In Hinduism, the month of Sawan is considered the most sacred time for worshipping Lord Shiva. During this period, devotees seek the blessings of Bholenath through fasting, *Abhishek* (ritual bathing of the deity), and prayers. The second and final solar eclipse of 2026 is also set to occur during this holy month, raising questions among Shiva devotees about whether Shiva worship can take place during the eclipse. However, according to religious beliefs, chanting mantras, meditation, charity, and remembering the name of Lord Shiva during the eclipse period are considered highly meritorious. It is therefore important to know when the solar eclipse will occur in August, its duration, and whether it will be visible in India. Let us learn the key details about the solar eclipse from Ujjain-based astrologer Anand Bhardwaj.

The holy month of Sawan is considered special for devotion to Lord Shiva and spiritual practice. The second and final solar eclipse of the year will occur on August 12, 2026, during this sacred month. This day coincides with the *Amavasya* (new moon day) of the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Shravan, which is also celebrated as *Hariyali Amavasya*. Religious belief holds that worshipping Shiva, remembering ancestors, performing acts of charity, and chanting mantras on this day yields manifold spiritual merit.

Will Shiva worship be restricted?
This solar eclipse occurring during the holy month of Sawan will not be visible in India. Consequently, the *Sutak Kaal* (the inauspicious period preceding an eclipse) will not be applicable in the country. Therefore, the doors of Lord Shiva's temples will remain open as usual, and there will be no restrictions on rituals such as *Jalabhishek*, *Rudrabhishek*, prayers, chanting, penance, or other religious ceremonies. Devotees will be able to perform Sawan rituals and worship Lord Shiva with full devotion.

In which countries will the total solar eclipse be visible?
This total solar eclipse will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, parts of Russia, and the North Atlantic region. A partial solar eclipse will be visible in several countries across Europe and North Africa. In countries like Morocco and Algeria, a large portion of the sun will appear covered by the moon.

Religious Beliefs Regarding Eclipses
According to astrological scriptures, the period of an eclipse is considered an ideal time for meditating on the Divine, chanting mantras, singing devotional songs (*bhajan-kirtan*), and performing worship. Many people also abstain from cooking or eating food during this time. Taking a bath and ensuring the ritual purity of the home after the eclipse ends is also considered auspicious. However, since the eclipse will not be visible in India this time, adherence to these rules is not considered mandatory here. Nevertheless, devotees may choose to observe these practices in accordance with their faith.

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