What is Samvatsara in the Hindu Calendar?
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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

  1. Prabhava
  2. Vibhava
  3. Shukla
  4. Pramoda
  5. Prajapati
  6. Angira
  7. Shrimukha
  8. Bhava
  9. Yuva
  10. Dhata
  11. Ishwara
  12. Bahudhanya
  13. Pramathi
  14. Vikrama
  15. Vrisha
  16. Chitrabhanu
  17. Subhanu
  18. Tarana
  19. Parthiva
  20. Vyaya
  21. Sarvajit
  22. Sarvadhari
  23. Virodhi
  24. Vikriti
  25. Khara
  26. Nandana
  27. Vijaya
  28. Jaya
  29. Manmatha
  30. Durmukha
  31. Hemalambi
  32. Vilambi
  33. Vikari
  34. Sharvari
  35. Plava
  36. Shubhakrit
  37. Shobhakrit
  38. Krodhi
  39. Vishvavasu
  40. Parabhava
  41. Plavanga
  42. Kilaka
  43. Saumya
  44. Sadharana
  45. Virodhakrit
  46. Paridhavi
  47. Pramadi
  48. Aananda
  49. Rakshasa
  50. Nala
  51. Pingala
  52. Kalayukta
  53. Siddharthi
  54. Raudra
  55. Durmati
  56. Dundubhi
  57. Rudhirodgari
  58. Raktaksha
  59. Krodhana
  60. 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.

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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