Today's Panchang: Daily Tithi & Auspicious Timings

What is Panchang in Vedic Astrology?

In Vedic astrology, Panchang (Panch + Ang) is an ancient Indian calendar used to measure time and celestial positions. Before starting any auspicious work (marriage, housewarming, naming ceremony, mundan, etc.), Panchang Shuddhi is checked to ensure 100% success in that endeavor. It is primarily based on the movement of the Sun and the Moon.

5 Key Elements of Panchang

• Tithi (Lunar Day): This depends on the phases of the moon. There are 30 tithis in a month—15 in Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) and 15 in Krishna Paksha (waning moon).
• Vaar (Day of the Week): The 7 days of the week (Sunday to Saturday) are called Vaar. Each day is ruled by a specific planet.
• Nakshatra (Constellation): The celestial sphere is divided into 27 Nakshatras (e.g., Ashwini, Rohini, Pushya). The Nakshatra the moon is passing through is the Nakshatra of the day.
• Yoga: Formed by the specific distance between the Sun and the Moon. There are 27 Yogas in total (some auspicious and some inauspicious).
• Karana: Half of a Tithi is called a Karana. There are 11 Karanas in total (Bava, Balava, Kaulava, etc.).

Types of Panchang in India and Regional Beliefs

India is a land of diversity, so different regions follow different calculations for their Panchang:

• Purnimant Panchang (North Indian): The month ends on 'Purnima' (Full Moon). This is followed in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and most parts of North India.
• Amavasyant Panchang (South Indian): The month ends on 'Amavasya' (New Moon). This causes a 15-day difference in the start of the months between North and South India. It is prevalent in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and South India.
• Solar Calendar (Saur Panchang): Based on the Sun's transit into a zodiac sign (Sankranti). It is widely used in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, and Punjab.

Popular Panchangs: Vikram Samvat and Shaka Samvat (National Calendar) are the most recognized. Apart from these, Hrishikesh Panchang of Kashi, Thakur Prasad Calendar, Bhuvan Vijay Panchang, and Kalnirnay of Maharashtra are widely used in Indian households.

Zodiac Signs: Difference between Sun, Moon, and Ascendant Signs

People are often confused about their actual zodiac sign. In astrology, there are three main signs:

• Moon Sign (Chandra Rashi): The zodiac sign the Moon is transiting at the time of birth. In Indian (Vedic) Astrology, daily horoscopes, naming ceremonies, and matchmaking are all based on this Moon Sign.
• Sun Sign (Surya Rashi): The zodiac sign the Sun is in at the time of birth. Western astrology completely relies on this. Most monthly horoscopes found on the internet are based on the Sun sign.
• Ascendant Sign (Lagna Rashi): The zodiac sign rising on the Eastern Horizon at the exact time of birth. This becomes the First House of the birth chart. It most accurately represents your physical appearance, true nature, and overall personality.