The Five Limbs of Panchang
The word Panchang derives from the Sanskrit words Pancha (five) and Anga (limbs). It constitutes the traditional astronomical calendar measuring the exact angular geometry between the Sun and Moon:
- Tithi (Lunar Day): Calculated as each 12-degree elongation of the Moon from the Sun. There are 30 Tithis across Shukla Paksha (waxing) and Krishna Paksha (waning).
- Nakshatra (Lunar Mansion): The 13°20' sector of the zodiac currently occupied by the Moon, indicating the prevailing cosmic archetype.
- Yoga (Solar-Lunar Union): 27 mathematical combinations of the longitudes of Sun and Moon reflecting collective emotional resonance.
- Karana (Half Lunar Day): Half of a Tithi (6 degrees of elongation), governing practical endeavors and material actions.
- Vaar (Solar Weekday): Governed by the seven visible planetary lords from Sunday (Sun) to Saturday (Saturn).
Auspicious & Inauspicious Muhurtas
Vedic time is qualitative, not merely quantitative. Certain intervals carry distinct gravitational and electromagnetic resonances:
- Abhijit Muhurta: The midday 48-minute period ruled by Lord Vishnu that destroys obstacles and blesses new endeavors.
- Rahu Kaal: A 90-minute daily window ruled by Rahu where commencement of long-term ventures is traditionally avoided.
- Brahma Muhurta: The 48 minutes preceding sunrise — optimal for meditation, pranayama, and sacred study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Tithi change at different times each day?
Because the Moon moves in an elliptical orbit at variable speeds (between 11° and 15° per day), a 12-degree elongation can take anywhere from 19 to 26 hours, causing Tithi boundaries to shift across standard clock hours.
How is Abhijit Muhurta calculated?
Abhijit Muhurta occurs during the 8th Muhurta of the day, approximately midway between local sunrise and sunset.