Hindu Calendar: Months, Nakshatras, Yogas, Karanas & Tithis
Detailed Understanding of the Hindu Calendar: Lunar Months, Nakshatras, Yogas, Karanas, and Tithis
The Hindu calendar is an intricate timekeeping system that blends lunar and solar calculations to determine auspicious timings, religious observances, and astrological predictions. It is deeply intertwined with Hindu traditions and rituals, making it essential for various aspects of life. This article explores the fundamental elements of the Hindu calendar, including lunar months, Nakshatras, Yogas, Karanas, and Tithis.
The Lunar Months in the Hindu Calendar
The Hindu calendar follows a lunisolar system where months are based on the cycles of the moon. There are twelve lunar months in a year, each beginning either from the new moon (Amanta system) or the full moon (Purnimanta system). These months are significant for religious observances and festivals:
- Chaitra
- Vaishakha
- Jyeshtha
- Ashadha
- Shravana
- Bhadrapada
- Ashwina
- Kartika
- Margashirsha
- Pausha
- Magha
- Phalguna
Each of these months holds cultural and spiritual significance, often marked by major Hindu festivals like Navaratri, Diwali, Makar Sankranti, and Holi.
The 27 Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)
Nakshatras are lunar constellations through which the moon travels over a lunar month. Each Nakshatra spans 13°20’ of the zodiac and is associated with specific characteristics, deities, and astrological influences:
- Ashwini
- Bharani
- Krittika
- Rohini
- Mrigashira
- Ardra
- Punarvasu
- Pushya
- Ashlesha
- Magha
- Purva Phalguni
- Uttara Phalguni
- Hasta
- Chitra
- Swati
- Vishakha
- Anuradha
- Jyeshtha
- Mula
- Purva Ashadha
- Uttara Ashadha
- Shravana
- Dhanishtha
- Shatabhisha
- Purva Bhadrapada
- Uttara Bhadrapada
- Revati
The 27 Yogas in the Hindu Calendar
Yogas are formed based on the combined longitudes of the sun and the moon. Each Yoga influences a person’s nature and life events:
- Vishkambha
- Priti
- Ayushmana
- Saubhagya
- Shobhana
- Atiganda
- Sukarma
- Dhriti
- Shula
- Ganda
- Vriddhi
- Dhruva
- Vyaghata
- Harshana
- Vajra
- Siddhi
- Vyatipata
- Variyana
- Parigha
- Shiva
- Siddha
- Sadhya
- Shubha
- Shukla
- Brahma
- Indra
- Vaidhriti
The 11 Karanas
A Karana represents half of a Tithi, meaning two Karanas occur in each Tithi. There are 11 types of Karanas, of which 7 are movable and 4 are fixed:
- Kinstughna
- Bava
- Balava
- Kaulava
- Taitila
- Garaja
- Vanija
- Vishti (Inauspicious Karana)
- Shakuni
- Chatushpada
- Nagava
The 30 Tithis in a Lunar Month
Tithis are lunar days and form the basis of the Hindu calendar. Each month is divided into two phases – the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) and the Krishna Paksha (waning moon). There are 30 Tithis:
- Shukla Paksha (Waxing Phase): Pratipada to Purnima
- Krishna Paksha (Waning Phase): Pratipada to Amavasya
- Shukla Pratipada / Krishna Pratipada
- Shukla Dwitiya / Krishna Dwitiya
- Shukla Tritiya / Krishna Tritiya
- Shukla Chaturthi / Krishna Chaturthi
- Shukla Panchami / Krishna Panchami
- Shukla Shashthi / Krishna Shashthi
- Shukla Saptami / Krishna Saptami
- Shukla Ashtami / Krishna Ashtami
- Shukla Navami / Krishna Navami
- Shukla Dashami / Krishna Dashami
- Shukla Ekadashi / Krishna Ekadashi
- Shukla Dwadashi / Krishna Dwadashi
- Shukla Trayodashi / Krishna Trayodashi
- Shukla Chaturdashi / Krishna Chaturdashi
- Shukla Purnima / Krishna Amavasya
The 12 Rashis (Zodiac Signs)
The Hindu calendar also considers zodiac signs (Rashis), which influence astrology and predictions:
- Mesha (Aries)
- Vrishabha (Taurus)
- Mithuna (Gemini)
- Karka (Cancer)
- Simha (Leo)
- Kanya (Virgo)
- Tula (Libra)
- Vrishchika (Scorpio)
- Dhanu (Sagittarius)
- Makara (Capricorn)
- Kumbha (Aquarius)
- Meena (Pisces)
Conclusion
The Hindu calendar, with its precise calculations, governs timekeeping, rituals, and astrology. By understanding the lunar months, Nakshatras, Yogas, Karanas, and Tithis, one can gain deeper insights into the cosmic influences on human life.