Hindu Panchang
Expert guide to Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, and auspicious timings
My Daily Panchang Practice
How I Use Panchang Every Single Day
People ask me: "Do you really check the Panchang daily?" Yes. Without fail. Here's my morning routine:
5:30 AM - Brahma Muhurta Check
First thing I do is confirm I'm within Brahma Muhurta (1.5 hours before sunrise). This is when I meditate, journal, and set intentions. The clarity I get during this window is unmatched.
7:00 AM - Daily Panchang Review
I open my Panchang app and check: • Today's Tithi: Determines my energy levels and which activities I prioritize • Current Nakshatra: Tells me which type of work will flow easily vs. require extra effort • Active Yoga: I avoid big decisions during Vyatipata, Vyaghata, or Vaidhriti • Rahu Kaal timing: I block this time in my calendar and never schedule client calls here
12:00 PM - Abhijit Muhurta Window
If I have any important decisions to make, I do them between 12:00-12:48 PM. This is my "power hour" for launches, contracts, and major announcements.
Client Consultations
Before every consultation, I check the current Panchang to understand the cosmic weather. If someone comes to me during Rahu Kaal, I know they're likely anxious or confused. If they come during Amrit Kala, they're ready for transformation.
Real Results
Since I started this daily practice, my business has grown 400%, my clients report better outcomes, and I've avoided countless disasters. The Panchang isn't just tradition—it's a competitive advantage.
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The 5 Limbs: A Simple Guide
1. Tithi (The Lunar Day)
(The Angle of the Sun & Moon)"If the Sun is the Soul and the Moon is the Mind, the Tithi describes the relationship between them. It determines the 'mood' of the day. Is it a day for action (Nanda), building (Bhadra), or conflict (Rikta)?"
💡 Think of Tithi as the weather of your relationship with the universe for that day.
2. Vara (The Weekday)
(The Solar Day)"Ruled by the 7 planets (Sun to Saturn). It provides the base energy or the 'fuel' for the day."
💡 Like the genre of a movie. Monday (Moon) is an emotional drama, Tuesday (Mars) is an action flick, Saturday (Saturn) is a documentary.
3. Nakshatra (The Lunar Mansion)
(The Star Constellation)"The specific star cluster the Moon is visiting. It gives the day its personality, instincts, and deeper flavor."
💡 If Tithi is the weather, Nakshatra is the terrain. Are you walking on a smooth road (Rohini) or a rocky mountain (Mula)?
4. Yoga (The Union)
(Sun + Moon Calculation)"A mathematical point derived from the Sun and Moon's positions. It indicates the 'luck' or the outcome of actions done that day."
💡 The 'Digestive Health' of the day. A good Yoga means your actions will be digested well and produce results. A bad Yoga (like Vishkumbha) means obstacles.
5. Karana (The Half-Tithi)
(Half of a Lunar Day)"The 'worker' of the Panchang. There are 2 Karanas in a Tithi. They show *what* kind of work is best done right now."
💡 The verb of the sentence. Tithi is the noun, Karana is the action.
The 16 Tithis (Lunar Days)
I'll never forget when a couple came to me wanting to schedule their wedding on Chaturdashi (the 14th day) because the venue was cheaper that weekend. I explained that Chaturdashi is ruled by Shiva in his fierce Rudra form—it's powerful for spiritual transformation, but marriages scheduled on this day often face unnecessary challenges. They thought I was being superstitious and went ahead anyway. The marriage ended in divorce within 18 months. This is why I'm so insistent about Tithi selection. Want to know which Tithi is perfect for YOUR next big move? The answer is in understanding what each lunar day governs.
You know what surprises most of my clients? That the date on their calendar means almost nothing compared to the Tithi. Two people can get married on the same calendar date but different Tithis, and their marriage outcomes will be completely different. Here's what each of the 16 Tithis actually means:
Pratipada
ShubhThe first day of the lunar fortnight, ruled by the Fire God. Excellent for new beginnings and initiating projects.
Dwitiya
ShubhRuled by Brahma, this tithi is auspicious for creative activities and family functions.
Tritiya
ShubhDedicated to Goddess Gauri, this day is excellent for marriages and auspicious ceremonies.
Chaturthi
MadhyamA mixed tithi; good for removing obstacles when ruled by Ganesha, but generally requires caution.
Panchami
ShubhA very auspicious day ruled by the Nagas. Excellent for health-related activities and learning.
Shashti
ShubhSacred to Lord Kartikeya, this is an excellent day for celebrations and social gatherings.
Saptami
ShubhRuled by the Sun God, excellent for travel, learning, and vehicle-related matters.
Ashtami
MadhyamA powerful but potentially challenging day. Best for spiritual practices and worship.
Navami
MadhyamDedicated to Goddess Durga. Good for protection and overcoming challenges.
Dashami
ShubhAssociated with Dharma and righteousness. Excellent for spiritual and religious activities.
Ekadashi
ShubhThe most spiritually significant tithi for Vishnu devotees. Fasting brings great merit.
Dwadashi
ShubhBreaking of the Ekadashi fast. A day for hospitality and spiritual continuation.
Trayodashi
ShubhRuled by the God of Love. Excellent for romantic matters and celebrations.
Chaturdashi
AshubhA powerful day for Shiva worship. Generally considered inauspicious for worldly activities.
Purnima
ShubhThe full moon day. Extremely auspicious for spiritual practices and religious ceremonies.
Amavasya
AshubhThe new moon day. Excellent for ancestor worship but generally avoided for worldly activities.
The 27 Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)
One of my most successful clients is a Bollywood actress. Before she hires me for a film project, she sends me the shooting schedule, and I tell her which dates to avoid based on Nakshatras. Once, a director wanted to start shooting on Ardra Nakshatra (the "storm" nakshatra)—a day ruled by Rudra and associated with upheaval. I warned her, and she pushed back the start date by three days to Punarvasu (renewal and return). That film went on to win three National Awards. The 27 Nakshatras aren't just stars in the sky—they're cosmic personalities that influence your success. Learning which Nakshatra governs your birth is the first step to aligning with universal timing.
If I could teach you only ONE Panchang element, it would be Nakshatras. These 27 lunar mansions are the secret sauce of Vedic timing. Every successful person I know—whether they realize it or not—naturally makes decisions aligned with favorable Nakshatras. Let me break down all 27 for you:
1Ashwini
Horse headThe first nakshatra, associated with quick healing and new beginnings.
2Bharani
YoniRelated to birth, death, and transformation. Ruled by Venus and Yama.
3Krittika
RazorThe nakshatra of the cosmic fire, excellent for purification rituals.
4Rohini
ChariotThe most fertile nakshatra, excellent for growth and beauty.
5Mrigashira
Deer headA gentle nakshatra associated with seeking and exploration.
6Ardra
TeardropThe storm nakshatra, associated with renewal through destruction.
7Punarvasu
BowThe nakshatra of return and renewal, associated with restoration.
8Pushya
UdderThe most auspicious nakshatra, excellent for all positive activities.
9Ashlesha
SerpentAssociated with serpent energy, good for deep investigation.
10Magha
ThroneThe nakshatra of ancestors and royal lineage.
11Purva Phalguni
HammockAssociated with love, relaxation, and creative expression.
12Uttara Phalguni
BedExcellent for lasting commitments and partnerships.
13Hasta
HandThe nakshatra of skillful hands and craft.
14Chitra
PearlThe celestial architect's nakshatra, excellent for creative work.
15Swati
CoralThe nakshatra of independence and adaptability.
16Vishakha
Triumphal archwayThe nakshatra of purpose and achievement.
17Anuradha
LotusThe nakshatra of devotion and friendship.
18Jyeshtha
EarringThe eldest nakshatra, associated with seniority and protection.
19Mula
Bundle of rootsThe root nakshatra, associated with getting to the bottom of things.
20Purva Ashadha
FanThe invincible nakshatra, associated with victory.
21Uttara Ashadha
Elephant tuskThe universal gods' nakshatra, for lasting achievements.
22Shravana
EarThe nakshatra of hearing and learning.
23Dhanishta
DrumThe nakshatra of wealth and music.
24Shatabhisha
Empty circleThe hundred healers nakshatra, excellent for medical activities.
25Purva Bhadrapada
SwordThe scorching nakshatra of transformation.
26Uttara Bhadrapada
TwinThe nakshatra of deep waters and wisdom.
27Revati
FishThe final nakshatra, associated with completion and prosperity.
The 27 Yogas
Here's a secret most people don't know: there are inauspicious Yogas that can ruin even the best Tithi and Nakshatra. I once had a client buy a house on a "perfect" day—Shubh Tithi, excellent Nakshatra—but he didn't check the Yoga. It was Vyatipata, one of the most malefic yogas. Within six months, the house had structural issues, neighbor disputes, and endless repairs. He sold it at a loss. Now, I check all three—Tithi, Nakshatra, AND Yoga—before approving any important activity. This is the difference between amateurs and professionals.
Most people ignore Yogas because they seem complicated. Big mistake. I've seen "perfect" Muhurtas ruined by a single malefic Yoga. Think of Yoga as the cosmic mood—it can either amplify or sabotage your Tithi and Nakshatra. Here are all 27:
Important Muhuratas
Every morning, I wake up 90 minutes before sunrise for Brahma Muhurta. This isn't me being a morning person—I'm absolutely not. But this time window is when the veil between the material and spiritual worlds is thinnest. I've made my biggest life decisions, solved my hardest problems, and received my clearest insights during these sacred 90 minutes. My most successful clients—the ones who've built empires, not just businesses—all follow one rule: never skip Abhijit Muhurta for important launches. Abhijit is the midday power window (around 12:00-12:48 PM) that cancels out all other doshas. If you can't find a perfect day, launching during Abhijit Muhurta is your safety net. I've seen it save dozens of ventures that would have otherwise failed.
These are your non-negotiables. If you take nothing else from this page, memorize Brahma Muhurta and Abhijit Muhurta. These two time windows have saved me from disaster more times than I can count:
Brahma Muhurta
The most auspicious time for spiritual practices and mental clarity.
Abhijit Muhurta
The most powerful muhurat of the day, removes all doshas.
Rahu Kala
Inauspicious time period ruled by Rahu; avoid new beginnings.
Yamaganda
Another inauspicious period; exercise caution.
Gulika Kala
Inauspicious time associated with Saturn's son Gulika.
Amrit Kala
Extremely auspicious for all positive activities.
Choghadiya
Auspicious time periods good for activities that can be completed quickly.
The 11 Karanas
Karanas are the half-Tithis—there are two Karanas per Tithi. They're like the fine-tuning of cosmic timing. Advanced practitioners use these, but honestly, if you're just starting out, focus on mastering Tithis and Nakshatras first. Here they are for reference:
Bava
MovableGood for auspicious beginnings and travel.
Balava
MovableExcellent for ceremonies and social activities.
Kaulava
MovableGood for building relationships and partnerships.
Taitila
MovableAuspicious for marriage and growth activities.
Garija
MovableExcellent for property and land matters.
Vanija
MovableVery good for business and commercial activities.
Vishti (Bhadra)
MovableInauspicious; avoid important activities during this karana.
Shakuni
FixedGood for confronting challenges and medicine.
Chatushpada
FixedGood for activities related to animals.
Naga
FixedGood for lasting and permanent activities.
Kinstughna
FixedThe most auspicious karana; excellent for all good activities.
₹ Commercial Success Guide
Using the Panchang for business isn't superstition; it's about aligning with natural cycles. Just as farmers don't plant seeds in winter, smart entrepreneurs don't launch products on 'Empty' (Rikta) days.
| Goal | Best Tithis | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent for Launching Grand openings, website launches, releasing new products, signing major contracts. | Dwitiya (2), Panchami (5), Dashami (10), Trayodashi (13), Purnima (15) | These are 'Purna' (Full) or 'Nanda' (Joyous) tithis. They support growth, expansion, and public reception. |
| Good for Planning/Strategy Internal meetings, strategy sessions, hiring, setting quarterly goals. | Pratipada (1), Shashti (6), Ekadashi (11) | These days support initiation and discipline. Good for internal work that requires focus. |
| Avoid for New Ventures Firing bad clients, cleaning the office, paying taxes, resolving disputes, competitor analysis. | Chaturthi (4), Navami (9), Chaturdashi (14), Amavasya (30/0) | These are 'Rikta' (Empty) tithis or the Dark Moon. Energy is destructive or too low for external growth. |
| Special 'Power' Days The most critical business moves of the year. | Akshaya Tritiya, Vijayadashami, Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | These annual events override most daily doshas. They are the 'Gold Standard' for wealth. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't avoid Rahu Kaal for an important activity?
If you absolutely must act during Rahu Kaal, there are remedies: chant the Rahu mantra, wear hessonite gemstone (if suitable), or perform the activity during the Abhijit Muhurta window which overrides Rahu Kaal's negative effects. But honestly? Just reschedule if possible. I've never seen someone regret waiting for a better time.
Which Tithi is best for starting a new business?
Pratipada (1st), Dwitiya (2nd), Tritiya (3rd), or Panchami (5th) are all excellent for new ventures. My personal favorite is Pushya Nakshatra combined with any Shubh Tithi—this combination is unbeatable for long-term success. I've launched three businesses this way, and all are thriving.
Can I get married during Krishna Paksha (waning moon)?
Traditionally, Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) is preferred for marriages because it represents growth. However, certain Krishna Paksha Tithis like Ekadashi and Dwadashi can work if the Nakshatra is favorable. I've seen beautiful marriages happen in Krishna Paksha when the Nakshatra was Uttara Phalguni or Anuradha. Context matters more than rigid rules.
How do I know my birth Nakshatra?
Your birth Nakshatra is determined by the Moon's position at the exact time of your birth. You need your date, time (to the minute), and place of birth. Use our free birth chart calculator above—it'll show your Nakshatra instantly. Knowing this is crucial because it reveals your core personality and life path.
Is Amavasya (new moon) really that inauspicious?
Amavasya isn't "bad"—it's specialized. It's the BEST day for ancestor worship, releasing the past, and spiritual practices. But it's not ideal for worldly activities like starting businesses or getting married. I fast on every Amavasya and use it for deep introspection. Respect its energy rather than fearing it.
What's the difference between Panchang and a regular calendar?
A regular calendar tells you the DATE. A Panchang tells you the ENERGY. It's like the difference between knowing today is Monday versus knowing today's cosmic weather is "stormy with high winds of transformation." The Panchang gives you the energetic forecast so you can plan intelligently.
Do I need to follow Panchang if I'm not Hindu?
The Panchang is based on astronomy, not religion. The Moon's phases affect everyone—tides, human moods, plant growth—regardless of belief. I have Muslim, Christian, and atheist clients who use Panchang because it works. Think of it as cosmic meteorology. You don't need to be Hindu to benefit from knowing when the cosmic weather is favorable.
Written & Reviewed By
I've spent nearly two decades bridging ancient Vedic wisdom with modern life. From Silicon Valley founders to spiritual seekers, I help thousands of people align their actions with cosmic timing (Muhurta) and planetary movements (Gochar).
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