Chaughadia Muhurtas

A quick method of electional astrology

Muhurta is essentially a measure of time which refers to the application of Vedic astrology wisdom in determining
the auspicious time for starting an event so that it goes through in all probability smoothly and without hurdles
(subject to your overall luck of course ! ). It is translated as Electional Astrology. Simply put, it is the time we ‘elect’
(or select) to begin important events in life.

Hindu sages through their intuitive foresight had in-depth knowledge of election (called ‘Muhurta’ in Vedic
astrology). The knowledge has with stood test of the time for the last over 5 millenniums, and is still followed
without modifications in most of India. In India, this aspect of astrology is ingrained in day-to-day life to the extent
that its non-use in significant pursuits like marriage, travel, house building, etc., even for an ordinary citizen, is an
exception.

Muhurta' is a vast subject in itself but 'Chowghadia-muhurtas' provide a quick  and quite effective reference table
to any person who does not have access to a well qualified Vedic astrologer or does not have time to consult
him/her for any reason. You may define the 'Chowghadia-muhurtas' as general public's electional astrology.

Vedic Jyotish offers a method which divides 24 hrs. of a day in 16 time segments of
approximately one and a half hours each (i.e., approx. 3.75 Ghati). Each of these time segment
is called a ‘Chaughadia’ due to it’s approximate duration of 3.75 Ghati.

Eight equal divisions (of approx. 1.5 hrs. each) are done for time duration from sun-rise to sun-
set (‘Dinamaan’) and allotted to 7 types of day-time ‘Chaughadias’ in a pre-determined order
decided by weekday. Thus, six ‘Chaughadias’ get 1 division each in their share while one
‘Chaughadia’ gets 2 divisions.

Same way,  eight equal divisions (of approx. 1.5 hrs. each) are done for time duration from
sun-set to next day’s sun-rise (‘Ratrimaan’) and allotted to 7 types of night-time ‘Chaughadias’
in a pre-determined order decided by weekday. Again, six ‘Chaughadias’ get 1 division each in
their share while one ‘Chaughadia’ gets 2 divisions.

To sum-up, we may say, 16 time divisions of 24 hrs. are allotted among 7 types of
‘Chaughadias’. At least two time segments (of approx. 1.5 hrs. each) are allotted to each type
of ‘Chaughadia’ within 24 hrs., while two types of  ‘Chaughadia’ are repeated three times within
24 hrs.

The seven types of ‘Chaughadiyas’ are as follows:

1. - owned by Sun Bad

‘Udwega’ The ‘Amrit’, ‘Shubh’ and
‘Laabh’ are Good/ favourable
2. - owned by Moon Good Chaughadiyas.
‘Amrit’
3. - owned by Mars Bad The ‘Chara ‘is a Medium
‘Roga’
 4. - owned by Mercury Good
‘Laabh’

5. - owned by Jupiter Good

‘Shubh’

6. - owned by Venus Medium

‘Chara’ (or 'Chala') Chaughadiya

7. - owned by Saturn Bad The ‘Udwega’, ‘Roga’ and

‘Kaala’
‘Kaala’ are Bad/ unfavourable
Thus, to determine a good time to commence/initiate important works or to start a new venture
or to start anything auspicious - select a good ‘Chaughadiya’. Any good work or travel should
be preferably started in a Good Chaughadiya only. Scriptures say that if a work is started in
good ‘Chaughadiya’ and other Muhurta determining factors (such as ‘Tithi’, ‘Yoga’, Nakshatra’
etc.) are also favourable, it is almost certain to get success in that work or effort.
 

The sequence of "Chaughadia-muhurtas" in day-time

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Udwega Amrit Roga Laabh Shubh Chara Kaala
Chara Kaala Udwega Amrit Roga Laabh Shubh
Laabh Shubh Chara Kaala Udwega Amrit Roga
Amrit Roga Laabh Shubh Chara Kaala Udwega
Kaala Udwega Amrit Roga Laabh Shubh Chara
Shubh Chara Kaala Udwega Amrit Roga Laabh
Roga Laabh Shubh Chara Kaala Udwega Amrit
Udwega Amrit Roga Laabh Shubh Chara Kaala

The sequence of "Chaughadia-muhurtas" in night- time

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Shubh Chara Kaala Udwega Amrit Roga Laabh
Amrit Roga Laabh Shubh Chara Kaala Udwega
Chara Kaala Udwega Amrit Roga Laabh Shubh
Roga Laabh Shubh Chara Kaala Udwega Amrit
Kaala Udwega Amrit Roga Laabh Shubh Chara
Laabh Shubh Chara Kaala Udwega Amrit Roga
Udwega Amrit Roga Laabh Shubh Chara Kaala
Shubh Chara Kaala Udwega Amrit Roga Laabh