Why our ancient people said not to eat at the time of eclipse and before eclipse is so that the food is all well digested and you can do meditation. During eclipse time when you do chanting, meditation, or pray, it has a hundred times more effect - this is what is said.
The sun, moon and earth are in one line and so the cosmic rays are flowing such that at that time any sadhana you do has multifold effect.
So during the eclipse do your meditation, chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ or ’Om Namo Narayana’.
If you chant 108 times now, that means you have done it ten thousand times.
It is a very auspicious time for saadhaks; it is not a bad time. It is a bad time for enjoyment and for pleasures.