Panchang – The Hindu Calendar System
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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:

  1. Chaitra
  2. Vaishakha
  3. Jyeshtha
  4. Ashadha
  5. Shravana
  6. Bhadrapada
  7. Ashwina
  8. Kartika
  9. Margashirsha
  10. Pausha
  11. Magha
  12. 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:

  1. Ashwini
  2. Bharani
  3. Krittika
  4. Rohini
  5. Mrigashira
  6. Ardra
  7. Punarvasu
  8. Pushya
  9. Ashlesha
  10. Magha
  11. Purva Phalguni
  12. Uttara Phalguni
  13. Hasta
  14. Chitra
  15. Swati
  16. Vishakha
  17. Anuradha
  18. Jyeshtha
  19. Mula
  20. Purva Ashadha
  21. Uttara Ashadha
  22. Shravana
  23. Dhanishtha
  24. Shatabhisha
  25. Purva Bhadrapada
  26. Uttara Bhadrapada
  27. 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:

  1. Vishkambha
  2. Priti
  3. Ayushmana
  4. Saubhagya
  5. Shobhana
  6. Atiganda
  7. Sukarma
  8. Dhriti
  9. Shula
  10. Ganda
  11. Vriddhi
  12. Dhruva
  13. Vyaghata
  14. Harshana
  15. Vajra
  16. Siddhi
  17. Vyatipata
  18. Variyana
  19. Parigha
  20. Shiva
  21. Siddha
  22. Sadhya
  23. Shubha
  24. Shukla
  25. Brahma
  26. Indra
  27. 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:

  1. Kinstughna
  2. Bava
  3. Balava
  4. Kaulava
  5. Taitila
  6. Garaja
  7. Vanija
  8. Vishti (Inauspicious Karana)
  9. Shakuni
  10. Chatushpada
  11. 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
  1. Shukla Pratipada / Krishna Pratipada
  2. Shukla Dwitiya / Krishna Dwitiya
  3. Shukla Tritiya / Krishna Tritiya
  4. Shukla Chaturthi / Krishna Chaturthi
  5. Shukla Panchami / Krishna Panchami
  6. Shukla Shashthi / Krishna Shashthi
  7. Shukla Saptami / Krishna Saptami
  8. Shukla Ashtami / Krishna Ashtami
  9. Shukla Navami / Krishna Navami
  10. Shukla Dashami / Krishna Dashami
  11. Shukla Ekadashi / Krishna Ekadashi
  12. Shukla Dwadashi / Krishna Dwadashi
  13. Shukla Trayodashi / Krishna Trayodashi
  14. Shukla Chaturdashi / Krishna Chaturdashi
  15. Shukla Purnima / Krishna Amavasya

The 12 Rashis (Zodiac Signs)

The Hindu calendar also considers zodiac signs (Rashis), which influence astrology and predictions:

  1. Mesha (Aries)
  2. Vrishabha (Taurus)
  3. Mithuna (Gemini)
  4. Karka (Cancer)
  5. Simha (Leo)
  6. Kanya (Virgo)
  7. Tula (Libra)
  8. Vrishchika (Scorpio)
  9. Dhanu (Sagittarius)
  10. Makara (Capricorn)
  11. Kumbha (Aquarius)
  12. 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.

Harshvardhan Mishra

Harshvardhan Mishra is a tech expert with a B.Tech in IT and a PG Diploma in IoT from CDAC. With 6+ years of Industrial experience, he runs HVM Smart Solutions, offering IT, IoT, and financial services. A passionate UPSC aspirant and researcher, he has deep knowledge of finance, economics, geopolitics, history, and Indian culture. With 11+ years of blogging experience, he creates insightful content on BharatArticles.com, blending tech, history, and culture to inform and empower readers.

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