosity and gets "poisoned" by the shadow planets. However, with proper remedies, this dosha can be transformed into deep spiritual insight and emotional healing.

Scriptural Reference: "Grahe chandre sutilāyām janma cet pīḍitam bhavet | chandra-grahan doṣaḥ syāt manaso duḥkhadāyakaḥ" – If birth occurs during lunar eclipse or in Sutila, it creates Chandra Grahan Dosha, causing mental distress.

S.No.	Date	Eclipse Type	Category	Visibility in India	Remarks
1	17 February 2026	Solar Eclipse	Annular	Not Visible	Visible in parts of South America & Antarctica
2	3 March 2026	Lunar Eclipse	Total	Partially Visible	Visible in India during moonrise in some regions
3	12 August 2026	Solar Eclipse	Total	Not Visible	Mainly visible in Arctic, Greenland, Iceland & Spain
4	28 August 2026	Lunar Eclipse	Partial	Not Visible	Visible in Americas, Europe & Africa

🌒 Understanding Sutila: The Eclipse Zone

Sutila refers to the specific degrees around Rahu and Ketu where an eclipse can occur. In Vedic astrology, the sensitive points are:

Rahu/Ketu axis – any planet within 16°40′ of either node is under eclipse influence.
For Moon specifically, if it is within this range, it creates Chandra Grahan Dosha.
The closer the Moon to the node, the stronger the affliction.

Degrees of Affliction

Distance from Node	Intensity	Effect
0° – 5°	Severe	Deep mental shadows, phobias
5° – 10°	Moderate	Emotional turbulence, mood swings
10° – 16°40′	Mild	Sensitivity, intuitive, artistic

📜 Types of Lunar Eclipse Afflictions

Sutila Dosha

Moon in eclipse degrees but not exactly conjunct Rahu/Ketu. Causes subconscious fears and recurring dreams.

Grahan Dosha

Moon exactly conjunct Rahu or Ketu. Intense karmic affliction, mental instability, or spiritual genius.

Amavasya/Paurnima Proximity

Birth near new moon (Amavasya) or full moon (Paurnima) with eclipse influence. Emotional polarity.

Eclipse Birth

Born during actual lunar eclipse. Very strong karmic imprint, need for deep healing.

🔍 How to Identify in Birth Chart

Look for these combinations:

Moon in Gandanta (last degree of water sign) with Rahu/Ketu aspect.
Moon in Mrigashira, Ardra, or Ashlesha nakshatra influenced by nodes.
Rahu or Ketu in Karkata (Cancer) – Moon's own sign.

Nakshatra Clues

Ardra (6°40′ – 20° Mithuna): Stormy emotions, sudden upheavals.

Ashlesha (16°40′ – 30° Karka): Secretive, intense, healing powers.

Magha (0° – 20° Simha): Ancestral karma, pride, hidden pain.

Moola (0° – 23°20′ Dhanu): Root chakra issues, past-life trauma.

Revati (16°40′ – 30° Meena): Nurturing but escapist tendencies.

💫 Effects of Chandra Grahan Dosha

🧠 Mental & Emotional

Anxiety & Depression: Unexplained mood swings, sadness.
Lunar Sensitivity: Emotions fluctuate with Moon phases.
Dreams: Vivid, prophetic, or disturbing dreams.
Phobias: Fear of darkness, water, or being alone.

💼 Career

Unstable jobs: Frequent changes due to mental stress.
Water-related careers: Drawn to sea, healing, psychology.
Research/occult: Interest in mysteries, hidden knowledge.

❤️ Relationships

Mother issues: Complex relationship with mother.
Emotional neediness: Clingy or overly detached.
Karmic partners: Intense, fated connections.

🧘 Spiritual

Psychic ability: Mediumship, intuition, tarot.
Past-life memories: Visions, déjà vu.
Healing gifts: Can become spiritual healer if channeled.

✨ The Gift of the Shadow Moon

If the Moon is strong (exalted, own sign, or with benefic aspect), Chandra Grahan Dosha can bestow:

Positive Expressions

Deep intuition and psychic sensitivity
Artistic genius (poetry, music, painting)
Spiritual healing abilities
Understanding of subconscious mind
Compassion for suffering humanity

When Afflicted

Chronic mental health issues
Addiction tendencies
Victim mentality
Sleep disorders
Relationship with mother problematic

🕉️ Powerful Remedies for Chandra Grahan Dosha

1. Chandra Mantra

Chant “ॐ श्रां श्रीं श्रौं सः चंद्राय नमः” 108 times daily, especially on Mondays. Also chant "Om Chandraya Namah".

2. Arghya (Water Offering)

Offer white rice, milk, and water to the Moon on a full moon night or Monday evenings. Face west.

3. Pearl (Moti)

After expert consultation, wear a natural pearl in silver. Strengthens Moon. Never self-prescribe.

4. Feed Cows & Crows

Feed white cows (Moon) and crows (Ketu) on Mondays. Donate white items: rice, milk, sugar, cloth.

5. Rudra Abhishekam

Lord Shiva consumes poison (halahala). Rudra Abhishekam on Mondays pacifies afflicted Moon.

6. Fasting

Fast on Mondays (eat only fruits/milk). It calms the mind and strengthens lunar energy.

Lifestyle: Practice meditation, especially on full moon nights. Keep a dream journal. Spend time near water. Avoid intoxicants. Develop a routine to stabilize emotions.

⏳ Activation in Dasha & Transits

Chandra Grahan Dosha becomes active during:

Chandra Dasha (Moon period) – especially if Moon is afflicted.
Rahu/Ketu Dasha – the nodes trigger the eclipse energy.
Transits of Rahu/Ketu over natal Moon.
Actual lunar eclipses falling on sensitive points.
Mondays and Full Moon days – intensify effects.

🌟 Tip: During these periods, increase mantra chanting and avoid major decisions. Observe silence for mental clarity.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chandra Grahan Dosha the same as Sutila Dosha?

Sutila Dosha specifically refers to being in the eclipse degrees (within 16°40′ of nodes). Chandra Grahan Dosha is broader – includes birth during eclipse and Sutila. They overlap.

Can this dosha affect children?

Yes, if the 5th house or Moon is afflicted. Remedies should be done by parents. Child may be highly sensitive and need emotional support.

What if Moon is also with benefics?

Benefic aspects (Jupiter, Venus) reduce negativity. The native may be spiritual, artistic, and use the eclipse energy creatively.

How long does it take for remedies to work?

Some feel relief in weeks; for deep karmic issues, consistent practice over months or years may be needed. Patience is key.

Can wearing a pearl completely remove the dosha?

Pearl strengthens Moon, making it more resilient, but cannot "remove" karmic imprints. It should be combined with mantras and lifestyle changes.

Is this dosha present in every eclipse birth?

Yes, if born during a lunar eclipse, Chandra Grahan Dosha is present. If Moon is not within Sutila but eclipse is occurring, the effect is milder.

Chandra Grahan Dosha