Eclipse Start Time: 8:43 PM EST 2/20/2008
Mid Eclipse: 10:26 PM EST 2/20/2008
Eclipse Ends 12:09 AM EST 2/21/2008

Any Slokam/Mantram and Prarthana chanted during eclipse time is Thousand times powerful than done during normal times.

Grahana Shanthi Mantram

The following Grahana Shanthi Japam/Mantram can be chanted by all during Lunar Eclipse, particularly those with birth stars Magha (Magham), Aslesha (Ayilyam), Poorva Phalghuni (Pooram), Aswini and Moolam. For young children and those who can not chant the mantras, parents or other relatives can chant the mantras on their behalf.

Grahana Shanthi Japam

Yosow Vajra Dharo Deva:
Aadithyaanaam Prabhurmatha: |

Sahasra Kirnana Chandra:
Graha Peedam Vyapohathu ||

Om Kleem Sam Somaya Nama: |

Pithur Tharpanam During Eclipse:

For those who perform Pithur Tharpanam, the suggested time for Tharpanam is 11PM -12 Midnight EST 2/20/2008. Those who do not have father and want to start performing Pithur Tharpanam can start on this day.

Sequence of Activities:

• Snanam (Just after the eclipse starts ie. 8:45 PM 2/20/2008

• Grahana Shanthi Japam

• Pithur Tharpanam (If you usually do Tharpanam)

• Grahana Snanam (After the eclipse ends i.e. 12:10 AM on 2/21/2008)

Tharpana Sankalpam:

The Tharpanam is the same as Amavasya Tharpanam. Make the following Change in the Sankalpam:
In Amavasya tharpanam the sankalpam will be:
".. Amavasya punya kaale dharsha shradham thila tharpana adhya karishye"
In Lunar Eclipse say the following instead:
".. Somoparaaka punya kaale somoparaaka shradham thila tharpana roopena adhya karishye"

More information can be found at NASA's site