Today's Panchang
Welcome to your daily guide to the celestial energies that shape our lives. The Panchang is the ancient Vedic calendar that provides a roadmap of the day’s planetary positions, helping you align your actions with the cosmic flow for optimal results. Understanding the day’s Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, and Vara can empower you to make informed decisions, whether you are planning a significant event or navigating your daily routines.
Panchang
Understanding The Five Limbs Of Panchang: A Guide To The Vedic Calendar
The word “Panchang” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Pancha” (meaning five) and “Anga” (meaning limbs). It is the traditional Vedic calendar, a cosmic map that details the day’s energetic blueprint based on the positions of celestial bodies. By understanding these five core elements, you can gain insight into the subtle influences of the cosmos and align your actions with the natural flow of energy for greater success and harmony.
Here is a general overview of the five limbs of the Panchang:
1. Tithi (The Lunar Day)
The Tithi represents the relationship and angle between the Sun and the Moon. A lunar month consists of 30 Tithis. As the Moon waxes (Shukla Paksha) and wanes (Krishna Paksha), it creates different angular relationships with the Sun, each corresponding to a specific Tithi. Each Tithi has its own ruling deity and carries a unique energy, making certain days more favorable for specific activities like starting a new business, performing ceremonies, or creative pursuits.
2. Nakshatra (The Constellation or Star)
The Nakshatra refers to the constellation in which the Moon is placed on a particular day. The zodiac is divided into 27 Nakshatras, often called “lunar mansions.” The Moon’s transit through a specific Nakshatra, which lasts for about a day, imbues the day with the qualities of that constellation. Each Nakshatra has its own symbol, ruling planet, and deity, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and the events that unfold. Choosing a favorable Nakshatra is a cornerstone of electing an auspicious time (Muhurta) for important life events.
3. Yoga (The Auspicious Combination)
Yoga is the period of time determined by the combined longitudes of the Sun and the Moon. There are 27 Yogas in total, each with a distinct meaning and influence. The name of the Yoga itself often indicates its nature—some are auspicious (like Siddhi or Shubha), suggesting success and good fortune, while others are considered challenging (like Vyatipata or Vaidhriti), advising caution. The Yoga of the day helps in understanding the overall supportive or obstructive quality of the day’s energy.
4. Karana (The Half-Tithi)
A Karana is essentially half of a Tithi. There are 11 Karanas in total, with four being fixed and seven being movable, which repeat eight times through the lunar month. Each Karana has its own energetic quality and can influence the outcome of actions performed during its period. Like other elements of the Panchang, some Karanas are considered favorable for initiating tasks, while others, like the Vishti (or Bhadra) Karana, are generally avoided for auspicious beginnings.
5. Vara (The Weekday)
The Vara is the simplest limb to understand—it is the weekday. In Vedic astrology, each of the seven days of the week is ruled by a specific planet:
- Sunday (Ravivara): Ruled by the Sun (Surya)
- Monday (Somavara): Ruled by the Moon (Chandra)
- Tuesday (Mangalavara): Ruled by Mars (Mangala)
- Wednesday (Budhavara): Ruled by Mercury (Budha)
- Thursday (Guruvara): Ruled by Jupiter (Guru/Brihaspati)
- Friday (Shukravara): Ruled by Venus (Shukra)
- Saturday (Shaniwara): Ruled by Saturn (Shani)
The ruling planet of the day lends its specific energy and influence, making certain days more suitable for particular types of activities.