Panchang for Chennai
Monday, 21 December 2026 • सोमवार
Today's Cosmic Insight
NeutralAs the dawn unfurls on this Monday, ruled by the gentle Moon, we are greeted by the Shukla Dwadashi, the twelfth day of the waxing moon. This phase of increasing light bestows a sense of fullness and optimism, encouraging us to pursue noble endeavors and complete tasks initiated earlier in the cycle. The day is ripe for activities that require a gentle touch and a harmonious spirit, mirroring the Moon's own tranquil nature. The Moon finds its abode in the Nakshatra of Bharani, its fourth pada resonating with themes of nurturing and transformation. This asterism, while possessing the strength to carry burdens, also invites us to release that which no longer serves our growth. It is a time to honor the cycles of life and death, embracing change with courage and grace. Ground yourself in practices of self-care and seek solace in the beauty of the natural world, allowing its rhythms to guide your inner compass. Adding to the auspiciousness of the day is Siddha Yoga, a celestial alignment that promises accomplishment and fulfillment. This Yoga supports endeavors that require skill, precision, and a touch of divine grace. The Karana of Balava, active for the primary part of the day, further enhances this energy, favoring acts of kindness, generosity, and service to others. Let your actions be guided by compassion and a desire to uplift those around you, for the universe conspires to support such noble intentions. As the Sun sets, take a moment to reflect on the blessings of the day and express gratitude for the opportunities it has presented.
Panchang Elements
Auspicious Times
Inauspicious Times
Current Time Period
Panchang for Chennai on Monday, 21 December 2026 shows Shukla Dwadashi tithi (Shukla Paksha) with Bharani nakshatra in Pada 4. The yoga for this day is Siddha and the karana is Balava. Sunrise occurs at 06:26 AM and sunset at 05:47 PM.
What is Panchang? पंचांग
The word Panchang comes from Sanskrit — Pancha (five) + Anga (limbs). It is the traditional Vedic calendar system that has been used across the Indian subcontinent for thousands of years to track lunar days, stellar positions, and cosmic rhythms. Every day in the Hindu calendar is defined by these five elements working together.
Tithi तिथि
The lunar day — determined by the angular distance between the Sun and Moon. There are 30 tithis in a lunar month, 15 in each paksha (Shukla and Krishna). Each tithi carries its own energy: some are ideal for beginnings, others for completion or rest. Festivals like Ekadashi, Amavasya, and Purnima are all tithi-based.
Nakshatra नक्षत्र
The lunar mansion — the Moon's position among 27 star clusters along the ecliptic. Each nakshatra spans 13°20' of the zodiac and has a ruling deity, planet, and distinct character. Nakshatras are central to muhurat selection, birth chart interpretation, and compatibility matching in Vedic astrology.
Yoga योग
The luni-solar combination — calculated from the sum of the Sun's and Moon's longitudes divided into 27 equal parts. Each yoga has a name and nature (auspicious, neutral, or inauspicious). Yogas like Siddha, Amrita, and Shubha are considered favorable, while Vyaghata and Vajra call for caution.
Karana करण
Half of a tithi — each tithi has two karanas, giving 60 karanas in a lunar month. Of the 11 karana types, 4 are fixed (Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga, Kimstughna) and 7 are movable. Karanas help fine-tune the auspiciousness of a tithi for specific activities.
Vara वार
The weekday — each vara is ruled by a planet: Ravivara (Sun), Somavara (Moon), Mangalavara (Mars), Budhavara (Mercury), Guruvara (Jupiter), Shukravara (Venus), Shanivara (Saturn). The ruling planet influences the character of the day and which activities are most favored.
Why Check the Panchang Daily?
For centuries, families, priests, and astrologers across India have consulted the Panchang before making any significant decision. It isn't superstition — it's a systematic method of aligning human activity with natural cycles.
Muhurat Selection
Find the most auspicious time for weddings, griha pravesh, mundan, namkaran, and other samskaras. The right muhurat combines a favorable tithi, nakshatra, yoga, and karana while avoiding Rahu Kaal.
Business & Finance
Start a new business, sign contracts, make investments, or open accounts during auspicious tithis and nakshatras. Many Indian businesses still consult the Panchang before major financial decisions.
Festival & Vrat Dates
Hindu festivals follow the lunar calendar — Diwali, Navratri, Karva Chauth, Ekadashi, and Pradosh Vrat dates all come from the Panchang. Accurate tithi calculations ensure you observe these on the correct day.
Daily Puja & Rituals
Know the ruling deity of the day, the appropriate mantras for the current nakshatra, and whether the tithi supports your planned worship. Brahma Muhurat and Abhijit Muhurat are the day's most sacred windows.
Travel & Journeys
Vedic tradition recommends checking the Panchang before long journeys. Certain nakshatras (like Ashwini, Mrigashira, Pushya, Revati) are considered ideal for travel, while Rahu Kaal should be avoided for departures.
Education & Learning
Vidyarambha (beginning of education) and joining a new course or school are traditionally timed using the Panchang. Nakshatras ruled by Mercury and Jupiter are especially valued for intellectual pursuits.
Panchang for Chennai
This Panchang is calculated specifically for Chennai using precise geographic coordinates (13.08°N, 80.27°E). Sunrise in Chennai on this day is at 06:26 AM and sunset at 05:47 PM — all time-dependent elements including tithi end times, Rahu Kaal, Yamaghanda, Gulika Kaal, Abhijit Muhurat, and Brahma Muhurat are derived from these local sun timings.
Because the Panchang is location-sensitive, the same date can show different tithi or nakshatra transition times in different cities. A tithi that ends at 3:42 PM in Chennai may end at a different time in another city due to the difference in sunrise. This is why it's important to use a Panchang calculated for your specific city rather than a generic national Panchang.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is today's tithi in Chennai?
The tithi on Monday, 21 December 2026 in Chennai is Shukla Dwadashi (Shukla Paksha). Tithi determines the nature of the lunar day and is used for festival observance, muhurat timing, and daily planning.
What is today's nakshatra in Chennai?
The nakshatra in Chennai on 21 December 2026 is Bharani (Pada 4). Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions used in Vedic astrology for muhurat selection, birth chart analysis, and daily planning.
What time is Rahu Kaal on 21 December 2026 in Chennai?
Rahu Kaal in Chennai on 21 December 2026 is from 07:51 to 09:16. Rahu Kaal is a daily inauspicious period lasting approximately 90 minutes, calculated from the local sunrise time. It is considered unfavorable for starting new ventures, signing contracts, or beginning journeys. The timing shifts each day of the week based on a fixed planetary order.
Is 21 December 2026 auspicious for starting new work?
The auspiciousness of any day depends on the combination of all five Panchang elements. On 21 December 2026 in Chennai, the tithi is Shukla Dwadashi, the nakshatra is Bharani, and the yoga is Siddha. For the best results, plan important activities during Abhijit Muhurat (11:44 – 12:29) and avoid Rahu Kaal (07:51 – 09:16). For a detailed muhurat analysis, use our Muhurat Finder.
How is Panchang different for each city?
The Panchang changes from city to city because all time-based calculations depend on the local sunrise and sunset. Sunrise in a western city like Mumbai occurs later than in an eastern city like Kolkata — this shifts the timing of Rahu Kaal, Yamaghanda, Gulika Kaal, Brahma Muhurat, Abhijit Muhurat, Choghadiya, and Hora. Even tithi and nakshatra transition times can fall on different sides of midnight, making a tithi "today" in one city but "tomorrow" in another. Always use a Panchang calculated for your specific location.
What is Abhijit Muhurat and when is it ?
Abhijit Muhurat is a universally auspicious period of approximately 48 minutes occurring around midday. It is considered favorable for almost all activities — starting new work, signing documents, travel, and religious ceremonies. In Chennai on 21 December 2026, Abhijit Muhurat falls between 11:44 and 12:29. The word "Abhijit" means "victorious" — it is named after the auspicious nakshatra that rules this time window.