Panchang & Muhurat6 min read · Updated 2026-06
The Panchang is the five-limbed Vedic calendar that governs muhurat, festivals and daily life. Learn its five components and how it is used.
Panchang literally means 'five limbs', and the Vedic almanac is built from five astronomical elements calculated for a given day, time and place: Tithi (lunar day), Vara (weekday), Nakshatra (the Moon's star), Yoga (a Sun-Moon angular combination), and Karana (half a tithi).
Together these five define the quality of any given moment and are the foundation for choosing auspicious times, observing festivals, and understanding the spiritual texture of the day.
The Tithi is the lunar day, measured by the angular distance between the Sun and Moon, with thirty tithis from new Moon to new Moon. Tithis govern many vrats and festivals — Ekadashi, Purnima and Amavasya are all tithis.
The Vara is simply the weekday, each ruled by a planet: Sunday by the Sun, Monday the Moon, Tuesday Mars, and so on. The ruling planet colours the day's natural energy and the activities it favours.
The Nakshatra is the lunar mansion the Moon occupies that day, central to muhurat selection. The Yoga (one of 27 named combinations, not to be confused with chart yogas) is derived from the combined longitudes of Sun and Moon and adds an auspicious or inauspicious flavour. The Karana is half a tithi, with eleven types that influence the success of undertakings.
An astrologer or a Panchang app combines all five limbs to judge whether a moment is fit for a particular action.
The Panchang is the practical bridge between astronomy and daily Hindu life. It fixes the dates of festivals and fasts, identifies auspicious windows (muhurat) and inauspicious periods like Rahu Kaal, and guides everything from weddings to housewarmings.
Because every element is location- and time-specific, a proper Panchang is always calculated for your city and date rather than read from a generic table.
They are Tithi (lunar day), Vara (weekday), Nakshatra (lunar mansion), Yoga and Karana.
A Tithi is a lunar day defined by the angle between the Sun and Moon, with thirty tithis in each lunar month.
Because sunrise, the Moon's position and timings vary by location, an accurate Panchang must be cast for your city and date.
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