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Panchaanga in Kannada
Tamil Vakya Panchangam

A panchāngam (Sanskrit: पञ्चाङ्गम्; IAST: pañcāṅgam) is a Hindu calendar and almanac, which follows traditional units of Hindu timekeeping, and presents important dates and their calculations in a tabulated form. It is sometimes spelled Panchāngamu, Pancanga, Panchanga, Panchaanga, or Panchānga, and is often pronounced Panchāng. Panchangas are used in Jyotisha (Jyotiṣa) (Indian astrology).[1]

In Nepal and Eastern India, including Assam, Bengal and Odisha, the Panchangam is referred to as Panjika, and in the Mithila region, it is known as Maithili Panchang or Patra.

Overview

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Panchāngams are published in India by many authors, societies, academies, and universities. Different publications differ only minutely, at least for a casual or not yet trained reader. They forecast celestial phenomena such as solar eclipses, forecasting weather (rain, dry spells) as well as more mundane occurrences.

The study of Panchāngams involves understanding Rasi phala (also pronounced 'Rashi phala'), the impact of the signs of the zodiac on the individual. Astrologers consult the Panchāngam to set auspicious dates for weddings, corporate mergers, and other activities as per their religion.

The casting of a Panchāngam involves elaborate mathematical work involving high level of spherical geometry and sound understanding of astronomical phenomena, such as sidereal movements of celestial bodies. However, in practice the tabulation is done on the basis of short-cut formulations as propounded by ancient Vedic sages and scholars.

A typical Panchāngam may state tabulations of positions of Sun, Moon, and other planets for every day of the year on a fixed place (longitude, latitude) and time of day (in 24-hour format IST). The users calculate the remaining data using their relative difference from this fixed place and time.

There are several panchāngas that contain information for more than one year. There is one, Vishvavijaya Panchāngam, that covers 100 years.

The theories propounded in the two scriptures, Surya Siddhanta and Grahalaghava formed the basis for the myriad calendars or Panchāngas in the past in different regions of India.

The Grahalaghava was compiled about 600 years ago and Surya Siddhanta was available long before that. These had become outdated and did not tally with actual astronomical events and did not tally with each other. Hence, a committee was appointed by the Government of India with experts in the field drawn from various parts of the country who were involved with preparation of Panchāngam in local languages to draw up a reliable Panchāngam in which the mathematical calculations provides the positions of grahas (the planets) and nakshatras (constellations) in the sky as they are observed.

Thus, the Government of India has prepared the National Panchānga or the Indian national calendar in 1957 (was proposed by Meghnad Saha and Lahiri in 1952), which is used in predictive astrology.[citation needed] The Lahiris Ephemeris published annually is the most widely used English almanac in Vedic astrology, many Panchāngas are published in local languages, which are mostly based on the National Panchānga. The[Bangalore press publishes Mallige Panchanga Darshini calendar every year[2]

Etymology

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Accuracy of attributes depending upon the Moon's motions were considered most crucial for the reliability of a panchāngam, because the Moon is the fastest among all heavenly entities shown in traditional panchāngas. Tithi, Nakshatra, Rāśi, Yoga, and Karana depend upon Moon's motions, which are five in number. Panchānga is a Sanskrit word, literally meaning "having five limbs". If these five limbs, for example, the five attributes depending upon Moon, are accurate, an almanac is held to be reliable, because other elements are not so difficult to compute due to their slow rates of change.

There are three popular meanings of panchāngam:

  1. In Vedic astrology, meaning "five attributes" of the day. They are:
    • Tithi - Ending Moment (EM) of elongation of the Moon, the lunar day, the angular relationship between Sun and Moon ( Apparent Moon minus Apparent Sun). One Tithi equals 12 degree difference between Moon and Sun.
    • Nakshatram - EM of asterism of the day, that is, the stellar mansion in which Moon is located for an observer at the center of the Earth. One Nakshatra equals 13 degrees:20 minutes. There are 27 Nakshatra in 360 degrees.
    • Yoga - EM of the angular relationship between Sun and Moon( Apparent Moon plus Apparent Sun). One Yoga equals 13 degrees:20 minutes. There are 27 Yogas in 360 degrees.
    • Karana - EM of half of a Tithi. One Karaṇa equals 6 degree difference between Moon and Sun.
    • Vāra, weekday, the seven weekdays.
      Monier-Williams gives "solar day" instead of Rāśi as the fifth limb. Some people enumerate Vāra (days of the week) instead. Vāra or solar days do not involve intricate computations, unlike EM of Rāśi; however, in the Hindu system the five elements only constitute the five limbs of the Panchāngam.
  2. An almanac that contains the astronomical / astrological daily details also came to be called a panchāngam because of the importance of five attributes.
  3. Panchānga-pūjan, which is a part of Ganesh-Ambika-pūjan.

In Vedic astrology, the basic tenet of astrology was integrated with celestial events and thus was born various branches of Vedic astrology and the Panchānga. In simple terms, "Panchānga" means the Day, Nakshatra (Star), tithi, Yoga and Karana every day. It is a mirror of the sky. The document used as Panchāngam has evolved over the last 5000 years. The theories propounded in the two scriptures, Surya Siddhanta and Grahalaghava formed the basis for the plethora of calendars or Panchāngas in the past in different regions of the country - a culturally complex system.

The five Angas or parts of Panchāngam are elaborated in the following paragraphs but before that the composition of the Samvatsara OR Years (60 Years cycle), Varsha or Year and Masa or month are first explained, as these important calendar events are part of every Panchānga. All the components of Panchangam are relevant in Predictive Astrology, Prasna Shastra (electional astrology), etc.

All followers and practitioners of Vedic astrology must know how to read a Panchāngam and in this context it is necessary to know the terminology used in the Panchāngam for different time slots of the day. Panchāngas are also published in English as Ephemeris - The Lahiris Ephemeris is most widely used, which gives all the details as contained in a traditional Panchāngam published in Sanskrit or Hindi and all the regional languages of the country.

There are several forms of reckoning the varsha or year based on solar entry (solar ingress), lunar entry, Jupiter entry in a sign or the Julian calendar of starting the year from the first of January, but the most widely accepted practice in India is the Samvatsara, a 60 years cycle based on solar entry. Each zodiacal sign is represented by five years starting from Pramadi and the sixty years are equally distributed in successive order among the twelve signs (Rasis) starting from Mesha (Aries) and ending in Meena (Pisces).

Varsha or the year, used in astrological context refers to the solar calendar of year and months, which starts with Sun entering Aries (Mesha Rasi) and completing a full circle of the zodiac in a period of twelve months.

There are two kinds of lunar months followed in India - the new moon ending called the Amanta or Sukladi system and the full moon ending (covering one full moon to the next) called the Purnimanta system. But it is the lunar months (full moon reckoned), which are reckoned in predictive astrology, and each represents the name of the star on full moon day of the solar months. The twelve lunar months starting from Chaitra along with the names of the solar months are given below.

No. Lunar month Solar month
1 Chitta Chaitra
2 Visaka Vyshaka
3 Jyeshta Jyeshta
4 Poorvashada Ashada
5 Sravana Shravana
6 Poorvabhadra Bhadrapadha
7 Aswini Asweyuja
8 Kartika Kartika
9 Mrigashira Margashira
10 Pushyami Pushya
11 Makha Magha
12 Uttaraphalguni Phalguna

In Vedic astrology, the basic tenets of astrology were integrated with celestial events with vara or weekday and thus was born the Muhurtha astrology or electional astrology.

Tithi or Lunar day is an important concept in Hindu astrology. It means lunation. There are thirty tithis in a Lunar month distributed in the 360 degrees of the Zodiac and each tithi is completed when the longitude of the Moon gains exactly twelve degrees or its multiple on that of the Sun. By name there are only 15 tithis repeating in the two halves of the month – Shukla 1 to Shukla 15 (known as Poornima or Full Moon) and Krishna 1 to 15 (known as Amavasya or New Moon). In astrological parlance tithi has great significance in the fact that each tithi from 1 to 14 in both Pakshas has what are called daghda rasis or burnt rasis – two rasis for each tithi except Chaturdasiwhich has four daghda rasis. But new moon and full moon have no dagdha rasis. The tithis are divided into five groups as under.

  1. Nanda (Ananda or Joyous) tithi - Prathipada (1st), Shasti (6th) and Ekadashi (11th);
  2. Bhadra (Arogya or Mangala or Healthy) tithis on – Dvitiya (2nd), Saptami (7th) and Dvadashi (12th);
  3. Jaya (Victory) tithi –Tuesday- Tritiya (3rd), Ashtami (8th ) and Trayodashi (13th);
  4. Rikktha (Loss or Nashta) tithis – Saturday - Chathurthi (4th) Navami (9th) and Chaturdashi (14th);
  5. Purna (Sampurna - Full Moon or New Moon) tithis –Thursday Panchami (5th), Dashami (10th) and Amavasya (New Moon) or Purnima.

A unique Vedic system is followed in Muhurtha astrology, Horary astrology and predictive astrology, which envisages grouping of Nakshtaras (stars) into nine sub-groups. Each sub-group covers three stars and has a specific name of ‘Tara’ proceeded by a word defining benefic or malefic nature. These are found to be extremely useful in Vedic astrology which is widely practiced in India.

The nine taras (star groups) by their individual names are listed below.

  1. Janma (Birth/Ascendant/Lagna) Tara – The Janma (Birth Star/Ascendant Star also known as Lagna Nakshatra) Nakshatra, the 10th from Janma nakshatra also known as Karna nakshatra and the 19th from Janma nakshatra known as Adhana nakshatra constitute this tara.
  2. Sampat Tara – The 2nd the 11th and the 20th Nakshatras counted from Janma nakshatra constitute this tara.
  3. Vipat Tara – The 3rd, the 12th and the 21st stars counted from Janma nakshatra constitute this tara.
  4. Kshema Tara – The 4th, the 13th and the 22nd Nakshatras counted from the janama nakshatra constitute this tara.
  5. Pratyaka Tara – The 5t, the 14th, and the 23rd nakshatras from Janma nakshatra constitute this tara.
  6. Sadhaka Tara – The 6th, the 15th, and the 24th nakshatras from Janma nakshatra constitute this tara.
  7. Nidhana Tara – The 7th, the 16th, and the 25th nakshatras from the Janma nakshatra constitute this tara.
  8. Mitra Tara – The 8th, the 17th and the 26th nakshatras from Janma nakshatra constitute this tara.
  9. Ati or Parama Mitra Tara – The 9th, the 18th and the 27th nakshatras from Janma nakshatra constitute this tara.

Usage

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The basic purpose of Hindu Panchāngam is to check various Hindu festivals and auspicious time (election- Muhurta). In the Hindu system of election, various element of Panchāngam constitute auspicious and inauspicious moments (Yogas) by combination of weekday-Tithi, weekday-constellation, weekdays-Tithis-constellations. In addition, individual weekdays, Tithis, constellations, Yoga and Karanas have been prescribed for specific activities which fructify during their currency.

For selecting an auspicious moment Panchāngam Shuddhi (purified-time) is fundamental. In addition favourable transits, purified ascendant, absence of malefic yogas, favourable Dasha (Hindu progression), name of doer, propitiations, chanting of Mantras, place of activity, social customs, omens, mode of breathing are also examined.

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Panchangam

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The Panchangam, also spelled Panchanga, is a traditional Hindu almanac and calendar system that functions as both a timekeeping tool and an astrological guide for determining auspicious timings in daily life, religious rituals, and agricultural activities. Derived from the Sanskrit terms pancha (five) and anga (limbs), it is structured around five core astronomical elements: tithi (lunar day), nakshatra (lunar mansion or constellation), yoga (a specific angular relationship between the sun and moon), karaṇa (half of a tithi), and vāra (weekday). Published annually, it provides detailed calculations of celestial positions, planetary transits, sunrise and sunset times, and festival dates, making it indispensable for Hindu communities across India and beyond. Rooted in ancient Vedic astronomy and the science of Jyotisha (Indian astrology), the Panchangam traces its origins to texts like the Vedanga Jyotisha, dating back to around 1400–1200 BCE, which laid the foundation for lunar-solar time reckoning in India. Over centuries, it evolved through contributions from scholars such as Varahamihira and Parashara, incorporating observations of the sun, moon, and stars to align with both sidereal (star-based) and lunisolar cycles. Regional variations emerged due to local customs and geographical differences, leading to diverse editions like the Tamil Pambu Panchangam or Telugu versions, each tailored to specific cultural needs while adhering to core principles. In the modern era, efforts to standardize the system culminated in the Rashtriya Panchang (National Almanac), first published in 1957–58 CE by India's Positional Astronomy Centre under the India Meteorological Department, aiming to unify calculations across the country using scientific methods. Beyond calendrical functions, the Panchangam plays a vital role in Hindu society by guiding the selection of (auspicious moments) for events such as weddings, housewarmings, and crop sowing, often integrating weather predictions and planetary influences to support sustainable farming practices. Its five limbs enable precise forecasting of lunar phases and eclipses, fostering a deep connection between astronomy, , and that has endured for millennia. Available in multiple Indian languages, including , English, and regional scripts, contemporary editions continue to blend traditional wisdom with updated ephemerides for global Hindu communities.

Etymology and Fundamentals

Etymology

The term "Panchangam" originates from the compound word pañcāṅga, composed of pañca meaning "five" and aṅga meaning "limb," "part," or "member," thus denoting a system structured around five fundamental components. This etymological structure reflects the almanac's role in as an integrated framework of celestial calculations. In the broader linguistic context of Vedic literature, frequently employs such tatpuruṣa compounds to describe organized systems or entities with multiple interrelated elements, akin to terms like pañcamahābhūta for the five great elements. The pañcāṅga concept emerged within the Jyotiṣa tradition, a Vedic auxiliary discipline focused on astronomy and timekeeping, where compound underscores the holistic interdependence of its parts. Over time, the term evolved regionally across the , adapting to local languages while retaining its core roots. In , it is commonly rendered as pañcāṅga or pañcāṅgam in Dravidian scripts, such as Tamil and Telugu, emphasizing its function in temple rituals and daily life. In Eastern India, particularly among Bengali, Odia, and Assamese communities, it is known as panjika, derived from the pañcāṅga and meaning an or calendar, used for similar astrological purposes but often aligned with local solar calendars. These variations highlight the term's adaptability while preserving the notion of a five-limbed calendrical system.

Core Components

The core components of the Panchangam, referred to as the five angas or limbs, are , Vara, , , and Karana, which collectively provide the foundational structure for determining daily celestial influences in the Hindu calendar. The term "Panchangam" itself originates from , where "pancha" means five and "anga" means limbs, underscoring the integral role of these elements. Tithi is the lunar day, serving as a primary unit of time measurement in the lunisolar system. It divides the synodic lunar month into 30 parts, with the first 15 tithis comprising the Shukla Paksha—the waxing phase progressing from new moon (Amavasya) to full moon (Purnima)—and the subsequent 15 forming the Krishna Paksha, the waning phase from full moon back to new moon. Vara, or weekday, follows a continuous seven-day cycle aligned with the seven classical , each governing a specific day based on ancient astronomical associations. The days are named accordingly, such as for (Sun), for (Moon), for (Mars), for (), or for (), for (), and for Saturday (Saturn). Nakshatra denotes the lunar mansion, dividing the into 27 equal segments of approximately 13 degrees 20 minutes each, determined by the Moon's daily progression relative to 27 or asterisms. These mansions, such as , , and Krittika, mark the Moon's position and contribute to the Panchangam's assessment of celestial harmony. Yoga arises from the combined longitudes of the Sun and , yielding 27 distinct yogas that reflect varying degrees of auspiciousness for activities. Each yoga spans 13 degrees 20 minutes of their joint motion, with names like Vishkumbha, Priti, and Ayushman indicating potential outcomes based on this solar-lunar alignment. Karana represents half of a , further subdividing the into 60 karanas per month across 11 distinct types, which include seven variable or movable karanas (Bava, Balava, Kaulava, Taitila, Gara, Vanija, and Vishti) recurring throughout the cycle and four fixed karanas (, Chatushpada, Naga, and Kimstughna) occurring only once each at specific points. Examples like Bava (auspicious for routine tasks) and Kaulava (suitable for intellectual pursuits) exemplify the variable types used to refine timing precision.

Historical Development

Ancient Origins

The origins of the Panchangam, the traditional Hindu , trace back to the , approximately 1500–500 BCE, where foundational concepts of timekeeping emerged to support religious rituals. The , composed between 1500 and 1200 BCE, contains early references to celestial observations, including the movements of stars and planets, which informed the timing of sacrificial ceremonies and seasonal activities. Similarly, the , dating to around 1200–800 BCE, incorporates astronomical details for coordinating rituals with lunar phases and solar cycles, establishing time as integral to Vedic cosmology. A key advancement occurred with the Jyotisha Vedanga, one of the six auxiliary disciplines (Vedangas) of the Vedas, which systematized astronomical knowledge for calendrical purposes around 1400–1200 BCE. This text outlines a lunisolar calendar, reconciling lunar months with the solar year through intercalary adjustments to align ritual timings, such as full-moon sacrifices, with agricultural and cosmic cycles. By focusing on tithis (lunar days) and nakshatras (lunar mansions), it provided the computational framework essential for early Panchangam-like almanacs, emphasizing precision in Vedic yajnas (sacrifices). The lunisolar system further evolved with contributions from later astronomers. Aryabhata's (499 CE) introduced heliocentric elements and precise trigonometric calculations for planetary motions, enhancing the accuracy of eclipse predictions and calendar alignments central to Panchangam. This was followed by the , an astronomical treatise dated to the 4th–5th century CE with later revisions around 800 CE, which refined calculations for planetary positions and eclipse predictions integral to Panchangam construction. Attributed to divine revelation from the sun god , it introduced mean motion models for the sun and moon, enabling more accurate synchronization of lunar and solar calendars over long periods. This text built upon Vedic foundations by incorporating trigonometric methods and epicyclic theories, laying the groundwork for detailed almanac predictions used in Hindu timekeeping. Early Indian sidereal zodiac, central to Panchangam, shows influences from transmitted via trade and cultural exchanges by around 500–300 BCE, adapting Mesopotamian zodiacal divisions into a 27-nakshatra system fixed against the stars. Greek intermediaries, following conquests in the BCE, further shaped these concepts by blending Hellenistic models with Babylonian data, influencing the integration of zodiacal signs into Hindu ritual timing. This synthesis transformed imported sidereal frameworks into indigenous tools for auspicious (moments) by the late Vedic era.

Evolution and Standardization

During the medieval period, regional almanacs in southern saw significant advancements, adapting broader Hindu calendrical systems to local traditions. In , the Kollam era, commencing in 825 CE, established the foundation for the , which forms the basis of the Kerala Panchangam and integrates solar and sidereal calculations tailored to the region's astronomical observations and cultural practices. Similarly, in Tamil regions, medieval texts developed Panchangams that incorporated elements of Dravidian solar calendars alongside lunisolar frameworks, as seen in works like the Tirukkanitha Panchanga, which refined date calculations for agricultural and ritual purposes while preserving indigenous month names and timings. These developments marked a shift toward more localized and precise almanacs, diverging from northern Vedic models to accommodate regional climatic and ethnic variations. Varahamihira's Brihat Samhita (6th century CE) further contributed by compiling astrological and astronomical knowledge, including integrated into almanacs for practical use. The advent of British colonial rule in the profoundly influenced the production and dissemination of Panchangams through the introduction of printing technology and standardized surveys. Colonial printing presses, established in cities like Banaras and Bombay from the onward, enabled the mass production of , such as the Sanskrit Panchang Almanac printed in 1876 with 2,000 copies, making them accessible beyond manuscript traditions. British astronomical surveys, including the initiated in 1802, provided refined positional data that some Indian scholars incorporated into printed editions, enhancing the accuracy of ephemerides while aligning with imperial administrative needs for uniform timekeeping. Presses like Nirnayasagar, founded in 1840, further standardized formatting for , including Panchangams, bridging traditional scholarship with modern reproducibility. Post-independence efforts toward uniformity culminated in the 1952 appointment of the Calendar Reform Committee by the , chaired by astrophysicist , to rationalize diverse regional systems. The committee's 1955 report recommended adopting the Saka era as the basis for a national , correcting inconsistencies in existing Panchangams while retaining their core elements like and calculations. This led to the 1957 implementation of the , which synchronized civil dates with traditional observances and served as a standardized reference, though regional Panchangams continued for religious and cultural use to preserve local diversity.

Astronomical Basis

Lunisolar Framework

The Panchangam operates within a lunisolar framework, synchronizing the solar year's progression with lunar phases to align seasonal and astronomical events. The solar year, known as the saura varsha, is determined by the around the Sun, spanning approximately 365.25 days. This year is divided into 12 solar months, each corresponding to the Sun's transit through one of the 12 zodiac rashis (signs), beginning with —the entry of the Sun into rashi (sidereal Aries)—which typically occurs around April 14 and marks the solar . Complementing this solar structure, the lunar component tracks the Moon's phases, with a synodic averaging 29.53 days. Twelve such months yield about 354 days, falling short of the solar year by roughly 11 days, necessitating periodic adjustments to maintain alignment between lunar cycles and solar seasons. This synchronization is achieved through the insertion of an intercalary month, called Adhik Maas (extra month), approximately every 2–3 years, ensuring that lunar festivals and observances do not drift relative to the agricultural and seasonal . Panchangam calendars are dated using prominent eras, such as the , which commences in 57 BCE and is widely used in northern and western India for its association with traditional almanacs. Another key era is the Saka Samvat (or ), originating in 78 CE and serving as the basis for India's national calendar, with years counted from this epoch. The 12 lunar months bear names like , Vaishakha, and Jyeshtha, with designated as the first month in North Indian traditions, commencing after the vernal or new moon depending on regional conventions. This framework underpins the Panchangam's five core components—, , , karana, and vara—each derived from precise solar-lunar calculations.

Calculation Principles

The calculation of Panchangam elements relies on precise astronomical data, primarily the ecliptic longitudes of the Sun and Moon derived from ephemerides such as the Indian Astronomical Ephemeris or the Swiss Ephemeris, which provide sidereal (Nirayana) positions corrected for . These longitudes are computed at specific times, often sunrise for daily Panchangam entries, using observational or computational models that account for the planets' motions relative to . The , representing the , is determined by the angular separation between the Moon and the Sun. Specifically, it is calculated as the difference in their s divided by 12 degrees: Tithi number=λM−λS12∘\text{Tithi number} = \frac{\lambda_M - \lambda_S}{12^\circ} where λM\lambda_M is the Moon's sidereal and λS\lambda_S is the Sun's sidereal ; if λM<λS\lambda_M < \lambda_S, add 360° to λM\lambda_M before subtraction. This yields 30 tithis per synodic month, with the first 15 forming Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) and the next 15 Krishna Paksha (waning phase). The in effect at sunrise governs the day's designation, and boundaries are found by solving for times when the difference reaches integer multiples of 12°. Nakshatra, or lunar mansion, is computed by dividing the Moon's sidereal longitude into 27 equal segments, each spanning 13°20' (or 800 arcminutes). The formula is: Nakshatra index=⌊λM13∘20′⌋+1\text{Nakshatra index} = \left\lfloor \frac{\lambda_M}{13^\circ 20'} \right\rfloor + 1 with the result modulo 27 identifying one of the 27 s (e.g., from 0° to 13°20'). This division reflects the Moon's approximate daily motion of 13°20' along the , and the prevailing at sunrise defines the day's attribute. Yoga, indicating the combined solar-lunar influence, is derived from the sum of the Sun's and Moon's sidereal longitudes, divided into 27 parts of 13°20' each: Yoga index=⌊λM+λS13∘20′⌋+1(mod27)\text{Yoga index} = \left\lfloor \frac{\lambda_M + \lambda_S}{13^\circ 20'} \right\rfloor + 1 \pmod{27} If the sum exceeds 360°, subtract 360° first. There are 27 yogas, cycling daily, with the one active at sunrise noted in the Panchangam; each lasts about a day due to the relative motions. Karana, half a tithi, corresponds to the Moon gaining 6° on the Sun and thus comprises 60 karanas per lunar month. The karana index is twice the tithi number, yielding 11 types: seven movable (Bava, Balava, Kaulava, Taitila, Gara, Vanija, Vishti) that repeat eight times each during the month, and four fixed (Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga, Kimstughna) occurring only once each, with Kimstughna during the first half of Shukla Pratipada, Shakuni during the second half of Krishna Chaturdashi, Chatushpada during the first half of Krishna Amavasya, and Naga during the second half of Krishna Amavasya. The first karana of a tithi is the same as the second of the previous, ensuring continuity. A critical adjustment in these sidereal calculations is the ayanamsa, the correction subtracting the tropical (Sayana) longitudes from the vernal equinox's drift relative to (approximately 50.3 arcseconds per year). This distinguishes sidereal Panchangam from tropical systems, ensuring alignment with constellations. The Lahiri ayanamsa, adopted by India's Calendar Reform Committee in 1955 for the national calendar and most modern Panchangams, sets the zero ayanamsa epoch such that (Chitra) is at 180° in 285 CE, yielding values like 23°51' for 2000 CE; it is based on a rate of approximately 50.3 arcseconds per year.

Cultural and Practical Applications

Rituals and Festivals

The Panchangam serves as an essential guide for timing Hindu religious observances, ensuring that rituals and festivals align with auspicious celestial configurations derived from lunar and solar positions. In addition to its core components such as tithi, vara, nakshatra, yoga, and karana, the daily Panchangam supplements these with practical astronomical timings including moonrise and moonset, which are crucial for lunar-based rituals. Major festivals are determined primarily by the tithi (lunar day) and nakshatra (lunar mansion), which indicate the moon's phase and position relative to the stars. For instance, Diwali, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, is celebrated on the Amavasya (new moon) tithi during the Kartika month, typically falling in October or November, with the puja muhurta selected when this tithi prevails during Pradosh Kaal (twilight period). Similarly, Holi, marking the triumph of good over evil and the advent of spring, occurs on the Purnima (full moon) tithi in the Phalguna month, usually in March, with Holika Dahan (bonfire ritual) performed on the preceding evening to conclude the Purnima observance. These timings, calculated using the Panchangam's core components like tithi and nakshatra, help communities synchronize celebrations across regions while adhering to traditional scriptural prescriptions. Daily worship practices, such as sandhya vandana—the thrice-daily ritual of offering water to the sun and chanting the —are precisely aligned with the Panchangam's astronomical data on sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset. The morning pratah sandhya is performed during the period encompassing Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn) through shortly after sunrise, typically spanning about two hours around dawn to invoke divine energy at the day's onset. The midday madhyahnika sandhya occurs near noon, and the evening sayam sandhya takes place before and during sunset, fostering spiritual discipline and attunement to natural cycles as outlined in Vedic texts. By consulting the daily Panchangam, practitioners ensure these rituals coincide with transitional solar and lunar moments, enhancing their efficacy for purification and devotion. In addition to festival and prayer timings, the Panchangam identifies inauspicious intervals to avoid for initiating significant activities, promoting caution in religious and mundane affairs. Kaal, a daily period equivalent to one-eighth of the daytime span between sunrise and sunset (approximately 90 minutes, varying by location and season), is deemed highly unfavorable for starting new ventures, journeys, or ceremonies due to its association with planetary influences believed to bring obstacles. Likewise, Yamaganda, another segmented inauspicious window ruled by (the god of death), is avoided for similar reasons, as it is thought to invite misfortune or delays in endeavors like business dealings or weddings. Similarly, Gulika Kalam, an inauspicious period varying by day and associated with planetary influences, and Varjyam, a nakshatra-based inauspicious time lasting approximately 96 minutes, are also avoided to prevent mishaps in important activities. These periods, prominently featured in every daily Panchangam entry, guide devotees in selecting safer alternatives, such as or Amrita Kala—a highly auspicious period symbolizing nectar-like time ideal for new beginnings—to maintain harmony with cosmic rhythms.

Astrology and Auspicious Timing

In Vedic astrology, the Panchangam serves as a foundational tool for determining auspicious timings, enabling practitioners to align human endeavors with celestial rhythms for optimal outcomes. It facilitates both personal decision-making and elective astrology, known as , by analyzing the interplay of its core elements to predict success or potential obstacles in significant life events. This integration ensures that activities are performed when cosmic influences are harmonious, minimizing malefic effects and enhancing prosperity. Favorable combinations of Panchangam elements, such as Vara/Tithi/Nakshatra Yogas, are believed to mitigate adverse influences. Muhurta, or , relies on combinations of Panchangam elements such as , karana, and to select propitious moments for events like marriages or journeys. For instance, favorable yogas like or Subha, derived from the angular relationship between the Sun and , promote accomplishment and smooth travel, while suitable karanas such as Bava or Balava support initiation of auspicious acts by providing stability and growth potential. like Rohini or are preferred for marriages due to their nurturing qualities, ensuring marital harmony and progeny, whereas Mrigasira or Hasta are ideal for journeys to facilitate safe passage and success. These elements are cross-referenced; for example, combinations involving benefic tithis, , and yogas enhance positive outcomes in classical texts. The Panchangam integrates seamlessly with natal charts, or Janma Kundali, by supplying precise birth-time astronomical data essential for casting. It provides details on planetary positions, tithis, nakshatras, and yogas at the moment of birth, which astrologers use to construct the individual's kundali, delineating life patterns, strengths, and challenges based on the sidereal zodiac. This data forms the basis for predictive analysis, allowing correlations between birth alignments and future transits. Key concepts like Tarabala and Chandrabala further refine decision-making by evaluating personal compatibility with daily celestial configurations. Tarabala assesses the strength of the day's relative to the birth , calculated by counting from the Janma Nakshatra and dividing by 9; remainders of 2 (Sampat, for ), 4 (Kshema, for ), 6 (Sadhana, for ambition fulfillment), 8 (, for benefits), or 0 (Parama Mitra, highly favorable) indicate suitability for actions, while 3 (Vipat) or 7 (Naidhana) signal dangers to avoid. Chandrabala examines the Moon's position relative to the birth rasi, deeming it auspicious if not in the 6th, 8th, or 12th houses therefrom, thus ensuring emotional and mental harmony for the event. These are derived from Panchangam and tithis, often prioritized in alongside yoga and karana for personalized guidance. Beyond rituals and personal events, the Panchangam guides agricultural practices by identifying for sowing, planting, and harvesting based on , , and planetary positions. For example, certain waxing moon s in specific are considered ideal for seed germination and crop growth, integrating astronomical data with traditional farming to promote bountiful yields and .

Regional and Modern Variations

Regional Differences

Panchangam exhibits significant regional variations across , primarily stemming from differences in reckoning, systems, and the integration of solar elements, which reflect local astronomical traditions and cultural practices. In , the Panchangam typically follows the Purnimanta system, where the concludes on the day (), and the year commences in the month of according to the , which dates back to 57 BCE and emphasizes lunar-solar synchronization for festival timing. In contrast, South Indian Panchangam adheres to the Amanta system, ending the on the new moon day (), and employs the , established in 78 CE, with the new year marked by or similar solar-based observances in , aligning more closely with the sun's ingress into the zodiac. These distinctions lead to variations in festival dates and month naming, such as being observed on the of Ashwin (South) or Kartik (North), often aligning on the same Gregorian date despite minor one-day differences due to local calculations, though standardization efforts in the have minimized discrepancies for national holidays. In the Telugu-speaking regions of South India, such as Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the Panchangam is commonly referred to as Gantala Panchangam and is structured around the core five limbs, known as Pancha Angas: 1. Vaaram (Vara), the day of the week (e.g., Somavaram for Monday); 2. Tithi, the lunar day, with 15 tithis in each of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase from Pratipada to Purnima) and Krishna Paksha (waning phase from Pratipada to Amavasya); 3. Nakshatram, the lunar constellation, of which there are 27 (e.g., Ashwini, Rohini); 4. Yogam, a combination of the positions of the sun and moon, with 27 types (e.g., Vishkambha, Preeti); 5. Karanam, a half-tithi, with 11 types (e.g., Bava, Kaulava). In addition to these, the Telugu Panchangam provides timings for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset; details on inauspicious periods including Rahu Kaalam, Yama Gandam, Gulika Kaalam, Varjyam, and Durmuhurtham; auspicious periods such as Amrita Kaalam; and listings of festivals, vrathams, and special observances to guide daily rituals and events. In Eastern India, particularly , the (the local term for Panchangam) incorporates a framework based on the era but with unique intercalation rules to harmonize lunar and solar cycles, resulting in 12 solar months that occasionally include an extra month (Adhik Maas) every few years to prevent drift. This system, rooted in the astronomical text, differs from the standard lunisolar Panchangam by prioritizing solar transits for month beginnings, leading to distinct timings for festivals like , which is tied to the solar month of Ashwin. Such adaptations ensure alignment with agricultural seasons in the region, with the often published in comprehensive editions detailing regional almanac specifics. Western Indian variations, notably in , feature a Panchangam where the begins in the Kartik month following , diverging from the Chaitra start common elsewhere, and this lunisolar structure influences local selections for events. The Gujarati Panchangam reflects cultural integration in , where separate Parsi calendars are published in the , maintaining Zoroastrian traditions alongside Hindu almanacs, due to historical migrations and linguistic overlaps. Among communities, Panchangam adaptations in places like and merge traditional elements with local solar calendars to account for geographical shifts in sunrise and planetary positions. In , the Hindu calendar incorporates Amanta reckoning tailored to local longitudes, supporting festivals like while integrating Creole influences in community observances. Similarly, Indo-Fijian Panchangam uses solar-adjusted tithis for and , blending North and South Indian styles to preserve cultural identity amid indenture-era migrations, often relying on location-specific computations to avoid discrepancies from Indian mainland almanacs.

Contemporary Formats

In the digital age, Panchangams continue to be disseminated through annual printed almanacs produced by established institutions, such as the (TTD), which publishes the Viswavastu Panchangam in Telugu for the Hindu year 2025-2026, detailing tithis, nakshatras, festivals, and auspicious timings. Additionally, users can purchase annual Gantala Panchangam books from publishers such as Pidaparthi Vari, Nemani Vari, or Relangi Tangirala Vari at bookstores or online platforms; these almanacs provide detailed rules for reading auspicious days and other astrological information. These editions are available in printed formats like diaries and calendars, often incorporating modern elements such as event schedules and basic forecasts for religious observances. Printed Panchangams with updated astronomical data and interpretive notes continue to be produced by various astrological presses for contemporary users. Digital platforms have revolutionized access to Panchangams, with apps and websites offering real-time calculations tailored to user locations. The Drik Panchang app, available on Android and , utilizes precise algorithms based on Drik Ganita for planetary positions, generating daily Panchang details including kundalis for any specified date, time, and place, often leveraging device GPS for automatic location detection. Its companion website supports location-based customization, allowing users to add cities and view festivals, eclipses, and muhurats without manual adjustments. This enables instantaneous updates, contrasting with static printed versions from earlier eras. To address , specialized software integrates Panchangam generation with timezone handling for personalized outputs. Tools like StarClock VX 2.0 maintain a global database of cities, automatically accounting for , , and time differences to compute accurate tithis and yogas for users worldwide, facilitating use by the . Recent implementations further enhance this by incorporating (DST) awareness, resolving discrepancies in traditional lunisolar calculations across international borders and ensuring reliability for remote rituals or consultations.

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