Panchanga serves as a comprehensive tool for determining significant dates in our Vedic Calendar. Its influence extends beyond India, resonating across diverse regions and cultures worldwide. Planetary movements are acknowledged for their impact on our lives and even the destiny of a nation. Crucial life facets such as marriage, career, home, property, etc. are scrutinized through the lens of planetary motions through records obtained from Panchanga.
In antiquity, pivotal decisions, including those made by Kings and courts men, were contingent upon insights from astrologers. A designated Raj Shahi Astrologer, appointed by the kingdom, played a vital role in ensuring the welfare of the nation through celestial guidance, through which Kings and Noblemen used to make decisions for the Nation’s Welfare.
The Panchanga serves as the gateway to astrology, akin to how BIOS functions for a computer. Functioning as an almanac, it offers a wealth of information crucial for deriving a Janma Kundali. Rooted in astronomy, the Panchanga meticulously records planetary motions, exact timings of Sunrise and Sunset, various Yogas and Doshas, and other parameters on that particular day. This astronomical data forms the foundation for an astrologer to craft a horoscope. Esteemed pandits, well-versed in astronomy, diligently observe the sky, documenting every cosmic event. This comprehensive record is known as “Panchanga” or “Panchangam,” the latter being the term used in the Southern part of Bharat
Panchanga provides 5 important coordinates viz. the Vara, Tithi, Nakshatra, Karan, and Yog at the time of your birth. These coordinates are essential to derive your Janma Kundali, which are as below:
Vara, in Vedic astrology, signifies a Vedic Day. In this system, a day starts at sunrise, in contrast to the English calendar, which commences at midnight. Each day is under the influence of a specific planet, and the nomenclature is based on the planetary lord of the hora during sunrise. According to Vedic sciences, a day is divided into 24 Horas, calculated from one sunrise to the next. Each hora is governed by a planet, and the seven planets take turns in their governance. The commencement of counting days initiates from the sunrise of the initial day to the sunrise of the subsequent day. Within astrology, this method is recognized as ‘AHORATRA,’ signifying the combination of day and night. The term ‘HORA,’ derived by excluding the initial ‘A’ and the concluding three letters ‘T,’ ‘R,’ ‘A,’ is the origin of the English word ‘HOUR.’ There are a total of 24 HORAS. Now, a query arises: why is the day following Sunday termed Monday, and not another day? To comprehend this, we must first grasp the planetary positions in space. According to astrology, the respective arrangement of the planets is as follows – Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury, and Moon. Hence, Saturn is the outermost planet, positioned at the highest level. Below Saturn is Jupiter, followed by Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury, and Moon successively. All planets orbit the Sun within their designated paths. As there are 24 Horas encompassing both day and night, each Hora corresponds to an hour. The ‘Lord’ of each Hora is a planet from the orbit immediately below. The Sun is the Lord of the first HORA, as it was the first celestial body visible during the creation. This association leads to the naming of the first day after the Sun. The second Hora is named after ‘Shukra’ (Venus), the Lord of the second HORA, whose orbit is just below the Sun. The third Hora is governed by ‘Budha’ (Mercury), positioned immediately beneath Shukra. The Moon is the Lord of the fourth HORA, residing beneath Venus, and so forth. Interestingly, the 24th HORA is once again ruled by Mercury and the Moon. The chart illustrates the planetary positions horizontally and the days of the week vertically. From the Hora chart, it becomes evident that the Moon governs the first Hora (Hour) of the second day (Monday), hence the nomenclature. The pattern continues with Mars ruling Tuesday, Mercury governing Wednesday, Jupiter presiding over Thursday, Venus overseeing Friday, and Saturn leading Saturday. Consequently, the days follow this order: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. GENTLE DAYS: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are regarded as ‘gentle’ days, deemed auspicious for initiating positive endeavors. NOT GENTLE DAYS: Tuesday, Sunday, and Saturday are considered ‘Not Gentle’ days. Saturday is considered favorable for medical procedures. Thursday is seen as auspicious for educational pursuits, and Wednesday is deemed propitious for starting business activities. |
Significance:Understanding the Vara Lord holds the key to a deeper comprehension of our strengths and weaknesses. It sheds light on our constitutional fortitude, health, and overall well-being. The Vara Lord represents the life energy, or Prana, in each chakra, influencing our physical body’s energy dynamics. Additionally, the Hora Lord dictates how we harness this energy, shaping our responses and reactions to life’s situations. This interplay defines our life experience on the earthly plane. Practical Applications: Utilizing the Varas of the week allows us to create simple rituals that can strengthen or accelerate planetary influences based on the natal chart. Let’s explore each Vara: Sunday (Ravivār – Ruled by the Sun):Ideal for career growth, health focus, and government paperwork. Monday (Somavār – Ruled by the Moon):Best for public relations, family meetings, and social activities. Tuesday (Maṅgalavār – Ruled by Mars):Suited for actions requiring aggression, martial arts, and physical activity. Wednesday (Budhavār – Ruled by Mercury):Ideal for friendly communications, mental work, and business negotiations. Thursday (Bṛhaspativār or Guruvār – Ruled by Jupiter):Perfect for appointments with career counselors and financial planners. Friday (Śukravāra – Ruled by Venus):Perfect for arts, entertainment, socializing, and romantic pursuits. Saturday (Shanivāra – Ruled by Saturn):Best for meditation, yoga, and self-care activities. Understanding and aligning with these Varas can enhance various aspects of life and provide a harmonious connection with celestial energies. |
What is a Tithi?In Vedic astrology, a Tithi is a lunar day and one of the fundamental components of the Hindu lunar calendar. The lunar month in the Hindu calendar is divided into 30 Tithis, each representing the time it takes for the longitudinal separation between the Moon and the Sun to increase by 12 degrees. Tithis can be considered as phases of the moon, and they play a crucial role in determining auspicious and inauspicious times for various activities in Hindu culture. Each Tithi is associated with specific qualities and influences believed to affect human behavior and events on Earth. |
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Inauspicious Dates |
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| SUN | MON | TUE | WED | THUR | FRI | SAT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| DAGDHA | 12th | 11th | 5th | 3rd | 6th | 8th | 9th | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| VISHA | 4th | 6th | 7th | 2nd | 8th | 9th | 7th | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HUTASHAN | 12th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The term Nakshatra is commonly used in Hindu astrology and astronomy, representing the 27 lunar mansions or regions of space that the moon traverses during its cyclical monthly orbit around the Earth. Each Nakshatra spans 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the zodiac, featuring a distinct name, symbol, deity, and set of characteristics. Additionally, Nakshatras are associated with the 12 signs of the zodiac, or Rashi, with each sign encompassing two and a quarter Nakshatras. Believed to influence personality, destiny, and compatibility, Nakshatras also play a role in determining the auspiciousness of various activities and events. These 27 Nakshatras are Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini, Mrighasira, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Poorva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Vishaka, Anuradha, Jyestha, Moola, Purva Ashadha, Uttarashada, Sharavan, Dhanishta, Shatabisha, Purvabhadra, Uttarabhadra, and Revati |
| The nakshatras possess distinctive characteristics, and among the key features are: Name: Each nakshatra derives its name from a prominent star or asterism within or in proximity to its respective sector. For instance, Ashwini nakshatra is named after the Ashvins, the twin horsemen gods in the Puranas. Symbol: The symbol of a nakshatra serves as a visual representation of its essence, theme, characteristics or distinctive quality. As an illustration, Bharani nakshatra is represented by the yoni, a symbol associated with themes of birth, death, and sexuality. Deity: The deity of the nakshatra is the ruling power or lord of the nakshatra, who bestows blessings, protection, and guidance to the natives of the nakshatra. For example, Krittika nakshatra is ruled by Agni, the god of fire, who grants courage, creativity, and purification to the natives of the nakshatra. Characteristics: The traits, qualities, and tendencies influenced by a nakshatra collectively define its characteristics. These can manifest as positive or negative attributes, contingent on the placement and aspects of the planets within the nakshatra. For instance, Rohini nakshatra is celebrated for its beauty, charm, fertility, and prosperity, yet it is also associated with qualities like jealousy, possessiveness, and materialism. |
A Karana is equivalent to half a Tithi or 6 degrees of arc. In a Lunar month consisting of thirty Tithis, there are sixty half-Tithis or Karanas. To put it differently, each Tithi is comprised of two Karanas. The first Karana concludes at the midpoint of the Tithi, and the second Karana extends until the end of that Tithi. There are four Fixed Karanas that manifest only once in a month. According to the “Yavana Jathaka,” these fixed Karanas have distinct effects. 1st – ShakuniThe person of this Karana will be calm, composed, intelligent, gifted with intuition, and full of good deeds. Positive Traits:
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2nd – ChatushpadaThe person of this Karana will do independent business, take great pains in work, and will be truthful. Personality:
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3rd – NagaThe person of this Karana will be a specialist and successful in professions connected with minerals. Will be of good character and capable of mesmerizing and catching snakes. Characteristics: Naga Karana is associated with:
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4th – KimstugnaPersons of this Karana are intelligent but may be bent on doing bad deeds; are heartless, unpopular, and may suffer much in life. Characteristics: Kimstugna Karana is associated with:
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The remaining seven Karanas recur eight times during the Lunar month. Their names and effects are as below: 1st – BAVAThe persons born of this Karana will be poor but kind and content with what they get. They will be successful if they pursue a career with the Army. Inspires transformative thoughts that nurture personal evolution and growth. Strengths:
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Bava Karana is a dynamic and energetic influence, suitable for careers requiring boldness, initiative, and leadership. 2nd – BALAVAThe person born on this Karana will be handsome, courageous, sacrificing, and will be interested in sports and extra-curricular activities. Associated with strength and energy, making it ideal for initiating new projects. Strengths:
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Balava Karana influences individuals to be bold, action-oriented, and driven. They excel in careers requiring energy, courage, and a competitive spirit. 3rd – KAULAVAThe person of this Karana will be intent on doing bad deeds as his earlier environment was not friendly to molding his character. Favorable for intellectual pursuits, communication, and skill development. Characteristics:
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Kaulava Karana individuals prioritize unity, stability, and emotional well-being. 4th – TAITILAThe person of this Karana will be soft-hearted, even-tempered, and with strong convictions. Constitutionally, the person will be strong. Symbolic of perseverance and patience, providing support in facing challenges. Characteristics:
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5th – GARAThe person of this Karana will be a good strategist, imaginative, and talkative. Represents wisdom and intelligence, enhancing problem-solving abilities. Strengths:
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6th – VANIJAThe person of this Karana will have good business acumen and be capable of succeeding in any business. Beneficial for matters related to business and finances, such as investments or trading. Strengths:
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Vanij Karana influences individuals to be driven, ambitious and business-savvy. They excel in careers requiring strategic thinking, financial acumen, and effective communication. 7th – VISHTIThe person of this Karana will be heartless, without friends, and will be bent on doing bad deeds. A challenging Karana suggests caution in taking immediate action; it’s conducive to reflection and introspection. Strengths:
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Vishti Karana influences individuals to be visionary, unconventional, and driven. They excel in careers requiring innovation, creativity, and a desire to make a positive impact.
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| In the context of Panchanga (Hindu calendar), the term “Yoga” refers to a specific combination of the positions of the Sun and the Moon in the zodiac. There are a total of 27 Yogas, each lasting for a day, and they are calculated based on the angular relationship between the Sun and the Moon. Each Yoga has a unique name and is believed to influence various aspects of a person’s life. The calculation of Yoga is an essential component of Panchanga, providing additional information about the energy prevailing during a particular day. It is often used in conjunction with other elements like Nakshatra, Tithi, Karana, and planetary positions to determine auspicious or inauspicious timings for various activities and events. The concept of Yoga in Panchanga is deeply rooted in Vedic astrology and is considered significant for understanding the energy dynamics at play during different periods. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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