Vedic timekeeping is rooted in the eternal wisdom of the Panchang, a traditional Hindu astrological calendar that analyzes the subtle cosmic energies influencing each day. The word Panchang originates from Sanskrit, where Pancha means five and Anga means limbs or attributes.
The Five Limbs of Panchang
Tithi (Lunar Day) A Tithi represents the distance between the Sun and the Moon in 12-degree increments. There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, divided into the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) and waning phase (Krishna Paksha).
Vara (Solar Day) Vara is the day of the week ruled by a specific deity and planet:
- Sunday (Ravivara) – Sun
- Monday (Somavara) – Moon
- Tuesday (Mangalavara) – Mars
- Wednesday (Budhavara) – Mercury
- Thursday (Guruvara) – Jupiter
- Friday (Shukravara) – Venus
- Saturday (Shanivara) – Saturn
Nakshatra (Lunar Mansion) The ecliptic is divided into 27 Nakshatras (star constellations). The Moon takes approximately 27.3 days to orbit the Earth, spending about one day in each Nakshatra.
Yoga (Sol-Lunar Combination) Yoga is derived from the combined angular distance of the Sun and Moon. There are 27 Yogas, each possessing unique spiritual and material qualities.
Karana (Half Lunar Day) A Karana is equal to half a Tithi (6-degree angular difference). There are 11 Karanas in total, consisting of 7 moveable and 4 fixed Karanas.
Why Consult the Panchang?
Checking the daily Panchang helps individuals select auspicious times (Muhurta) for major life events, such as business launches, weddings, travel, and spiritual ceremonies, while avoiding unfavorable periods like Rahu Kalam.