12 Rashi in Panchang: Meaning, Order, Ruling Planets & Importance in Hindu Astrology
In the Hindu Panchang, Rashi (राशि) plays a vital role in astrology, muhurat calculation, vrat determination, and daily predictions. The Panchang is not limited to dates and tithis—it also records the Moon’s position, and this position is always described in terms of the 12 Rashis (zodiac signs).
Understanding the 12 Rashis helps in reading Panchang correctly and in knowing how time, planets, and human life are interconnected according to Hindu tradition.
What Is Rashi in Panchang?
The word Rashi means a group or collection.
In astrology, a Rashi is a specific segment of the sky through which the Sun, Moon, and planets travel.
- The zodiac is divided into 12 equal parts
- Each part is called a Rashi
- Each Rashi spans 30 degrees
- Total zodiac circle = 360 degrees
In Panchang, Chandra Rashi (Moon sign) is especially important because most Hindu festivals, vrats, and muhurats are based on the Moon.
Importance of Rashi in Panchang
Rashi in Panchang is used to determine:
- Daily horoscope (Rashifal)
- Auspicious and inauspicious timings
- Vrat rules (Ekadashi, Purnima, Amavasya)
- Sankranti and planetary transitions
- Marriage and muhurat matching
- Naming ceremonies (Namkaran)
Without Rashi, Panchang is considered incomplete.
The 12 Rashis in Order (As per Panchang)
Below are the 12 Rashis, their Sanskrit names, symbols, ruling planets, and basic nature.
1. Mesh Rashi (Aries)
- Symbol: Ram
- Ruling Planet: Mars
- Element: Fire
- Nature: Active, courageous, energetic
Mesh Rashi represents initiative, leadership, and new beginnings.
2. Vrishabha Rashi (Taurus)
- Symbol: Bull
- Ruling Planet: Venus
- Element: Earth
- Nature: Stable, patient, material-oriented
Vrishabha signifies wealth, comfort, and determination.
3. Mithuna Rashi (Gemini)
- Symbol: Twins
- Ruling Planet: Mercury
- Element: Air
- Nature: Intelligent, communicative, adaptable
Mithuna is linked with speech, learning, and business.
4. Karka Rashi (Cancer)
- Symbol: Crab
- Ruling Planet: Moon
- Element: Water
- Nature: Emotional, caring, sensitive
Karka represents emotions, family, and nurturing energy.
5. Simha Rashi (Leo)
- Symbol: Lion
- Ruling Planet: Sun
- Element: Fire
- Nature: Royal, confident, authoritative
Simha is associated with power, fame, and leadership.
6. Kanya Rashi (Virgo)
- Symbol: Maiden
- Ruling Planet: Mercury
- Element: Earth
- Nature: Analytical, disciplined, practical
Kanya represents service, health, and perfection.
7. Tula Rashi (Libra)
- Symbol: Balance
- Ruling Planet: Venus
- Element: Air
- Nature: Harmonious, diplomatic, artistic
Tula signifies justice, beauty, and relationships.
8. Vrishchika Rashi (Scorpio)
- Symbol: Scorpion
- Ruling Planet: Mars
- Element: Water
- Nature: Intense, secretive, transformative
Vrishchika represents deep emotions, mystery, and power.
9. Dhanu Rashi (Sagittarius)
- Symbol: Archer
- Ruling Planet: Jupiter
- Element: Fire
- Nature: Philosophical, optimistic, spiritual
Dhanu is linked with wisdom, religion, and higher knowledge.
10. Makara Rashi (Capricorn)
- Symbol: Crocodile (Makara)
- Ruling Planet: Saturn
- Element: Earth
- Nature: Disciplined, hardworking, responsible
Makara represents karma, duty, and long-term success.
11. Kumbha Rashi (Aquarius)
- Symbol: Water Bearer
- Ruling Planet: Saturn
- Element: Air
- Nature: Innovative, humanitarian, unconventional
Kumbha is associated with social change and innovation.
12. Meena Rashi (Pisces)
- Symbol: Fish
- Ruling Planet: Jupiter
- Element: Water
- Nature: Compassionate, spiritual, imaginative
Meena signifies moksha, devotion, and divine connection.
Role of Chandra Rashi in Panchang
In Hindu Panchang:
- Moon changes Rashi every ~2.25 days
- Most festivals are calculated based on Moon’s Rashi
- Vrat rules often differ depending on Moon sign
That’s why North and South Indian calendars may differ slightly in festival naming but not in tithi.
Rashi and Nakshatra Connection
Each Rashi contains:
- 2¼ Nakshatras
- Total Nakshatras = 27
Nakshatra + Rashi together determine:
- Daily Panchang details
- Birth charts
- Muhurat accuracy
Difference Between Rashi and Lagna
| Aspect | Rashi | Lagna |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Moon or Sun | Ascendant (rising sign) |
| Changes | Every ~2.25 days (Moon) | Every ~2 hours |
| Used in | Panchang, festivals | Horoscope & charts |
Spiritual Meaning of 12 Rashis
The 12 Rashis symbolise the journey of the soul:
- From action (Mesh)
- Through experience and duty (Makara)
- To liberation (Meena)
This reflects Hindu philosophy of karma, dharma, and moksha.
Conclusion
The 12 Rashis in Panchang are not merely zodiac signs—they are cosmic timekeepers that guide rituals, festivals, astrology, and spiritual life. By understanding Rashis, one gains deeper insight into Panchang readings and the ancient Hindu system of time calculation.
In simple terms:
Tithi tells the day, Nakshatra tells the energy, and Rashi tells the direction of time.
