Lunar eclipse: Temples shut across India as Sutak Kaal begins

As the sutak kaal began Tuesday morning ahead of the total lunar eclipse, temples across New Delhi, Kanpur, Madurai and other parts of the country remained closed in observance of the celestial event.

At the Meenakshi Amman Temple, devotees gathered in large numbers before dawn to offer prayers before the doors were shut. Gopalakrishnan, who was celebrating his 60th birthday, said he and his family arrived early after authorities announced the morning closure. Another devotee, Valarmathi, noted a heavy rush as many sought darshan before the temple closed.

"This is the first lunar eclipse of the year. All doors (of the temples) have been closed after Mangala Aarti. At 7:00 pm, all doors will be opened, baths will be given, and adornments will be performed. After Bhog Aarti, the doors will remain open until 11:00 pm," said the priest. 

Eclipse Timings Across India

The India Meteorological Department said the total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, has a magnitude of 1.155. The event occurs when the entire Moon passes through Earth’s umbral shadow.

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The eclipse will be visible across India, Eastern Asia, Australia, and the Americas. According to IST, it begins at 3:20 pm, totality starts at 4:34 pm, ends at 5:33 pm, and concludes at 6:48 pm.