Introduction
Whenever a Solar Eclipse (Suraj Grahan) occurs, it often brings a wave of superstitions and myths. Many cultures consider this time “impure,” advising against eating, cooking, or even stepping outside. However, over 500 years ago, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, challenged these deep-rooted fears with a logical and spiritual perspective that remains relevant in 2026.
The Historical Event at Kurukshetra
During one of his long journeys (Udasis), Guru Nanak Dev Ji reached Kurukshetra on the day of a major Solar Eclipse. Thousands of pilgrims and priests had gathered there, believing that bathing in the holy tanks during the eclipse would wash away their sins. The atmosphere was heavy with fear and rigid rituals; people were even afraid to light fires, believing it would bring bad luck.
Challenging the Taboo
A local Queen and her son (Prince Jagat Rai), who had lost their kingdom, came to seek Guru Ji’s blessings and presented him with a deer they had hunted. To break the shackles of superstition, Guru Nanak Dev Ji did the unthinkable: he started a fire and began cooking the meat right during the peak of the eclipse.
The Confrontation with the Priests
The sight of smoke and the cooking of meat during an eclipse outraged the local Brahmins. Led by a scholar named Nanu Pandit, they rushed toward Guru Ji with sticks, accusing him of being a sinner.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji remained calm and addressed them with divine wisdom. He explained that the Sun and Moon are celestial bodies following the Divine Law (Hukam) of the Creator. They do not become “impure,” nor do they have the power to make a human being impure.
The Divine Shabad: “Maas Maas Kar Moorakh Jhagde”
It was here that Guru Ji recited the profound Shabad:
“Maas maas kar moorakh jhagde, gyan dhyan nahin jaane” (The fools quarrel over the consumption of meat, but they do not know true knowledge or meditation.)
He taught that true impurity is not in what we eat or the timing of a natural event, but in:
- Cruelty toward others.
- Greed and ego.
- Hypocrisy of following outer rituals while the heart is filled with filth.
The Sikh Perspective on Eclipses
In Sikhism, every moment is considered auspicious (Shubh) because every moment belongs to the Creator. A Sikh does not fear planetary movements or eclipses. Instead of following hollow rituals, a Sikh is encouraged to:
- Discard Superstition: Do not fear natural astronomical events.
- Focus on Naam Simran: Use the time for meditation and remembrance of God.
- Logical Living: Understand that God’s creation works on fixed laws that do not require “saving” through human rituals.
Watch the full Sakhi in Punjabi: To see the detailed story and the miracles associated with this event, watch the video below:Click here to watch the Video on YouTube