Rahu

While many now recognize the scientific explanation for a solar eclipse, the phenomenon is still marked with tradition and sometimes suspicion in Hindu-majority India. The "exceptionally long" eclipse that will cross half the planet Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009, will be able to be seen by virtually all of the population of China and India. According to traditional Hindu beliefs, Rahu the dragon drank some divine nectar, but before the nectar could pass his throat, Mohini (the female avatar of Vishnu) cut off his head. The head, however, remained immortal. It is believed that this immortal head occasionally swallows the sun or the moon, causing eclipses. Rahu the dragon (with no body) rides a chariot drawn by eight black horses. According to legend, after he swallows it, the sun or moon passes through the opening in his neck, ending the eclipse. Bathing in holy rivers and ponds during the eclipse helps protect health and develop positivism and greater will power. About 1.5 million people are expected at one such pond -- the Brahmsarovar, or the pool of Hindu god Brahma -- in northern India on Wednesday.