Muhurtham - The Auspicious time

Muhurtham:
Muhurtham is an auspicious time selected for starting or performing an
important event/action in life. Muhurtham is a Hindu unit of measurement for
time in the Hindu calendar. A Muhurtham equals 2 Ghadiyas or approximately
48 minutes. It is stated in Manu Samhita that eighteen nimeshas (twinklings of
the eye, are one kashtha), thirty kashthas one kala, thirty kalas one Muhurtham,
and as many (Muhurthams) one day and night.
It is a natural desire of every one that any of the above events or occasions in
our life should be trouble free any unwanted, unpleasant or sorrowful incident
should not take place during these important events or occasions. If these
events or occasions are started on a shubha Muhurtham (auspicious time), these
events are completed peacefully.

Cultural Importance:
There is an ancient principal told in Ayurveda, “Ashtami Vyadhi nashini” which
means that the medicine taken on the 8th day of a lunar month cures illness
faster. The reason behind this is the distance between the Moon & the earth is
situated at the greatest distance on the 8th day of every month, because of
which the liquid medicine remains stable in the stomach & thereby starts making
effect faster & better.

Muhurtham is a tool to harmonize your forces with nature and improve your
chances of success. Five elements are chosen carefully for success in any new
venture, namely Vara (weekday), Tithi (lunar day), Nakshatra (asterism), Yoga
and Karana. These elements are easily determined through the planetary
positions and are explicitly listed in Ephemeris or Panchanga. In addition, for
selecting a propitious moment or Muhurtham, the Ascendant and Moon must
be strong, both at the time selected as well as in relation to the horoscope of
the concerned individual.

Scientific Reason:
The gravitational force between the planets of the solar system make a lot of
difference on the living & nonliving things on the earth. E.g. the gravitational
force between the Moon & the earth causes the high & low tides in the
ocean.Thus Muhurtham is a typical combination of the planets in the sky which
make a favorable effect on the human beings.

Astrology has a necessary relation with time. It deals with the effects of
planetary motions including the sun and the moon. Its basic tenet is the
confirmed scientific fact of the effects of radiation on all terrestrial phenomena.
That the Hindus discovered it ages before is a testimony to the intelligence and
accomplishments of that generation. The effect of sun’s rays on biological
activity and those of the moon on psychological processes is well-established.
Agricultural activities like planting, cultivation, growth, maturity and harvest are
all dependent upon seasonal changes and solar radiation.

Brahma muhurtham:
Brahma muhurtham the Sun god spreads his rays just as a peacock spreading its
feathers. He starts spreading his light and energy throughout the world. The light
rays from the Galaxies influence the human brain. The nascent sun spreads
thousand arms in the form of rays across the sky, which emit light-blue divine
rays. These rays bring to life the cells and the brain. Lord Surya or the sun god is
also the god of life. If the man can synchronize his senses with these rays during
this hour he will be empowered with unchallengeable energy.

The sages and munis spread the power of penance, which comes out in the form
of high powered electrical and magnetic charge, for the upliftment of the living
creatures on the earth. If one keep awake during these hours, it is possible to
benefit from this charge. The rays of this light affect the human brain positively.
These rays are light-blue. The cells in the brain get activated. The rest of nature
is pleasant and peaceful during this time. The mind, as has been proved also by
Western science, is a powerful tool to awaken and spread electrical and
magnetic charges. These uplift the individual who performs meditation and
penance during this time. Your mind is working in ideal conditions and you find
answers to your problems since the brain is calm. In the night, the atmosphere
gets re-charged and in the early morning, the wind is charged with the beneficial
rays of the moon and stars. This wind is called ‘Veeravayu’ which is greatly
beneficial to us. Our minds are sharpened and inspired and our bodies are filled
with a new life-force.

Interesting Facts:

A muhurtham is measured as 30 kalas which is made up of 30 kashthas which in

turn is made up of 18 nimeshas (the number of twinklings of an eye is one
kashtha).
No. Name Quality Time

Sunrise –
1 Rudra Bad
48mins

2nd -
2 Āhi Bad
48mins

3 Mitra good 3rd – 48mins

4 Pitṛ bad 4th – 48mins

5 Vasu Good 5th – 48mins

6 Vārāh good 6th – 48mins

7 Viśvadevā good 7th – 48mins

8 Vidhi good - except Mondays and Fridays 8th – 48mins

9 Satamukhi good 9th – 48mins

10th –
10 Puruhūta bad
48mins

11th –
11 Vāhini bad
48mins

12th –
12 Naktanakarā bad
48mins

13th –
13 Varuṇa good
48mins

14th –
14 Aryamā good - except Sundays
48mins
 15th –
15 Bhaga bad
48mins

16th –
16 Giriśa bad
48mins

17th –
17 Ajapāda bad
48mins

Ahira 18th –
18 good
Budhnya 48mins

19th –
19 Puṣa good
48mins

20th –
20 Aśvinī good
48mins

21st –
21 Yama bad
48mins

22nd –
22 Agni good
48mins

23rd –
23 Vidhātṛ good
48mins

24th –
24 Kaṇḍa good
48mins

25th –
25 Aditi good
48mins

26th –
26 Jiva/Amr̥ta very good
48mins
 27th –
27 Viṣṇu good
48mins

28th –
28 Yumigadyuti good
48mins

29th –
29 Brahma very good
48mins

30th –
30 Samudrama good
48mins

Rahu Kalam & Yamagandam (death time):

Even though Rahu and Ketu are not physical bodies, they are sensitive points
on the intersection of the ecliptic (the apparent path of motion of the Sun) by
the Moon's orbit. Rahu is the northern point and Ketu is the southern point.
Ancient astronomers felt that the mighty Rahu and Kethu have the strength to
eat the sun, thus causing a solar eclipse. Hence it is considered inauspicious to
begin any undertaking during this "Rahukaalam". Every day this Rahukaalam
lasts for around 90 minutes, but the duration differs according to the length of
the time between sunrises to sunset. Any activity commenced during
yamaganda time invites the 'death' of the work or energies relating to that
work. At this time there is ecliptic intersection of Sun & moon.

Gulika (blossoming time): Any activity in this period has positive, good and
growth-oriented results; gives happiness. Activities (karma) during Gulika time
leads to a positive end result. One should try and use this time for starting
important activities.
Shoolam: Heading in the shoolam direction creates a piercing and flowing
away of personal energy in all areas of life and activities. To Counteract
Shoolam, Avoid all journeys heading towards this direction that day ('Day' is
calculated from sunrise to next sunrise.)

Abhijit Muhurtham:
Abhijit word itself means victorious. Abhijit Muhurtham is the timing at which
the event or activity initiated will make the native victorious. The Abhijit
Muhuratam becomes more sacred and powerful if it is during shukla paksh, and
the day that has other beneficial yogas. This Muhurtham has no dependence
on Tithi, Nakshatra, Rasi or month. This Muhurtham is present on every day and
its duration is around 48 minutes.
It is believed that, this Muhuratham has special blessings of Lord Vishnu.
Also, during this Muhurat only Lord shiva killed the powerful
demon Tripurasura.

The Astrological aspect behind the Abhijit Muhurtham is that, this the time
when the Sun locates himself in the 10th house from the lagna during that time
and 10th represents the house of Karmas, and placement of the Sun means
success. The reason why shastras recommend on this is because at mid-day, the
Sun is located three signs (equivalent to 6 hrs.) behind the Lagna and thus will
be located in the 10th house from the Lagna (each Rasi is a house with Lagna as
the 1st house, the houses are counted in the zodiacal direction, 10th house
represents one's karma and the success in it). Thus Sun being in the 10th house
is auspicious for any activity.

This muhurat is capable of removing all the doshas prevalent at that time. It is
also believe that on this muhurat Lord Shiva killed the demon Tripurasur who
captured the three world,Aakash,Prithvi, Pataal with his immense power.

Abhijit Muhurt starts from 1 ghati(equivalent to 24 minutes) before the Local

Noon Time (LNT) & remains till 24 minutes thereafter (total duration 48 minutes)
for 12-hour duration of daytime. Its duration varies proportionally according to
length of day because in Jyotish a day begins from sun-rise to sun set.

Example- To calculate the abhijit muhurat at any place let’s assume

Sunrise at – 0530
Sunset at -1830
Local Noon Time(LNT)=(1830+0530)/2=12hr
Abhijit Muhurat=LNT± (Sun set- Sun rise)/30
=12±(1830-0530)/30 hrs.
=12±13/30hrs
=12±26minutes
In the above example the length of day is 13 hrs. That is why the standard
duration of abhijit muhurat changes from 48 minutes to 52(26x2) minutes.

Exceptions : This muhurat loses its beneficence on Wednesday. So avoid

selecting it on Wednesday. Secondly traveling in south direction in this muhurat
brings inauspicious results. Last but not least this muhurat should be used in
emergencies when no other suitable times are available otherwise one may fails
to harness the richness of other muhurats available on that day. It is ideal
Muhurat to initiate any activity except marriage or Upnayan.