In a recent update, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has announced a new timetable for the puja and darshan ahead of the total Lunar Eclipse on September 7, 2025. The decision is taken because of the religious traditions associated with an eclipse. It is to make sure that devotees can still participate in worship.Eclipse is a period when all the temples remain shut and open only after cleansing rituals. On the day of the eclipse, the Puja of the Holy Pindis, which is among the main rituals at Vaishno Devi, will take place between 11 AM and 12:40 PM. In the evening, the Atka Bhajan Sandhya—a devotional music session—will take place at 7:20 PM. As per the new schedule shared by the board, the lunar eclipse will start at 9:57 PM on September 7 and continue until 1:26 AM on September 8. According to Hindu tradition, the time before an eclipse is known as Sutak Kaal. It is considered spiritually sensitive and inauspicious. During this period, all the holy rituals are paused and temple doors are closed. For this eclipse, Sutak Kaal will start at 12:58 PM on September 7. Therefore those planning to visit the temple on this day are advised to follow these timings carefully.Also known as the Blood Moon, the total lunar eclipse will appear on September 7–8. It is one of the major celestial events. This striking effect happens when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, and the Earth’s atmosphere scatters sunlight to cast a red tint on the Moon.
What makes it more special is that it will be visible across much of India. People living in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Bhopal would be able to witness this once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. For those at Vaishno Devi during this time, can also watch the moon. It will be both a spiritual and astronomical moment.
By adjusting the puja timings, the shrine board is not only following old beliefs and age-old customs but also making sure that the devotees and pilgrims don’t have to suffer. So they could offer their prayers peacefully without any hesitation. The combination of tradition and science surrounding this eclipse makes it a rare event that will be observed with reverence by many across India.