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BASICS OF PANCHANGA
By
© S. Narasimha Rao, Chartered Engineer, 23, Perumal Koil Street, Chennai ,India 600 033.
Ph: 2485 1192 Email : snrao@globoteg.com
Panchanga
All instances of time have five characteristics viz. Vaara, Thithi, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana. These five
characteristics are detailed for all the days of the year in an almanac which is called Panchanga. (Pancha + anga). These
characteristics are derived from the positions of Sun and Moon. Positions of other planets is also required for determining
Muhurthas and preparation of horoscopes
Panchanga is used for knowing the five basic characteristics of time for sankalpa, locating dates of vratas, locating
dates of shraddhas, locating muhurthas and look for auspicious / inauspicious times by the common user. It is used for
preparation of horoscopes, fixing muhurths and predictions by Astrologers.
Planets (Grahas)
The nine planets are: 1. Surya or Ravi – Sun, 2. Soma or Chandra - Moon, 3. Kuja or Mangala - Mars, 4. Budha or
Soumya – Mercury, 5. Guru or Brihaspati – Jupiter, 6. Sukra or Bhargava – Venus, 7. Sani or Manda – Saturn, 8. Rahu or
Thama - Dragon's head, 9. Kethu or Sikhi - Dragon’s Tail.
From Sun to Saturn are planets and Rahu and Kethu are imaginary planets. They are actually the nodes (points) of
intersection of the imaginary paths of Sun and Moon, located at diametrically opposite points. Rahu and Kethu (Dragons' head
and tail) are also known as shadowy planets.
In the Indian system of Astronomy, Sun is considered a planet, eventhough it is the source of light and heat unlike the
western system where by definition, planets are not the source of light and heat.
Time taken by the Planets to move in the Orbit
All the planets move clockwise (referred to as forward), except the shadow planets Rahu and Kethu which move
anti-clockwise (referred to as backward or Vakra or Retrogression).
The Sun moves round the Earth completing one full revolution in 365.256374 days. Moon completes one revolution of
Earth in 27.32966 days. Duration of other planets for one revolution is: Budha 87.969 days, Shukra 224.7 days, Bhouma
686.98 days, Guru 4332.585 days, Shani 10759.22 days.
Rahu and Kethu move backwards at the rate of one revolution in 6793.394774 days.
Shani is the slowest of the planets and has acquired the name Manda (very slow) and Sthira (permanent).
The concept of all planets moving round the Earth referred above is called Geo-centric model. The modern concept
is the Earth and all other planets are moving round the Sun which is called Helio-centric model.
Positions of Planets
Paths of all these planets are different from each other and are eliptical (say oval for simplicity) and therefore their
angular speeds vary from day to day. Calculations involved in determining the positions of these planets with respect to Earth
are complex. For the purpose of Panchanga, the angular positions of all planets with respect to Earth are calculated for each
day. The positions are expressed in Degrees, Minutes and Seconds. Degrees are also expressed as Rashis and Bhagas (each
rashi being wqual to 30 degrees).
Zodiac and Rashi
A band of sky divided into twelve equal parts is referred to as Zodiac. One full revolution is also represented as 360
degrees. The 360 degrees is divided into 12 parts. Each part is called a Rashi or sign. Each sign contains 30 degrees. A degree
is also called an Amsa. Each, amsa is divided into 60 kalas (minutes), and each kala into 60 vikalas (seconds).
In the texts, the planetary positions are referred by units;
Rashi - Bhaga - Kala - Vikala - Tarpara.
Bhaga is equal to a degree, Kala is equal to a minute, Vikala to a second and Tarpara is one sixtieth of a
second.
The 12 Rashis in the Zodiac are

Sl Rashi English Symbol Sl Rashi English Symbol

Name Name
1 Mesha Aries Ram 7 Thula Libra Balance
2 Vrushabha Taurus Bull 8 Vruschika Scorpio Scorpion
3 Mithuna Gemini Twins 9 Dhanus Sagittarius Centaur
4 Karkataka Cancer Crab 10 Makara Capricorn Crocodile
5 Simha Leo Lion 11 Kumbha Aquarius Water Bearer
6 Kanya Virgo Virgin 12 Meena Pisces Fishes

Kundali
Kundali is a pictorial representation of the planetory positions. Kundali is a square grid of 16 squares (4 rows of 4

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columns) and the central 4 are ignored. The second square from the left in the top line is called the first rashi and the count is
clockwise.
Meena Mesha Vrushabha Mithuna
12 1 2 3

Kumbha Karkataka
11 4

Makara Simha
10 5

Dhanus Vrushchika Thula Kanya

9 8 7 6

Two systems of dates

Souramana and Chandramana are two systems of dates which are in use.
Sankranti [Sankramana]
The point of time when the sun leaves one sign of zodiac (or House / Rashi) and enters another is called Sankranti or
Sankramana. In other words, Sankramana is said to occur everytime sun enters the next rashi. This event is a milestone for
Souramana (measure based on Sun).

Soura Masa [Solar Month]

The period between two successive sankrantis, or the time taken by the sun to pass completely through one sign of the
zodiac is called a Soura masa or Solar month. A sankranti on which a solar month commences takes its name from the
sign-name of that month. The Mesha Sankranti marks vernal equinox, the moment of the sun's passing the first point of Aries
(Mesha).
Sankranti marks the beginning of a Soura month. There are 12 solar months in a year. The soura months have the
same names as that of Rashis.
They also have Tamil equivalent names. They are: 1. Chittirai, 2. Vaikasi, 3. Aani, 4. Aadi, 5.
Aavani, 6. Purattasi, 7. Aipasi, 8. Karthikai, 9. Margali, 10. Thai, 11. Masi and 12. Panguni.
Length of Months
Since the apparent motion of the sun and moon is not always the same, the lengths of the lunar and solar months vary.
The lengths of the solar months are given-below:-
Name of the Month Duration of each month
Rashi Tamil Days Hours Mins. Secs.
Name Name
Mesha Chittirai 30 22 12 0
Vrishabha Vaikasi 31 9 37 36
Mithuna Aani 31 14 34 24
Karka Aadi 31 11 13 36
Simha Ayani 31 0 50 0
Kanya Purattasi 30 10 57 36
Tula Aipasi 29 21 40 48
Vrischika Kartigai 29 12 12 24
Dhanus Margali 29 8 24 48
Makara Tai 29 10 57 36
Kumbha Masi 29 19 24 0
Meena Panguni 30 8 7 42
Total 365 6 12 30

The average (mean) length in days of solar and lunar months, and of a lunar year is as follows:
Surya Siddhantha Modern Science
Solar month (1/12 of a sidereal year) 30.438229707 30.438030
Lunar month 29.530587946 29.530588
Lunar year (12 months) 354.36705535 354.367056

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Souramana dates [Solar Dates]

The souramana dates are dates of a Soura Masa. These are counted serially from 1 beginning with a Sankramana
day till the next sankramana (similar to the English calendar dates)
Dakshinayana and Uttarayana Punya kalas
The Karka Sankranti, three solar months after Mesha sankranti is called Dakshinayana (South-ward-going) Sankranti.
It is the point of the summer soltice, and marks the moment when the sun turns southward. The Tula Sankranti, 3 solar months
later, marks the autumnal equinox, or the moment of the sun's passing the first point of Libra.
The Makara Sankranti, 3 solar months after Tula sankranti, is called Uttarayana (Northward going) Sankranti the point
or moment when the sun turns northward. It is the point of the winter soltice
Karkataka Sankramana and Makara Sankramana are called Dakshinayana and Uttarayana Punya kalas respectively,
as the two Ayanas begin on these days.
One year consists of two ayanas. Each ayana is spread over six soura masas. Each ayana signifies the sun’s
direction. Thus during Dakshinayana, Sun is facing southern hemisphere of earth and during the Uttarayana, Sun is facing
Northern hemisphere.

Vishuvath Punya kalas

Mesha Sankramana and Thula Sankramana are known as Vishuvath Punya kalas.
Vishnu Pada Punya kalas
Vrushabha, Simha, Vrushchika and Kumbha Sankramanas are known as Vishnu Pada Punya kalas.
Shadashiti Punya kalas
Mithuna, Kanya, Dhanus and Meena Sankramanas are known as Shadashiti Punya kalas.
Punya kalas
Generally, all auspicious events are not to be celebrated during 16 ghatis before the Punya kala and 16 ghatis
thereafter (1 ghati = 24 minutes, roughly 6 ½ hours on either side).
However, for the Dakshinayana / Utharayana and Vishuvath Punya kalas, “Pakshini” should be observed.
Pakshini means, two nights and a day or two days and a night depending on whether the Punya kala is during day or
night (middle of the Pakshini period). Entire Pakshini should be avoided for auspicious events.

Chandramana Masas (Lunar Months)

The period of time between two successive Amavasya or Pournami is a Chandra masa. It is the time of the moon's
synodic revolution. Krishna month [Amantha masas] ends with the moment of Amavasya’s end. Sukla month [Pournamntha
masas] ends with the moment of Pournami’s end.
Chandra masas derive their name based on the nakshatra occuring during the Pournami thithi of the month. There are
12 lunar months. The months with the nakshatras referred above given in brackets are: 1. Chaitra [Chitta], 2. Vaishakha
[Vishakha], 3.Jyeshta [Jyeshta], 4. Aashada [Poorvashada/ Uttarashada], 5. Shravana [Shravana], 6. Bhadrapada
[Poorvabhadra/ Uttarabhadra], 7. Aashwayuja [Ashwini], 8. Karthika [Kruttika], 9. Marghashira [Mrugashira], 10. Pushya
[Pushya], 11. Magha [Makha] and 12. Phalguna [Pubba(Poorvaphalguni)/ Uttara(Uttaraphalguni)].
In all parts of India luni-solar calculations (Chandramana) are used for most religious purposes, but solar calculations
(souramana) are used where it is prescribed by-the religious authorities.
Paksha
The paksha is the moon's fortnight. The fortnight during which the moon is waxing is called Shukla or Shuddha. The
fortnight during which the moon is waning is called Krishna or Bahula. The first fortnight begins with the end of Amavasya and
lasts upto the end of Pournami; the second fortnight lasts from the end of Pournami to end of Amavasya. Each chandramana
masa consists of both the pakshas (halves), Shukla paksha (Bright half) and Krishna Paksha (Dark half).
Shukla paksha (Shuddha) ends with the end of Pournami when the angular distance between Sun and Moon will be
180 degrees. Krishna Paksha (Bahula) ends at the end of Amavasya when the angular distance between Sun and Moon will be
0 degrees.
Thithi
The moment of new moon, or that point of time when the longitudes of the sun and the moon are equal is called
Amavasya (means dwelling together of the sun and the moon). A thithi is the time occupied by the moon in increasing her
distance from the sun by 12 degrees. In other words, at the exact point of time when the moon moving eastwards from the sun
after the Amavasya, leaves the sun behind by 12 degrees, the first thithi, Pratipad (Prathama), ends. [Each thithi is said to span
an angular distance of 12 degrees.] One complete synodic revolution of the moon occupies 30 thithis for the 360 degrees. Since
the motions of the sun and the moon are always varying in speed the length of a thithi constantly alters. The variations in the
length of a thithi are as follows :-
Thithi’s Ghati Pala Vipala Hours Minutes Seconds
Average or mean length 59 3 40.23 23 37 28.092
Greatest length 65 16 0 26 6 24
Least length 53 56 0 21 34 24

The moment of full moon, or that point of time when the moon is farthest from the sun when the longitudes differ by
180 degrees is called Pournami (Pournami).
Each paksha consists of 15 thithis. They are: 1. Prathama, 2. Dwitheeya, 3. Thrutheeya, 4. Chathurthy, 5.
Panchami, 6. Shashti, 7. Sapthami, 8. Ashtami, 9. Navami, 10. Dashami, 11. Ekadashi, 12. Dwadashi,
13.Thrayodashi, 14. Chathurdashi & 15. Pournami (during Shukla Paksha) or 30. Amavasya (during Krishna

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Paksha).
The thithi ruling at the time of sunrise of the day is reckoned as the thithi of the day for all date referrals. However, for
the purpose of vratas, each vrata has a specific rule to be followed. For some special religious purposes the thithi current at
the required specific time of a solar day or week-day is considered. Nirnaya sindhu is the authoritative work in general use as
the guiding principle for performing special religious events.
Thithis and Solar Days
Solar days are named after the week-days. For lunar days the names of thithis are given. But as the thithis begin at
any time during the day, they do not exactly coincide with solar days. So, the general rule for ordinary religious purposes for
which no particular time of the day has been prescribed, the thithi current at sunrise of the solar day gives its name to that day,
and is coupled with its week day.
Thithi classification
Thithis are classified into five groups
Group Thithis Phala
Nanda Prathama, Shasti, Ekadashi Ananda
Bhadra Dwitheeya, Sapthami, Dwadashi Arogya - Mangala
Jaya Thrutheeya, Ashtami, Thrayodashi Jaya (victory)
Riktha Chathurthy, Navami, Chathurdashi Nashta (loss)
Poorna Panchami, Dashami, Pournami/Amavasya Sampoorna
Types of thithis
There are two types of thithis viz. Poorna and Sakhanda. Those extendending for 60 ghatis from sunrise are called
Poorna thithis and others Sakhanda.
Varieties of sakhanda thithis
Sakhanda thithis are of two varieties. Thithis extending from sunrise to sunset (and on days like Shivarathris upto
midnight) are called Shuddha while others are referred as Viddha.
Vedhas of thithis
Viddha means one with vedha ie., One thithi attached to another thithi. Vedha is again of two types - Pratharvedha
and Sayamvedha.
Thithis starting from about 6 ghatis after Suryodaya are said to have Pratharvedha with the previous thithi extending
upto 6 ghatis from sunrise.
Thithis starting from about 6 ghatis before Sunset are said to have Sayamvedha with the previous thithi extending
upto 6 ghatis before sunset.
These vedhas are important for deciding Ekadashi and other Vratas.
Adhika and Kshaya Thithis
Twelve lunar months are equal to 354 solar days, but there are 360 thithis during that time. So, six thithis must be
expunged in solar reckoning. Ordinarily a thithi begins on one day and ends on the following day that is, it touches two
successive solar days. It is observed, that a thithi may sometimes begin and end within the limits of the same week-day and
while sometime's it touches three solar days, occupying the whole of one and parts of the two on each side of it.
A thithi on which the sun does not rise is expunged. It has sustained a diminition or loss (Kshaya) and is called Kshaya
thithi. A thithi on which the sunrises twice is repeated. It has sustained an increase (Vriddhl), and is called an adhika, or added
thithi. Generally, there are thirteen expunctions (Kshayas) and seven repetitions (Vriddhis) of thithis in twelve lunar months.
The day on which no thithi ends, or on which two tithis end, is regarded as inauspicious.
Ghati - Vighati
Unit of measure for time used in panchangas is Ghatis - Vighatis (Ghalige - Vighalige). They are known as
Naligai and Vinaligai in Tamil. One day of 24 hours consists of 60 ghatis, each ghati has 60 vighatis.
In panchangas, the time shown in ghatis-vighatis is the Time counted from Sunrise. These are shown as “Prathama
23-18, Ashwini 58-6”. etc. This indicates Prathama thithi ends at 23 ghatis and 18 vighatis from sunrise. Similarly the Nakshatra
Ashwini at 58 Ghatis and 6 vighatis from sunrise.
Muhurtha
Muhurtha is a unit of measure of time equal to 2 ghatis (2 x 24 = 48 minutes).
Upari
A thithi commencing after a sunrise and ending before the next sunrise is referred with a prefix Upari. These Upari
cases are reported in Panchanga with the exception: the ghatis - vighatis mentioned are the duration from the end point of the
previous thithi and not from sunrise. Similar is the case with Nakshatra / Yoga in case of Upari.
Upari thithi days are referred to as Avamaha and are not suited for Shubha Muhurthas.

eg: View of Panchanga of 20th Dec 1999

19-Dec 4 28-28 Bhanu, Ekadashi 5-21 {8-39 am},
20-Dec 5 28-28 Indu, Dwadashi 0-34 {6-45 am} Upari Thrayodashi 54-49 {4-41 am},
(Note: 0-34 plus 54-49 gives 55 ghatis and 23 vighatis which is less than 60 ghatis (one day) It can be
worked out that the balance time till the next sunrise has Chathurdashi 4-37 {6-31 am})
21-Dec 6 28-28 Bhouma, Chathurdashi 49-33 {2-21 am},
In the example, it will be seen that the next day has Chathurdashi at sunrise, thus Thrayodashi does not witness a
sunrise. By looking at sunrise points of successive days, we feel one thithi got skipped.
Thridinasprukh

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On some occasions, a thithi commences just before a sunrise and ends after the next day’s sunrise. It’s total duration
will be greater than 60 ghatis.
This thithi which has witnessed two sunrises and touched three days (day before sunrise, the whole day and the next
day) is referred to as Thridinasprukh. [One day is the period from one sunrise to the next sunrise.] Such thithi is also not
suited for Shubha Muhurthas.
eg: View of Panchanga of 9th Dec 1999
8-Dec 23 28-32 Soumya Prathama 55-59 {4-54 am},
9-Dec 24 28-30 Guru Dwitheeya 60-00 {6-31 am},
10-Dec 25 28-30 Bharga Dwitheeya 1-20 {7-03 am},
In this case, Dwitheeya has commenced 4 ghati 11 vighati before sunrise of 9th and ended on 10th. It has touched 8th
(Soumya vaara), 9th (Guru vaara) and 10th (Bharga vaara). Total duration is 65 ghatis and 31 vighatis.
If same thithi is present on two successive days, the second day is referred as Puccha. In the above example, 10th
December has Puccha.
Nakshatra Thyajya
Each Nakshatra has a specific period ranging from 3 ghatis and 45 vighatis to 4 ghatis and 30 vighatis (maximum of 1
Hour and 48 minutes) of NOT SO GOOD period. The start point of this period has been shown as Rathri ghati-vighati or Dina
ghati-vighati or Paradina ghati-vighati against each day. Paradina is also referred as Sesha (remainder). This is of use for fixing
Muhurthas.
Karana
A Karana is half a thithi, or the time during which the difference of the longitudes of the sun and moon is increased by 6
degrees. In simpler terms, each thithi is divided into two equal parts, each being a Karana known by a specific name.
There are 11 Karanas. They are: 1. Kimstugna, 2. Bhava, 3. Balava, 4. Kaulava, 5. Theithula, 6. Garaja, 7. Vanik, 8.
Bhadra (Vishti), 9. Shakuni, 10. Chathushpada and 11. Nagava.
Four of them appear once in a Chandramana masa on specific thithis only. They are: (Sl.1) Kimstugna - 1st half of
Shukla Prathama, (Sl.9) Shakuni - 2nd half of Krishna Chathurdashi, (Sl.10) Chathushpada - 1st half of Amavasya and
(Sl.11) Nagava - 2nd half of Amavasya.
The remaining seven karanas (Sl. 2) Bhava to (Sl. 8) Bhadra follow the cyclic order from 2nd half of Shukla Prathama
to 1st half of Krishna Chathurdashi, each karana appearing 8 times in a month.
Dinamana
Day times’s duration (from sunrise to sunset) is called Dinamana. This is also referred as Ahahpramana or Ahahs.
On any day, this is different from place to place depending on the longitude of the place. This is used for Vratas’ and
Shraddhas’ decisions. The mid point of Dinamana coincides with the midday (12 noon, local time and NOT IST). Local noon
itself is different from place to place depending on the latitude and longitude of the place.
Terminology for different time slots of the Day
Dinamana is commonly divided into five equal time slots called Prathah, Sangava, Madhyahna, Aparahna and
Sayahna in the same order from sunrise. Sometimes, three equal time slots called Prathah, Madhyahna and Aparahna is also
used. The Aparahna referred as the one fifth part of Dinamana is also referred as Shraddha Aparahna to make it specific.
Further, it is used for all Shraddha related nirnayas.
Rathri mana is the time from sunset to the next sunrise.
Pradosha is a period of 4 ghatis spread from 2 ghatis before sunset (end of dinamana) to 2 ghatis after sunset (48
minutes before and 48 minutes after sunset)
Nisheetha is the mid point of Rathri mana.
Arunodaya is the period of 2 ghatis before sunrise.
Poorva viddha means associated with the previous thithi during dinamana. Para viddha means associated with the
next thithi during dinamana.
Puccha refers to the balance of thithi after sunrise on the second day, whenever the same thithi is present at sunrise
on two successive days.
For each of the Vratas a specific rule quoting one or many of the above nomenclatures is prescribed.
Shraddha Thithi
For the purpose of shraddha, the thithi ruling at shraddha aparahna has to be considered. If one thithi ends
during aparahna and another begins, whichever is present for longer time is considered. If the same thithi is present
in two successive days’ shraggha aparahnas, the day when it is present for a longer shraddha aparahna is
considered.
On some days, two shraddha thithis occur on a single day. On some days there will be no shraddha thithi, which
would be indicated as “Shoonya”.
Yoga
The period of time during which the joint motion in longitude, or the sum of the motions of the sun and moon is
increased by 13° 20', is called a Yoga, meaning addition. Yoga is a benefic state that is said to exist at any instance of time.
There are 27 yogas. They are: 1. Vishkambha, 2. Preethi, 3. Aayushman, 4. Soubhagya, 5. Shobhana, 6. Athiganda, 7.
Sukarman, 8. Dhruthi, 9. Shoola, 10. Ganda, 11. Vruddhi, 12. Dhurva, 13. Vyaghatha,14. Harshana, 15. Vajra, 16. Siddhi, 17.
Vyathipatha, 18. Variyan, 19. Parigha, 20. Shiva, 21. Siddha, 22. Sadhya, 23. Shubha, 24. Shukla, 25. Brahma, 26. Aindra and
27. Vydhruthi.
Yoga at any instance of time is determined by the sum total of the positions of Sun and Moon.

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The sum total of the positions of Moon and Sun is counted in intervals 13° 20' degrees (360 degrees divided by 13° 20'
degrees gives 27 units). Whenever the total exceeds 360 degrees, 360 is subtracted from the total for the calculation purpose.
Some of the Yogas are said to be Not so benefic ones. They are: Vishkambha, Athiganda, Shoola, Ganda, Vyaghatha,
Vajra, Vyathipatha, Parigha and Vydhruthi.
Constellation / Nakshatra
The 27th part of the ecliptic is called a Constellation or Nakshatra. Each constellation / nakshatra occupies 360°/27 =
13°20' of the ecliptic or zodiac.
The Constellations / Nakshatras are tabulated below:
Constellations
1 Ashwini 3 stars resembling a horse's face.
2 Bharani 3 stars resembling pot
3 Krittika 6 stars resembling a razor
4 Rohini 5 stars resembling a chariot
5 Mrigasira 3 stars resembling a head of a deer
6 Ardra 1 star resembling a bead
7 Punarvasu 5 stars resembling a bow
8 Pushya 3 stars resembling a flower
9 Aslesha 6 stars resembling a serpent
10 Makha 5 stars resembling a palanquin
11 Pubba 4 stars resembling the legs of a cot
12 Uttara 4 stars resembling the legs of a cot
13 Hasta 5 stars resembling a palm
14 Chitta 1 star resembling a pearl
15 Swati 1 star resembling a sapphire
16 Visakha 3 stars resembling a potter's wheel
17 Anuradha 3 stars resembling an umbrella
18 Jyeshta 3 stars resembling an umbrella
19 Mula 6 stars resembling a cronching line
20 Purvashadha 4 stars resembling a square
21 Uttarashadha 4 stars resembling a square
22 Sravana 3 stars resembling an arrow
23 Dhanishta 4 stars resembling a drum
24 Satabhisa 100 stars resembling a flower
25 Purvabhadra 4 stars resembling the legs of a cot
26 Uttarabhadra 4 stars resembling the legs of a cot
27 Revati 3 stars resembling a fish

Nakshatra (Star) – Moon’s location

The position of moon in the zodiac is indicated by the name of the constellation / nakshatra it occupies. The
word Nakshatra/Star is used as though it is a separate object. The time which the moon (whose motion
continuously varies in speed) requires to travel over the 27th part of the eclilptic is also called the duration of the
nakshatra. The length of the moon's travel through nakshatra is -
Ghati Pala Vipala Hours Minutes Seconds
Mean 60 42 53.4 24 17 9.36
Greatest 66 21 0 26 32 24
Least 55 56 0 22 22 24
The moon travels nearly one nakshatra daily. There are 27 nakshatras. They are: 1. Ashwini, 2. Bharani, 3. Krutthika, 4.
Rohini, 5. Mrigashira, 6. Aarudra, 7. Punarvasu, 8. Pushya, 9. Aashlesha, 10. Makha, 11. Pubba (Poorvaphalguni), 12. Uttara
(Uttaraphalguni), 13. Hasta, 14. Chitta, 15. Swathi, 16. Vishakha, 17. Anuradha, 18. Jyeshta, 19. Moola, 20. Purvashada,
21. Uttarashada, 22. Shravana, 23. Dhanishta, 24. Shathabhisha, 25. Purvabhadra, 26. Uttarabhadra & 27. Revathi.
The position of Moon is counted in intervals of 13°20' degrees to arrive at the Nakshatra.
The nakshatra of the day is said to be located at the 12, O clock position in the sky at midnight.
Pada (Charana)
Each Nakshatra is divided into four equal parts and each of them is called a Pada or Charana. Padas do not have any
specific names and are referred as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th pada of the concerned Nakshatra.
The 3rd and 4th padas of Uttarashada and the 1st and 2nd padas of Shravana are also referred as Abhijit Nakshatra.

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Nakshatra Rashi Chart

The chart indicates the angular positions of all Nakshatras and Rashis. It also indicates the Nakshatra – Rashi
relationship.
One revolution of any planet covers all the 12 Rashis or all the 27 Nakshatras or all the 108 padas (27 x 4 = 108).
Therefore, any position of a planet during its revolution can also be expressed as a Nakshatra and its pada.
The movement of planets is indicated in Panchanga along with Dina Visheshas by recording the time when each of
the planets enters a pada. Whenever, an entry into a Rashi is indicated, Rashi’s name alone or Rashi’s and the Nakshatra’s
names are mentioned.
Adhika Masa (Chandramana Masa and No Sankramana)
Normally one sankramana occurs in every Chandramana masa. However, once in about two and a half years, no
sankramana occurs in any one chandramana masa of the year. Such a chandramana masa is reckoned as Adhika masa (extra
month) and the immediate next month as Nija masa (normal month). Such years will have 13 Chandramana masas.
A simplistic explanation would be: A period of 12 lunar months (Chandramana Masas) falls short of the solar year by
eleven days. To bring the lunar year as nearly as possible to the solar year a lunar month is added to the lunar year at certain
intervals. Such a month is called an adhika or intercalated month. The Indian year is thus solar or luni-solar. The lunar month
in which there is no sankranthi is called adhika masa.
Kshaya Masa (Chandramana Masa and 2 Sankramanas)
Whenever, two sankramanas occur in a chandramana masa, that masa is called a Kshaya masa (suppressed
month). This can occur in the months of Kartheeka, Pushya and Magha only. During such a kshaya masa, two successive
months are reckoned as being together, the first half of each thithi (equal to a Karana) is considered to belong to the first of the
two months and the second half of the thithi as that of the second month.
Such a year will thus consist of 11 chandramana masas. However, all such years will also have an adhikamasa,
making it a 12 month year.
Kshaya masa occurs in intervals of 19 years, 141 years, 19 years, 141 years, …
Vaara
Each day consists of 24 Horas counted from one sunrise to the next. Each hora is governed by a planetary lord.
There are seven planetary lords who take turns in the order Ravi (Bhanu), Shukra, Budha, Soma, Shani, Guru, Mangala
(Bhouma), Ravi …..
Each day gets the name of the hora lord at the time of sunrise.
For understanding, let us examine the hora lords of Sunday. They are Ravi, Shukra, Budha, Soma, Shani, Guru,
Mangala, Ravi ... and the 25th hora lord happens to be Soma. This is the 1st hora of next day which is called Soma Vaara.
Similarly it can be seen the first hora lords of successive days are in the order Ravi, Soma, Mangala, Budha, Guru, Shukra and
Shani which are the seven week days or Vaaras.
Any seven consecutive days together is also called a Vaara meaning a week.
Weekdays Tamil Equivalents English Planet (Hora lord at Sunrise)
Ravi (Adithya/Bhanu) Nayaru Sunday Soorya (Sun)
Indu (Soma) Thingal Monday Chandra (Moon)
Bhouma (Mangala) Chevvay Tuesday Bhouma (Mars)
Soumya (Budha) Budhan Wednessday Soumya (Mercury)
Guru (Bruhaspathi) Vyalan Thursday Guru (Jupiter)

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Bharga (Shukra) Velli Friday Shukra (Venus)

Manda (Sthira/Shani) Shani Saturday Shani (Saturn)

Ruthus (Seasons)
There are six ruthus. Each ruthu corresponds to two successive months. Even though the Souramana masa and
chandramana masa refer to different periods, the same ruthus are referred by both the systems. The ruthus are:
Ruthu Chandramana masas Souramana masas Tamil masas
Vasantha Chaitra - Vaishakha Meena - Mesha Chittirai-Vaikasi
Greeshma Jyeshta - Ashada Vrishaba - Mithuna Aani-Aadi
Varsha Shravana - Bhadrapada Kataka - Simha Aavani-Purattasi
Sharat Ashwayuja - Kartheeka Kanya - Thula Aipasi-Karthikai
Hemantha Margashina - Pushya Vruschika - Dhanus Margali-Thai
Shishira Magha - Phalguna Makara - Kumbha Masi-Panguni

Chandra Darshana
The first Chandra darshana in each chandramana masa occurs during the Dwitheeya thithi day, provided the thithi has
started before sunset. First Chandra darshana of the month is an important event as Chandra will be visible for a very short
period of time and also very faintly (almost like a line). This is of great significance for all Muslim feasts.
Mohammedan Year
The Mohammadan year or the Hijra is purely lunar. Its starting date goes backwards by about eleven days in each
English year.

Muslim (Mohammedan) masas

Each Muslim masa begins from the day next to the chandra darshana day. Dates are counted serially from 1 till the
next Chandra darshana. The masas are: 1. Muharram, 2. Saffar, 3. Rabbi-ul-avval, 4. Rabbi-ul-akhar (Rabbi-us-sani),, 5.
Jamadi-ul-avval, 6. Jamadi-ul-akhar (Jamadi-us-sani), 7. Rajab, 8. Shaban, 9. Ramzan, 10. Shavval, 11. Jilkhayad and 12.
Jelhaj.
A Muslim masa is almost identical to a Chandramana masa, the difference being the starting day. However, the
concept of Adhika masa and Kshaya masa is not used and a Muslim year has 12 months beginning with the month of
Muharram. Thus, the Muslim year shifts backwards by a month in comparison with Hindu calendar everytime an Adhika masa
occurs. This is in addition to the 11 days shift backwards with respect to English or Solar year referred earlier.
Grahana
Grahanas of Surya and Chandra occur each year. The process of Moon coming in-between Sun and Earth in case of
Surya Grahana and Earth coming in-between Sun and Moon in case of Chandra Grahana is well known.
There are three types of Grahanas reported in Panchanga.
Poorna Grahana is one where the Sparsha and Moksha are visible.
Grasthodaya Grahana is one where the Sparsha is not visible and Moksha alone is visible.
Grasthastha Grahana is one where the Sparsha is visible and Moksha is not visible.
Surya Grahana on a Sunday and Chandra Grahana on a Monday is referred as Choodamani Grahana.
In case of Grasthodya and Grasthastha grahanas, the calculated times of Sparsha and Moksha should be used for
Karmanushtanas. In case of Surya grahana, karmanushtana should begin from the Sparsha (as the period between Sparsha &
Mid point (or climax) is greater than the period between the mid point & Moksha), while in case of Chandra Grahana,
Karmanushtana is to begin from the mid point (as the above referred periods are equal).
Karmanushtanas are Sachela snana, Deva pooja at the time of Sparsha kala, Homa/Japa at Poorna grahana kala,
Dana at Moksha kala, Shuddha snana after Moksha. On all Grahana days, Sanyasis, Shraddha Karthrus and Widows should
not take Bhojana.
Persons with Janana/Marana Shoucha and Rajaswala shoucha are said to be pure for the purposes of the
Karmanushtana during grahana.
In case of Surya Grahana, 4 yamas (30 ghatis or 12 hours) before the grahana yama is vedhakala. In case of chandra
grahana it is 3 yamas (22 ½ ghatis or 9 hours). Grahana kalas and Vedha kalas are not suitable for Shubha karyas.
Mahapathas
Vyathipatha Parva kala and Vydhruthi Parva kala are the Mahapathas.
Vyathipatha Parva kala can occur during second half of Ganda Yoga, Vruddhi Yoga and first half of Dhurva yogas.
Vydhruthi Parvakala can occur during Shukla and Brahma yogas.
These parvakalas extend over a period of time, the beginning of which is indicated as Vyapra /Vaipra followed by time
in Panchangas. End is indicated with the word Nirgama. The parvakalas are obtained by a series of complex calculations based
on positions of Sun, Moon and Rahu.
Each Mahapatha Parvakala is said to be equal to 1 crore Surya Grahanans. Suitable Anushtanas have to be made to
obtain the benefits.
These parvakalas do not occur during Mithunayana, Karka (taka) yana, Dhanurayana and Makarayana months.
Mahapatha kalas are also not suitable for shubha karyas.
Meshayana
Meshayana, Vrushabhayana, etc. are month beginnings. Meshayana month’s beginning corresponds to Sun crossing

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the position equal to the sum of Mesha rashi beginning and the Ayanamsha. Similarly for the others viz., Vrushabhayana,
Mithunayana, etc. Currently Ayanamsha is about 23o.
Ekadashi
Vaishnavas observe Ekadashi based on Aryamana calculations. Shri Vidhyadheesha Theertha has given a formula
for converting the Surya Siddhantha calculations to Aryamana as a short cut to detailed Aryamana calculations.
After the conversion, if Dashami thithi is less than about 55 ghatis (different Mutts follow different figures ranging from
55 ghatis to 55 ghatis and 45 vighatis), the next day is Ekadashi. However, if Dashami is greater than about 55 ghatis, the next
day is also Dashami (referred as Viddha Dashami) and the day after is taken as Ekadashi.
Harivasara
The first quarter of Dwadashi thithi is also part of Ekadashi fasting. This period is referred as Harivasara.
Athiriktha Ekadashi
If Dwadashi (according to Aryamana - after conversion from the Surya Siddhantha) is extending for a period greater
than 60 ghatis, that day is called Athiriktha Ekadashi and is a second fasting day. However, if Viddha Dashami also exists in the
same period, there will be no Athiriktha Ekadashi as Dwadashi itself will be treated as a normal Ekadashi.
Shravana Dwadashi
If Shravana/Dhanishta Nakshatras and Dwadashi/Thrayodashi occur at the noon time, that day is called Shravana
Dwadashi and is a fasting day.
However if Abhijit Nakshatra is present at Arunodaya (2 ghatis before Sunrise) that day is not a Shravana
Dwadashi.
Samvathsara [Lunar Year]
Samvathsara means a year. Each year has a name. There are 60 names which keep occuring in a cyclic order. The
first year of the cycle Prabhava denotes the evolution of a new creative force which apparently is supposed to end in the last or
60th year after getting fully matured, when the New Year gives rise to a new force. In Vibhava the force is expanded, Shukla
(denotes vitality and similarly the names are given for all the 60 years indicative of the function that the force is supposed to do,
till the year Kshaya or destruction sets in which means that the force generated in Prabhava has been destroyed.
The names of Samvatsaras are: 1. Prabhava, 2. Vibhava, 3. Shukla, 4. Pramoda, 5. Prajothpatthi, 6.
Aangeerasa, 7. Shrimukha, 8. Bhaava, 9. Yuva, 10. Dhaathu, 11. Easwara, 12. Bahudhanya, 13. Pramaathi, 14.
Vikrama, 15. Vrusha(Vishu), 16. Chitrabhaanu, 17. Swabhaanu, 18. Thaarana, 19. Paarthiva, 20. Vyaya, 21. Sarvajithu, 22.
Sarvadhaari, 23. Virodhi, 24. Vikruthi, 25. Khara, 26. Nandana, 27. Vijaya, 28. Jaya, 29. Manmatha, 30. Durmukhi,
31. Hevilambi, 32. Vilambi, 33. Vikaari, 34. Shaarvari, 35. Plava, 36. Shubhakruthu, 37. Shobhakruthu, 38. Krodhi, 39.
Vishvavasu, 40. Paraabhava, 41. Plavanga, 42. Keelaka, 43. Soumya, 44. Saadhaarana, 45. Virodhikruthu, 46.
Pareedhaavi, 47. Pramadheecha, 48. Aananda, 49. Raakshasa, 50. Nala, 51. Paingala, 52. Kaalayukthi, 53.
Siddharthi, 54. Roudri, 55. Durmathi, 56. Dundubhi, 57. Rudirodgaari, 58. Rakthakshi, 59. Krodhana & 60.
Kshaya.
There are five varieties of Samvatsaras.
Soura Varsha: Time taken by Sun to make one complete cycle from the beginning of Mesha. This is about 365 days 15
ghatis and 31 vighatis.
Chandra Varsha: Time between the end of one Amavasya and the end of the next Amavasya is called a Chandra Masa
(This varies from month to month due to the variation in speed of Chandra). Such 12 Chandramasas make a Chandra
varsha. This would be 354/355 days. During years with Adhika masas it would be 384/385 days. Thus, the year beginning
shifts backwards by about 11 days each year with respect to the English year. During years with Adhika masas it would be
384/385 days when the year beginning moves forward by about 20 days with respect to the English year..
Savana Varsha : Time from one sunrise to the next sunrise is called a Savana day. 360 Savana days make a Savana
varsha.
Nakshatra Varsha: Time taken by Moon to make one complete cycle from the beginning of Ashwini is referred as a
Nakshatra masa and 12 such Nakshatra masas constitute a Nakshatra varsha.
Barhaspathya Varsha: The average time taken by Guru (Jupiter) to traverse one rashi is referred as Barhaspathya
varsha.
Saka
Saka is a series of
st
years named after some person or event. We are using Shalivahana Saka. The year Pramathi
(1999 – 2000 AD) is the 1921 in the saka. Generally year in AD less 78 will give the Saka year.
Surya Siddhantha
All the above descriptions in the Panchanga are based on the system called Surya Siddhantha.
Drigganitha
Drigganitha is another system of calculations. This is said to be finer in calculations as a number of minute corrections
(or refinements) called Samskaras is done to arrive at the results. This is generally used for casting of horoscopes and fixing of
muhurthas. The anchanga movements reported in Panchanga is based on Drigganitha.
Vakra (Backward movement) or Retrogression [Conjunctional Peculiarities]
Planets in the course of their journey in the zodiac are said to be obstructed by certain invisible forces called
mandochcha, seegrochcha and patha, as a result of which they become stationary for a while (appear to be stationary), move
anti clockwise, i.e., move backward or vakra (while their normal movement is clockwise) and again, after sometime, regain their
natural course. This phenomenon of going backward is called Retrogression or Vakra.
Panchangas mention the date and time when Vakra starts (as Vakra Aarambha). The time and day when the
backward movement stops is mentioned as Vakra Thyaga (end of vakra). The date and time when the original position from
where backward movement started is reached is reported as Vakra Rizvi.

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Astha and Udaya of Planets

Planets are always in motion according to their own paths. The shape of the path which is anchangas (in common
language oval). In this dynamic environment, at times some planets go behind Sun (as viewed from earth). Such planets are
said to be in Astha or Asthamana (i.e., they have set – similar to sun setting) and when they come out, are said to Udaya
(similar to Suryodaya). During the Astha period, they are said to be powerless (astrologically) or have attained combustion,
having handed over all their powers to the Sun.
0

0
Such Astha and
0
Udaya are 0applicable to following
0
planets when they are closer to Sun by specified degrees: Guru 9 ,
Shukra 6 36’, Budha 11 , Mangala 15 , and Shani 13 .
Astha and / or Udaya of these planets may occur during their backward movement also. It is common to specify the
direction of Udaya as East or West meaning Udaya during normal movement or during Vakra or backward movement.
Ayanamsha
Nirayana and Sayana are two systems of representation of anchanga positions. Panchangas give anchanga
positions based on Nirayana system which is used in Hindu predictive astrology. However, Dinamana an essential ingredient of
Panchanga is derived from Sayana position of Sun. Ayanamsha at any time is the difference between Sayana and Nirayana
values of any planet’s position at that time. Ayanamsha has been increasing at the rate of 54 seconds per year.
Lagna
The Earth spins around an axis, completing one revolution in a day – causing day and night. The apparent movement
of Sun with respect to Earth is represented as traversing once through the zodiac, i.e., covering the twelve rashis. The time
spent in each rashi is referred as one lagna. This is a very simplistic explanation of Lagna. In this method of explanation, each
lagna should be of 2 hours duration. But in practice, the duration of lagna varies from month to month (solar months) and place
to place depending on the latitude. The variation is quite large and the extreme example is: At the poles, there are only two
lagans per day.
On the first day of Mesha masa (Soura masa), the Mesha lagna starts at Sun rise and lasts for 2 hours followed by
Vrushabha lagna for 2 hours, . . . , Meena lagna for 2 hours ending at next Sun rise ( 12 lagnas of each duration 2 hours
completing a day). This is for a place on the Equator.
Similarly, during Vrushabha masa, day begins with Vrushabha lagna, . . . , during Meena masa, with Meena lagna.
During the course of each masa, the duration of the first lagna keeps reducing at the rate of 4 minutes per day, i.e.,
from 120 minutes on 1st day to 116 minutes on 2nd day, 112 minutes on 3rd day, . . . , 4 minutes on the last day of the month.
Muhurthas – Lagnas
Muhurthas are time intervals chosen for events. These are chosen by the learned, considering various factors. These
Muhurthas are given names like Mesha lagna, Vrushabha lagna etc.. Further, the time specified by astrologers as muhurtha will
be shorter than the lagna based on other astrological factors.
Variation on account of Longitude
The moment of time when the distance between the sun and, moon amounts to 12 degrees, or the moment of time
when a thithi ends, is the same for all the places of the earth’s surface. This also applies to nakshatras, yogas, and karanas. But
the moment of sunrise varies with the locality and therefore the ending moments of divisions of time such as thithis, etc., when
referred to sunrise, differ at different places.
Chandra Soura & English Months
Chandra Soura English
Chaitra Mesha March- April
Vaisakha Vrishabha April- May
Jyeshta Mithuna May –June
Ashadha Kataka June – July
Sravana Simha July – August
Bhadrapada Kanya August – September
Aswayuja Thula September – October
Kartika Vrischika October – November
Margasira Dhanus November – December
Pushya Makara Deember – January
Magha Kumbha January- February
Phalguna Meena February – March

Gurubala
When you count from the birth rashi upto the rashi where the Jupiter (Guru) is visibly present, if the Jupiter is in 2nd,
5th, 7th, 9th or 11th position one will have Gurubala. If the Jupiter is in own (Swa) house, exaltation house or friend’s house even
if he is not in 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th or 11th position one will still have Gurubala. [For the latter part, one needs to know
astrology.]
Dasas and Bhukthis
The Dasa system helps In studying the timing of events. The basis for the Dasa system is not clearly known, or can be
scientifically established, Practical experience, has shown that the calculations are quite satisfactory and more or less the
predictions under the system have come true.
The position of the Moon at birth is important in the calculation of the Dasas. Every constellation covers 13 1/3 degrees
of the zodiacal space. Each nakshatra has a planet assigned as its lord and the dasa at birth is indicated by the constellation

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occupied by the Moon at the time of birth.

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Table of Dasas
Nakshatra Dasa Years
Krittika, Uttar and Uttarashadha Sun 6
Rohini, HastaandSravana Moon 10
Mrigasira, Chitta and Dhanishta Mars 7
Ardra, Swati and Satabhlsha Rahu 18
Punarvasu, Vlsakha and Purvabhadra Jupiter 16
Pushya, Anuradha and Uttarabhadra Saturn 19
Aslesha, Jyeshta and Revathi Mercury 17
Makha, Mula and Aswini Kethu 7
Pubba, Poorvashadha and Bharani Venus 20
The total of the different Periods is 120 years which is considered to be the natural life period of a human being. The
position of the Moon at birth, determines the ruling period And the, next dasas succeed in the order given above. If, at the time
of birth, the Moon is in the first degree of the nakshatra (constellation), the full period assigned to the planet will run. If the Moon
occupies some intermediate degrees, accordingly the period must be reduced.
There are different systems of Dasa calculations. Vimsottari calculation is practiced more. After finding the Dasa, the
sub-periods (Bhukti) in each of the particular Dasa must be determined.
Calculation of Bhukthis
Multiply the number of years of Dasa period of the planet by the number of years of the dasa period of the planet
whose sub period is desired. Then take the last digit of the product, multiply it by 3 and keep that figure as days. The other
figures in the product will be months.
Example:
Sub-period of Jupiter in the major period of Sun:
Dasa period of sun = 6 years
Dasa period of Jupiter = 16 years.
16 x 6 = 96
Last digit 6 x 3 = 18 =-18 days
After taking 6 away from 96 remaining figure is 9 i.e., 9 months.
Sub period of Jupiter in the major period of Sun is 0 years 9 months 18 days.
Usage of Panchanga
The details in a Panchanga is anchanga so as to facilitate easy reference and understanding.
Panchanga is generally an annual publication covering one specific year. Each page of Panchanga will give detailed
information of one paksha of a chandramana masa. The title portion of the page gives information common to the whole page.
The first column of the page indicates the English date (Julien calendar date). For this date, the Souramana date (also called
Tamil date) and Dinamana (Duration between Sunrise and Sunset) in Ghatis-Vighatis are given in the next two columns.
Immediate next information is the Vaara or Week day. This arrangement is to facilitate reading with respect to either an English
date or a Week day (The English date and the Week day are always in a sequence). The next set of information given following
Vaara is Thithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, Nakshatra Thyajya, Dina Visheshas, Rashi / Nakshatra Praveshas of Planets
and Shraddha Thithi. Thithi, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana present at the time of sunrise is reported in the Panchanga.
Different publications follow different patterns to present the set of information.
Ghatis-Vighatis shown against Thithi / Nakshatra / Yoga / Karana represent the duration in number of ghatis and
vighatis from sunrise, in other words end point of Thithi / Nakshatra / Yoga / Karana. Immediately after the ghatis-vighatis, the
end point time in IST has also been given with am/pm indication. In order to know the name of next Thithi beginning at the end
point indicated, the immediate next day’s line has to be read. Similarly reading has to be done for Nakshatra and Yoga. Two or
more Karanas can appear in a day as each thithi consists of 2 Karanas. The second and subsequent Karanas will have to be
worked out by the user. #4
All these details are based on a system of calculation called Surya Siddhantha.
Various Vratas and other Dina Visheshas are listed against each date. Important anchanga movements
Rashi/Nakshatra praveshas, Asthas/Udayas and Vakra (retrogression or backward movements) are also detailed alongwith
Dina visheshas.
The positions of all planets have been calculated using Drigganitha (a more refined system of calculation) also. The
anchanga positions as on the first day of the paksha is shown pictorially in a kundali found at the right bottom corner of each
page. The anchanga movements referred earlier are so based on Drigganitha.
Shraddha Thithi of any given date is also indicated in the line of information. This thithi may be different from the day’s
thithi given in the beginning of the line. More than one Thithi can be Shraddha Thihthi for a day. Sometimes Shoonya would
have been mentioned meaning no shraddha day.
An example Panchanga of 3 consecutive days from 31st December to 2nd January is given below for illustration.
Shri Shalivahana Saka: 1921 Pramathi Samvathsara Kaliyear 5100 1999 – December 2000 – January

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Dakshinayana, Hemantha Ruthu, Margashira Masa, Krishna Paksha Soura Masa: Margali
Masa Niyamaka: Keshava
31-Dec 16 28-28 Bharga, Navami 14-49 {12-27 am}, Chitta 31-59 {7-19pm}, Athiganda 23-17 {3-50 pm}, Garaja 14-49
{12-27am}, Rathri 18-13 {1-12 am}, Thule Chandra 0-39 {6-47 am}, Dhanishta Chathurthe Bhouma 26-56
{5-17 pm}, Moola Thrutheeye Budha 23-15
{3-49 pm}, Anuradha Dwitheeye Shukra 31-35 {7-09 pm} [Dashami]
1-Jan 17 28-28 Manda, Dashami 16-59 {1-19 pm},Swathi 35-44 {8-49 pm}, Sukarman 22-05 {3-21 pm}, Bhadra 16-59 {1-19
pm}, Rathri 22-12 {2-47 am}, Poorvashada Dwitheeye Ravi 35-49
{8-51pm} [Ekadashi]
2-Jan 18 28-28 Bhanu, Ekadashi 20-22 {2-40 pm}, Vishaka 40-41 {10-08 pm}, Dhrithi 21-49 {3-15 pm}, Balava 20-22 {2-40
pm}, Rathri 23-04 {3-08 am}, Sarvathra Ekaadashi, Vrishchike Chandra 24-27 {4-18 pm}, Moola Chathurthe
Budha 31-35 {7-09 pm} [Shoonya]
The title is self explanatory as each item has its own explanatory prefix or suffix.
st
If the desired date is 1 January, we locate it from the Julien date column. Having located it,
the details for the day in the order of presentation of data are:
st
Julien Date : 1 January
Tamil Date : Margazhi 17
Dinamana : 28 ghatis – 28 vighatis ( 11 hours and 23 minutes) #1
Week Day : Manda Vaara (Saturday)
Thithi : Dashami upto 1-19 pm #2
Nakshatra : Swathi upto 8-19 pm #3
Yoga : Sukarman upto 3-21 pm
Karana : Bhadra upto 1-19 pm #4
Nakshatra Thyajya : Rathri 2-47 am #5
Dina Vishesha : -
Rashi/Nakshatra : Poorvashada Dwitheeye Ravi 8-51ndpm
Pravesha of Planets means Ravi enters Poorvashada 2 pada at 8-51 pm
Shraddha Thithi : Ekaadashi

Note:
#1. 1 day = 60 ghatis, 1 ghati = 60 vighatis ( 1 ghati = 24 minutes, 1 vighati = 0.4 minutes, 1 hour = 2.5 ghatis)
#2. Dashami started from 12-27 pm of previous day. Duration of Dashami is from 12-27 pm of previous day to 1-19 pm i.e., 24
hours 52 minutes. Ekaadashi starts at 1-19 pm and extends upto 2-40 pm of next day. The concept is applicable to
Nakshatra and Yoga also.
#3. Nakshatra Swathi’s total duration
st
is (from 7-19 pm of
nd
previous day rdto 8-19 pm) 25 hours. Each pada of the Nakshatra has
6 hours and 15 minutes. 1 pada ends at 1-34 am, 2 at 7-49 am, 3 at 2-04 pm.
#4. Karana after 1-19 pm is Bhava. This is arrived from the knowledge of order of Karanas which is: Bhava, Balava, Kaulava,
Theithula, Garaja, Vanik, Bhadra and again Bhava,….Bhadra. However, the four Karanas Kimstugna, Shakuni,
Chathushpada, and Nagava st
appear once in a Chandramana ndmasa on specific Thithis only and do not followst the
cycle/order: Kimstugna – 1 half nd
of Shukla Prathama, Shakuni – 2 half of Krishna Chathurdashi, Chathushpada – 1 half
of Amavasya and Nagava – 2 half of Amavasya.
Karana Bhava ends at 1-51 am (arrived figure) which is midway of Ekaadashi thithti which ends at 2-40 pm of next day.
#5. Thyajya (To be left out) period is a 1 hour and 54 from the indicated time. Para dina is sometimes mentioned against
Nakshatra Thyajya instead of Dina or Rathri. Para dina means next day. Same is expressed as Sesha also.
#6. Among the Dina Visheshas, Anadhyayana indicates No new lessons to be studied, especially Veda. Sopapada is a
defined thithi not suited for Shubha Muhurtha. Shadashi Mukha is a defined position of Sun also not suited for Shubha
Muhurtha.
Sunrise time Corrections in Panchanga Usage
In general, the timings in IST (not local time) given for the end points of Thithi, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana are
universal. (If the IST timings are not given in any Panchanga, one has to calculate for the place of Panchanga and use it.)
Sunrise timings given in any Panchanga is calculated for the longitude and latitude of a chosen place. For using the
same in other places, the timings have to be corrected using the time correction factor (at + or – 4 minutes per degree longitude
– this is assuming, same or near about latitude in the required place) with respect to the place of the Panchanga. With the
variation of Sunrise and Sunset time depending on the place, some vratas can be on two different successive days in different
places.
Rahukala / Gulika Kala / Yamaganda Kala etc
The popularly known timings for these, for the different days of the week are indicative times for a notional sun rise at
6.00 am and a anchang of 12 hours (notional sun set at 6.00 pm). Based on the actual sun rise and sun set time of the day, the
Rahukala / Gulika Kala / Yamaganada kala timings have to be suitably corrected. (Sun rise and sun set times are not same for
all days of the year even in the same place).
Amrutha, Siddha & Marana as Yogas
In many anchangas, the names Amrutha, Siddha & Marana are written under the column Yoga. They

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actually mean the phala (result) of the combination of the week day and the nakshatra of the day. The word Yoga is
used to mean Phala as Yoga itself is different as already explained.
There are 28 different phalas named Ananda, Kaladanda,…Varthamana. Each of them are referred as
Yogas meaning Phalas. The Phalas (referred as Yogas) and their meaning is tabulated below. The same table also
gives the meaning in a simpler way – as used in many Panchangas – using the three words Amrutha, Siddha and
Marana. It would be noticed that Amrutha and Siddha stands for Good and Marana stands for Not Good.
In this table, the same phalas have been represented by an abbreviation P1, P2,….P28. The Good and Evil
meanings have been denoted by adding a + or – sign to the abbreviation making it P1+, P2-,….P28+.
Phalas of Weekday and Nakshatra combination
Phala Yoga Artha (Meaning) Simply

P 1+ Ananda Karyasiddhi Siddha

P 2– Kaladanda Marana Marana
P 3– Thumra Ashubha Marana
P 4+ Prajapathi Soubaghya Siddha
P 5+ Soumya Soukhya Siddha
P 6– Thulanksha Dhana Nasha Marana
P 7+ Dhwaja Shubha Siddha
P 8+ Srivatsa Dhana Labha Siddha
P 9– Vajra Kalaha Marana
P 10– Mudkara Dhana Nasha Marana
P 11+ Chathra Raja Sanmana Siddha
P 12+ Mithra Deha Pushti Amrutha
P 13+ Manasa Pushti Amrutha
P 14+ Padma Dhana Prapthi Siddha
P 15– Lambaka Dhana Nashta Marana
P 16– Uthpatha Prana Nasha Marana
P 17– Mruthyu Marana Marana
P 18– Kana Karya Nasha Marana
P 19+ Siddhi Karya Siddhi Amrutha
P 20+ Shubham Shubha Siddha
P 21+ Amrutha Labha Amrutha
P 22– Musala Dhana Nasha Marana
P 23– Kada Bhaya Marana
P 24+ Mathanga Kula Vruddhi Amrutha
P 25– Rakshasa Yochane Marana
P 26– Chara Karya Nasha Marana
P 27+ Sthira Karya Labha Amrutha
P 28 + Varthamana Athishaya Siddha
Labha
The phala referred above is obtained by a table of Weekday and Nakshatra combination shown below. This
table has been given different headings “Anandadi Yogas”, “Muhurtha Raja”, “Yogas convenient for Travel” in
different Panchangas.
As the table is a simplistic way of looking for simple muhurthas, the title Muhurtha Raja is given. As the
results are a series from Ananda, the title Anandadi Yogas is used. As the table is commonly used for travel
purposes, the title Yogas convenient for Travel is used.

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Muhurtha Raja or Anandadi Yogas or Yogas convenient for Travel

Week Days
Nakshatra Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Ashwini P1+ P5+ P9– P13+ P17– P21+ P25–
Bharani P2– P6– P10– P14+ P18– P22– P26–
Krittika P3– P7+ P11+ P15– P19+ P23– P27+
Rohini P4+ P8+ P12+ P16– P20+ P24+ P28+
Mrigasira P5+ P9– P13+ P17– P21+ P25– P1+
Ardra P6– P10– P14+ P18– P22– P26– P2–
Punarvasu P7+ P11+ P15– P19+ P23– P27+ P3–
Pushya P8+ P12+ P16– P20+ P24+ P28+ P4+
Aslesha P9– P13+ P17– P21+ P25– P1+ P5+
Makha P10– P14+ P18– P22– P26– P2– P6–
Pubba P11+ P15– P19+ P23– P27+ P3– P7+
Uttara P12+ P16– P20+ P24+ P28+ P4+ P8+
Hasta P13+ P17– P21+ P25– P1+ P5+ P9–
Chitta P14+ P18– P22– P26– P2– P6– P10–
Swati P15– P19+ P23– P27+ P3– P7+ P11+
Visakha P16– P20+ P24+ P28+ P4+ P8+ P12+
Anuradha P17– P21+ P25– P1+ P5+ P9– P13+
Jyeshta P18– P22– P26– P2– P6– P10– P14+
Moola P19+ P23– P27+ P3– P7+ P11+ P15–
Purvashadha P20+ P24+ P28+ P4+ P8+ P12+ P16–
Uttarashadha P21+ P25– P1+ P5+ P9– P13+ P17–
Abhijith* P22– P26– P2– P6– P10– P14+ P18–
Sravana P23– P27+ P3– P7+ P11+ P15– P19+
Dhanishta P24+ P28+ P4+ P8+ P12+ P16– P20+
Satabhisa P25– P1+ P5+ P9– P13+ P17– P21+
Purvabhadra P26– P2– P6– P10– P14+ P18– P22–
Uttarabhadra P27+ P3– P7+ P11+ P15– P19+ P23–
Revati P28+ P4+ P8+ P12+ P16– P20+ P24+

*Abhijith is in between Uttarashada and Sravana. Last two Padas of Uttrashada and first two Padas of Sravana are considered to be Abhijith.
Usage of Yogas convenient for Travel
From the Panchanga locate the Nakshatra for the required time. For that Nakshatra and the week day locate
the Phala given in code as P1+, P2 -, etc. The code itself indicates whether it is a good time or not so good time by
the (+) or (-) sign. For the actual meaning use the table giving meanings. If the Artha (meaning) indicates positive
meanings it means a good time.
The above method is a thumb rule method and an accurate method would involve examining the concerned
person’s correct horoscope vis a vis the required time – which are best done by experienced astrologers.
There are other thumb rule methods as well, described in Panchangas for travel related purposes. These
are (a) “Dik Shoola” – directions to be avoided on certain weekdays and thithis, (b) “Yogini” – directions favourable
on certain thithis (paksha wise), (c) “Vara Shoola” – directions favourable on certain week days with pariharas for
taking other directions.
Simple Astrological Information
Anadhyana indicates No new lessons are to be studied, especially Veda.
Ayushkarma – Haircut in an auspicious time is said to increase the longevity; Haircut in other times is said to
decrease the longevity of the person and his family members; hence the name Ayushkarma for the process. The
auspicious times are combination of: Dwitheeya, Thrutheeya, Panchami, Dashami and Thrayodashi thithis; Soma,
Budha and Guru varas; Ashwini, Mrugashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hastha, Chitta, Swathi, Jyeshta, Shravana,
Shathabhisha, Dhanishta and Revathi nakshatras; Poorvahnas (well before noon) are the best. Brothers should not
have it on the same day. So also Father and Son. Janma nakshatra is to be avoided. If for any unavoidable reason,
a non auspicious time is used, the Dosha is said to be nullified by having it in an auspicious time the next time.

Parva Kalas are important mile stones in Sun’s movement. At Grahana kalas and Parva kalas Snana,
Japa, Tarpana and Dana should be performed. Observing Vaidhruti and Vyatipata Parvakalas are said to be equal
to observing one crore Surya grahana prescriptions.
Sankalpa describes the place, time, person and purpose (what is being performed). The time has to be
described using the parameters; Thithi, Vara, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana, as it showers blessings – knowledge
of Thithi bestows Wealth, Vaara increases Longevity, Nakshatra erases sins, Yoga cures Diseases and Karana
ensures Success in work. The short cut Shubha nakshatra, Shubha yoga, Shubha karana will deprive this.
Shubha Nakshatras: Dhruva (Best) – Rohini, Uttara, Uttarashada and Uttarabhadra; Laghu (Lighter) –
Hastha, Ashwini, Pushya and Abhijit; Mrudu (Soft) – Mrugashira, Chitta, Anuradha and Revathi; Chara (Moving) –
Swathi, Punarvasu, Shravana, Dhanishta and Shatabhisha; Madhyama (Neutral) – Makha, Moola and Vishaka.

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Shubha Thithis: 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 13 and 15 i.e., Dwitheeya, Thrutheeya, Panchami, Sapthami, Dashami,
Thrayodashi and Pournami.
Shubha Varas: Soma, Budha, Guru and Shukra.
Shubha Yogas: Preethi, Aayushman, Soubhagya, Shobhana, Sukarman, Dhruthi, Vruddhi, Dhurva,
Harshana, Siddhi, Variyan, Shiva, Siddha, Sadhya, Shubha, Shukla, Brahma and Aindra.
Disclaimer
All the above are given as information. The author disowns responsibility for the consequences of
any person using it.

Benefits from use of Panchanga

Thithyeshcha Shreeyamapnothi Vaaraath Aayushyavardhanam

Nakshathraath Harathepaapam Yogaath Roganivaranam
Karanaath Karyasiddhishchaath Panchanga dashamephalam

Knowledge of Panchanga showers several benefits;

Knowledge of Thithi bestows Wealth
Knowledge of Vaara increases Longevity
Knowledge of Nakshatra erases Sins
Knowledge of Yoga cures Diseases
Knowledge of Karana ensures Success in work
November 2004

Do You Know?
If your birthday or wedding day or any other event is on 15th of August this year, you can predict this to occur
on 4th or 5th August next year [11 or 10 days before] (as per Hindu calendar, subject to this year or next year not
having an Adhika masa). If there is an intervening Adhika masa, it would be on 3rd or 4th of September [19 or 20
days after].
Mesha sankramana of this year is on say Monday at 10-25 g-v., i.e., 10-10 am (assumed sunrise 6.00 am).
Mesha sankramana next year will be on a Tuesday at 26-00 g-v., i.e., 16-24 [6hrs 14 mins later on the next week
day]. This is true for all sankramanas.

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Useful Astrological information

Astrology
Astrology is the science which comprises the foretelling of the regular movements of the planets, the
fortunes and misfortunes of men, fates of nations, inundations, earthquakes, plagues, volcanic eruptions and other
incidents relating to terrestrial phenomena. In Sanskrit it is called Hora Sastra which means science that treats
time. It is also called Jyotisha (Knowledge of Light). In Western Countries it is derived from the words Aster - a
star, Logos - reason or logic.
Siddhanta, Hora, Samhita
Indian astrology is divided into three parts Siddhanta, Hora and Samhita.
Hora tells us information about individuals, Samhita tells us about happenings in the world and
Siddhailta about the basic information on which, Hora and Samhita are based
RAHUKALAM- A NOTE
The Rahukalam Table that is generally given is only general and based on the premise of Sunrise at 6 a.m.
however the exact Sunrise timings vary depending on season / part of the year.
In such circumstances the Rahukalam timings also vary accordingly. In this Darshini, we have endeavored
to provide the exact timings based on Sunrise at, Bangalore every day. However to obtain these things for other
parts of Karnataka please apply corrections as below
Mysore +4 m Chitradurga +4 m. Gulbarga +2 m
Shimoga +8 m Mangalore +11 m. Belgaum +12 m
Dharwad +10 m Madikeri +8 m. Karwar +13 m.
Kolar -2 m Raichur' -1 m, &nbspp; Bidar -6 m
Time Divisions
The sub-divisions of a solar day are as follows:
0 prativipala = 0.006 of a second
60 prativipalas = 1 vipala = 0.4 second
60 vipalas = 1 pala (1 vighati) = 24 seconds
60 palas = 1 ghatika (1 ghati) = 24 min.
60 ghatis = 1 solar day

Relationship between Planets and Rasis

According to Surya siddhanta, Saturn is the most distant planet from the earth. Jupiter, Mars, Venus,
Mercury and the Moon come next in the order of their distance. Based on such an arrangement, the rulerships are
allotted.
Rasis Rulers
Aries and Scorpio Mars
Taurus and Libra Venus
Gemini and Virgo Mercury
Cancer Moon
Leo Sun
Pisces and Sagittarius Jupiter
Capricorn and Aquarius Saturn

rd th
Exaltations -The Sun is exalted in the 10th degree of Aries; the Moon in the 3 degree of Taurus; Mars in the 28
degree of Capricorn; Mercury in the 15th degree of Virgo; Jupiter in the 5th degree of Cancer; Venus in the 27th degree of Pisces;
and Saturn in the 20th degree of Libra; Rahu in 20th degree of Taurus and Kethu in 20th degree of Scorpio.

Debilitations-The 7th house or the 180th degree from the place of exaltation is the place of debilitation or fall. The Sun
is debilitated in the 10th degree of Libra, the Moon in the 3rd degree of Scorpio, etc.

Beneficial and Malefic - Planets are beneficial or malefic accoording to their inherent nature. They tend to, do good or
evil. Jupiter, Venus, Full Moon, well-associated Mercury - are held to be good planets. New Moon, badly associated Mercury, Sun,
Saturn, Mars, Rahu and Kethu are evil or malefic.

The following quarters (Padas) of the Constellations Comprise the twelve zodiacal signs:

Space on the
Rasi Nakshatra Padas
ecliptic- from 0°
(Sign) (Constellations) (Quarters)
Aries
Mesha 1. Ashwini 4 13° 20'

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(Aries) 2. Bharani 4 26° 40'

3. Krittika 1 30° 0'
Vrishabha 3. Krittika 3 40° 0'
(Taurus) 4. Rohini 4 53°20'
5. Mrigasira 2 60° 0'
Mithuna 5. Mrigasira 2 66° 40'
(Gemini) 6. Aridra 4 80° 0'
7. Punarvasu 3 90° 0'
7. Punarvasu 1 93° 20’
Kataka
8. Pushva 4 106° 40’
(Cancer)
9. Aslesha 4 120° 0’
Simha 10. ,Makha 4 133° 20'
(Leo) 11. Pubba 4 146° 40'
12. Uttara 1 150° 0'
Kanya 12. Uttara 3 160°0'
(Virgo) 13. Hasta 4 173° 20'
14. Chitta 2 180° 0'
Thula 14. Chitta 2 186° 40'
(Libra) 15. Swati 4 200° 0'
16. Visakha 3 210° 0'
Vrischika 16. Visakha 1 213° 20'
(Scoio) 17. Anuradha 4 226° 40'
18. Jyeshta 4 240°0'
Dhanus 19. Mula 4 253° 20'
(Sagittarius) 20.Poorvashadha 4 266 40'
21.Uttarashadha 1 270° 0'
Makara 21. Uttarashadha 3 280° 0'
(Capricorn) 22. Sravana 4 293° 20'
23. Dhanishta 2 300°6' -
Kumbha 23. Dhanishta 2 306° 20'
(Aquarius) 24. Satabhisha 4 320° 0'
25. Purvabhadra 3 330° 0'
Meena 25. Purvabhadra 1 333° 20'
(Pisces) 26. Uttarabhadra 4 346° 40'
27. Revathi 4 360° 0'

Peculiarities of Zodaical Signs

Each zodiacal sign has certain peculiarities attributed to it. Each sign represents some element in nature, such as fire, air,
earth and water.

Peculiarities Signs
1. Movable signs (charas rasis) Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn
2. Fixed signs (stitra rasis) Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius
3. Common signs (Dwiswabhava) Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces
4. Odd signs Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius
5. Even signs Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces
6. Fiery signs (Agnitatwa rasis) Aries, Leo and Sagittarius
7. Earthy signs (Bhutatwa rasis) Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn
8. Air signs (Vayutatwa rasis) Gemini, Libra and Aquarius
9. Water signs (Jalatatwa rasis) Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces

Further classifications are also made.

These details will be useful in the delineation of character and mental disposition.

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Colours
Each planet represents a certain colour
Planet Colour
Sun copper
Mars blood-red
Moon white
Saturn black
Mercury green
Jupiter bright yellow
Venus mixture of all colours

Planetary Natures:- The Sun, the Moon and the Jupiter are divine in nature and indicate Satvikaguna or philosophical
dispositions. The Venus and the Mercury represent rajasa or imperious dispositions. Mars and Saturn denote Thamasa or dull
nature.
The Sun and Moon are fiery planets.
The Mercury is earthy.
The Saturn is airy.
The Jupiter is ethereal.
The Venus and the Moon are watery.
The Sun represents ego or alma.
The Moon represents mind or manas.
The Mars represents martial power.
The Mercury represents good and eloquent speech.
The Jupiter represents wisdom.
The Venus represents voluptuousness and gross sensual pleasures.
The Saturn represents sorrows and miseries.

Planetary relations:
The term friendship and enmity among planets means the rays of one planet will be intensified or counteracted by those
of the other planet declared to be its friend or enemy. Friendship is both permanent and temporary.

Permanent Relationship

Planet Friends Neutrals Enemies

Sun Moon, Mars, Jupiter Mercury Saturn, Venus

Moon Sun, Mercury Mars, Jupiter, None

Venus, Saturn

Mars Sun, Moon, Jupiter Venus Mercury

Mercury Sun, Venus Mars, Jupiter, Moon

Saturn

Jupiter Sun, Moon, Mars, Saturn Mercury, Venus None

Venus Mercury, Saturn Mars, Jupiter Sun, Moon

Saturn Mercury, Venus Jupiter Sun, Moon, Mars

Tarabala
From birth star to the desired star (both included) total number of stars to be divided by nine.
If, the reminder is
One it is birth star
Two it is wealth star
Three it is evil star
Four it is safe star
Five it is pratyaruk star
Six it is achievement star
Seven it is Vadha star
Eight it is friendly star
Nine or zero it is very-friendly star

If a star is to be pleased to remove evil effects for birth star donate vegetables, for 3 rd star use jaggery, 5th star salt,
7th star gingelly, gold or cloth.

Chandrabala
In the required time from the birth rasis to the rasi where the chandra is (both included) the total to be made. If the

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total is 1 denotes health, 2 denotes in fighting, 3 denotes material benefit, 4 denotes ill health, 5 denotes obstacles, 6 denotes
destruction of enemy, 7 denotes increased happiness, 8 denotes increased health; 9 denotes slowness of work, 10 denotes
improved working conditions, 11 denotes fulfillment of desires, 12 denotes spending of money.

In Sukla Paksha 2, 5, 6 and 9, and, in Krishna Paksha 4 8 and 12 are supposed to be good, Moon is to be pleased to
ward off evil effects, it is suggested to perform pooja for Moon, recite mantras related to Moon and donate rice.

In Sukla Paksha tarabala is seen and in Krishna Paksha chandrabala is to be checked.

Gurubala
When you count from the birth rasi upto the rasi where the Jupiter (Guru) is visibly present, if the Jupiter is in 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th or 11th
position one will have Gurubala. If the Jupiter is in own (Swa) house, exaltation house or friend's house even if he is not in 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th or 11th
position one will still have Gurubala.
Dasas and Bhukthis
The Dasa system helps In studying the timing of events. The basis for the Dasa system is not clearly known, or can be scientifically
established, Practical experience, has shown that the calculations are quite satisfactory and more or less the predictions under the system have come
true.
The position of the Moon at birth is important in the calculation of the Dasas. Every constellation covers 13 1/3 degrees of the zodiacal
space. Each nakshatra has a planet assigned as its lord and the dasa at birth is indicated by the constellation occupied by the Moon at the time of
birth.
Table of Dasas
Nakshatra Dasa Years
Krittika, Uttar and Uttarashadha Sun 6
Rohini, HastaandSravana Moon 10
Mrigasira, Chitta and Dhanishta Mars 7
Ardra, Swati and Satabhlsha Rahu 18
Punarvasu, Vlsakha and Purvabhadra Jupiter 16
Pushya, Anuradha and Uttarabhadra Saturn 19
Aslesha, Jyeshta and Revathi Mercury 17
Makha, Mula and Aswini Kethu 7
Pubba, Poorvashadha and Bharani Venus 20
The total of the different Periods is 120 years which is considered to be the natural life period of a human being. The position of the Moon
at birth, determines the ruling period And the, next dasas succeed in the order given above. If, at the time of birth, the Moon is in the first degree of
the nakshatra (constellation), the full period assigned to the planet will run. If the Moon occupies some intermediate degrees, accordingly the period
must be reduced.
There are different systems of Dasa calculations. Vimsottari calculation is practiced more. After finding the Dasa, the sub-periods (Bhukti)
in each of the particular Dasa must be determined.

Calculation of Bhukthis
Multiply the number of years of Dasa period of the planet by the number of years of the dasa period of the planet whose sub period is
desired. Then take the last digit of the product, multiply it by 3 and keep that figure as days. The other figures in the product will be months.
Example:
Sub-period of Jupiter in the major period of Sun:
Dasa period of sun = 6 years
Dasa period of Jupiter = 16 years.
16 x 6 = 96
Last digit 6 x 3 = 18 =-18 days
After taking 6 away from 96 remaining figure is 9 i.e., 9 months.

Sub period of Jupiter in the major period of Sun is 0 years 9 months 18 days.
Aspects
The power of a planet to produce good or inflict evil on an individual is modified to a great extent by the natural
sympathies or antipathies of the aspecting and aspected planets.
An aspect is good or bad according to the relation between the aspecting and aspected p1anet. All the planets aspect the
3rd and 10th houses from their location with a quarter sight; the 5th and 9th houses with a half sight; the 4th and the 8th
houses with a three_quarter of a sight and the 7th house with a full sight. Saturn, Jupiter and Mars have special aspects. Saturn
powerfully aspects 3rd and 10th houses, Jupiter aspects 5th and 9th houses and Mars aspects 4th and 8th houses.

Ekadashis:
Ekadasi is observed in 3 different ways by (i)Smartas, (ii)Vaishnavas and (iii) Sri Vaishnavas
Smarta and Sri Vaishnava groups follow Siddhant and Vakya system for determining Ekadasi. Vaishnavas follow the Arya
system for deciding the Ekadashi.

Home Parthiva Tharana

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