Panchang

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A Panchang (पंचांग) is the traditional Hindu astronomical calendar and almanac. The word is derived from Sanskrit—Panch (five) and Anga (limbs)—referring to the five key elements of time that track the positions of the sun, moon, and planets.

It is widely used in Vedic astrology and daily life to determine auspicious times (Shubh Muhurt), festival dates, religious observances, and personal planetary alignments.

The 5 Limbs (Panch-Anga) of Time

  1. Tithi (Lunar Day): Refers to the phase of the moon based on the angular distance between the sun and the moon. There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, split evenly between the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) and Krishna Paksha (waning moon).
  2. Var (Solar Day / Weekday): Represents the 7 days of the week, each ruled by a specific planetary deity (e.g., Ravivar ruled by the Sun, Somvar ruled by the Moon).
  3. Nakshatra (Lunar Mansion): The 27 star constellations or sectors through which the moon passes during its orbit. The Nakshatra active at a given time influences the cosmic energy of that period.
  4. Yoga (Luni-Solar Combination): Calculated by combining the longitudes of the sun and the moon. There are 27 Yogas in total, indicating whether a particular period carries auspicious or unfavorable qualities for various activities.
  5. Karan (Half a Tithi): Each Tithi is divided into two Karans, making a total of 60 Karans in a lunar month (belonging to 11 recurring types). It is used primarily for fine-tuning timing for specific tasks.

Importance & Utility

  • Selecting Muhurt: It helps identify optimal time frames for major life milestones—such as weddings, housewarmings (Griha Pravesh), business launches, and property registrations.
  • Tracking Festivals & Fasting: Determines exact dates for major festivals (like Diwali, Janmashtami, or Navratri) and religious vows (Vratas like Ekadashi).
  • Astrological Calculations: Forms the foundational baseline for casting a natal birth chart (Janam Kundali) and evaluating real-time planetary movements (Gochar).
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