Panchang - The Vedic Almanac
Panchang consists of five (pancha) elements (anga) that determine the quality of any moment in time. Understanding these elements helps in selecting auspicious times for important activities.
Tithi
Lunar Day
16 types
Vara
Weekday
7 days
Nakshatra
Lunar Mansion
27 stars
Yoga
Sun-Moon Yoga
27 yogas
Karana
Half Tithi
11 types
Tithi - Lunar Days
30 lunar days based on Moon's phase relative to Sun
Vara - Weekdays
7 days ruled by planets with specific qualities
Nitya Yoga - Daily Yogas
27 yogas based on combined Sun-Moon position
Karana - Half Tithis
11 karanas - 7 recurring and 4 fixed
Understanding Panchang
Panchang (Sanskrit: पञ्चाङ्ग) literally means "five limbs" and refers to the five elements that define the quality of any given time. These are:
- Tithi - The lunar day based on Moon's angular distance from Sun
- Vara - The weekday with its ruling planet
- Nakshatra - The lunar mansion where Moon is positioned
- Yoga - The combined longitude of Sun and Moon
- Karana - Half of a tithi, determining specific activities
Together, these five elements are used in Muhurta (electional astrology) to select auspicious times for important events like marriage, business ventures, travel, and religious ceremonies.