Panchang · Glossary
Panchang
पंचांग
The Vedic almanac — a five-element daily calendar (Tithi, Vara, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana) used for auspicious timing.
Panchang (Sanskrit: five limbs) is the traditional Vedic almanac that tracks five key astronomical elements for each day: (1) Tithi — the lunar day (1/30th of a lunar month), (2) Vara — the day of the week, (3) Nakshatra — the lunar mansion the Moon occupies, (4) Yoga — an auspicious or inauspicious combination derived from Sun+Moon longitudes, (5) Karana — half of a Tithi. The Panchang also includes sunrise/sunset times, moon rise/set, Rahu Kaal (inauspicious period), Yamaganda, Gulika Kaal, and auspicious timings (Abhijit Muhurta). All important Hindu rituals, muhurtas for weddings and ceremonies, and daily auspicious activities are selected using the Panchang.
Examples
- ◆Dvitiya (2nd tithi) on a Monday with Rohini nakshatra creates an excellent muhurta for marriage
- ◆Rahu Kaal occurs on every day of the week for 90 minutes and is considered inauspicious for new ventures
- ◆Amrit Yoga in the Panchang is one of the most auspicious yogas for beginning important work
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Panchang?
Panchang is the Vedic almanac used in Hindu astrology to determine auspicious timings. It contains five elements (pancha = five, anga = limb): Tithi (lunar day), Vara (weekday), Nakshatra (Moon's position), Yoga (Sun+Moon combination), and Karana (half-tithi). It also includes sunrise/sunset, Rahu Kaal, and auspicious muhurtas.
How to read Panchang?
To read today's Panchang: (1) Note the Tithi — which lunar day it is (1–30, with 15=Purnima/full moon and 30=Amavasya/new moon). (2) Note the Nakshatra — which lunar mansion the Moon occupies. (3) Check Rahu Kaal for the day to avoid for new ventures. (4) Check for any special Yoga (like Amrit Siddhi, Sarvartha Siddhi) which are extra auspicious. Use the city-specific Panchang as timings vary by location.
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