What is Samvatsara in the Hindu Calendar?
In the Hindu calendar system, a Samvatsara is a cyclic year with a span of approximately 365 days, similar to the solar year in the Gregorian calendar. However, unlike the Gregorian system, the Hindu calendar follows a 60-year cycle, with each year having a unique name and significance. This system is deeply embedded in Vedic astrology and plays a vital role in determining auspicious times for rituals, festivals, and personal events.
The 60-Year Cycle of Samvatsara
The concept of Samvatsara originates from ancient astronomical calculations and is based on the movement of Jupiter (Brihaspati) through the zodiac signs. Every 12 years, Jupiter completes one full cycle of the zodiac, and five such cycles make up the 60-year Samvatsara cycle.
Each year within this cycle is assigned a distinct name, which repeats after 60 years. The naming of Samvatsaras is found in the Vedic texts and is an essential aspect of Hindu timekeeping.
List of 60 Samvatsara Names
- Prabhava
- Vibhava
- Shukla
- Pramoda
- Prajapati
- Angira
- Shrimukha
- Bhava
- Yuva
- Dhata
- Ishwara
- Bahudhanya
- Pramathi
- Vikrama
- Vrisha
- Chitrabhanu
- Subhanu
- Tarana
- Parthiva
- Vyaya
- Sarvajit
- Sarvadhari
- Virodhi
- Vikriti
- Khara
- Nandana
- Vijaya
- Jaya
- Manmatha
- Durmukha
- Hemalambi
- Vilambi
- Vikari
- Sharvari
- Plava
- Shubhakrit
- Shobhakrit
- Krodhi
- Vishvavasu
- Parabhava
- Plavanga
- Kilaka
- Saumya
- Sadharana
- Virodhakrit
- Paridhavi
- Pramadi
- Aananda
- Rakshasa
- Nala
- Pingala
- Kalayukta
- Siddharthi
- Raudra
- Durmati
- Dundubhi
- Rudhirodgari
- Raktaksha
- Krodhana
- Kshaya
Significance of Samvatsara in Hindu Culture
Each Samvatsara is believed to influence human affairs, planetary movements, and natural occurrences. Hindu astrologers use these names to predict trends, and some years are considered more auspicious than others. The start of a new Samvatsara is marked by festivals like Ugadi in South India and Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra.
Conclusion
The Hindu concept of Samvatsara is an ancient and sophisticated timekeeping system that connects celestial movements with human life. Understanding the 60-year cycle helps in aligning personal and societal events with cosmic rhythms, fostering harmony and prosperity.