Time in Sanātana Dharma is not measured only by the ticking of a clock or the turning of a calendar. It is understood as a living rhythm of the cosmos, where the movements of the Sun, Moon, and planets shape the quality of each moment. The Panchāṅga—the traditional Hindu almanac—captures this rhythm. Derived from pancha (five) and anga (limbs), it records five key elements of time: Tithi (lunar day), Vara (weekday), Nakshatra (star), Yoga, and Karana.
Among these, Tithi, Nakshatra, and Yoga hold profound significance, influencing festivals, rituals, and personal activities. To understand them is to align daily life with cosmic harmony.
Tithi refers to a lunar day. It is the time taken for the Moon to move 12 degrees ahead of the Sun. There are 30 tithis in a lunar month, divided into two fortnights:
Each tithi carries its own energy and is associated with certain rituals:
The spiritual tone of each day depends on its tithi, making it the heartbeat of the lunar calendar.
Nakshatra means “that which never decays.” It refers to the 27 lunar constellations along the zodiac, each spanning 13°20’. The Moon’s position in a nakshatra on a given day shapes the qualities of that time.
From Ashwini to Revati, each nakshatra has a presiding deity, ruling planet, and symbolic power.
Nakshatras are central to muhurta (choosing auspicious times), astrology, and rituals. For example, marriages are often scheduled when the Moon occupies nakshatras favorable for union, like Rohini or Hasta.
In the Panchanga, Yoga refers to the angular relationship between the Sun and Moon, not to be confused with yogic practices. There are 27 yogas, calculated by adding the longitudes of the Sun and Moon and dividing the sum into segments of 13°20’.
Each yoga influences the subtle quality of time:
Yogas add nuance to the Panchanga, shaping whether a day is particularly supportive or challenging for certain actions.
Together, these three elements help determine the spiritual texture of each day:
When combined with Vara (weekday) and Karana (half-tithi), the Panchanga provides a holistic view of time’s nature.
Most Hindu festivals are tied to specific tithis and nakshatras:
Without understanding tithi and nakshatra, the timing of these festivals would lose their cosmic alignment. Similarly, yogas influence the selection of muhurta for weddings, housewarmings, and sacred initiations.
The Panchanga is not about superstition but synchronization. By aligning with cosmic rhythms, devotees move in harmony with universal forces.
In this way, time itself becomes sadhana—a spiritual practice.
Even in modern life, Panchanga principles remain relevant:
Digital Panchangas and apps make it easier than ever to stay attuned to these rhythms, but the essence remains the same—living with awareness of cosmic time.
The Panchanga is not merely a calendar but a sacred map of time. Tithi measures the Moon’s dance with the Sun, nakshatra charts the Moon’s journey across the stars, and yoga reveals the subtle quality of their union. Together, they invite us to see each day not as empty hours but as opportunities shaped by cosmic forces.
To understand Tithi, Nakshatra, and Yoga is to rediscover that time itself is divine. When lived with awareness, every sunrise becomes an offering, every night a meditation, and every moment a step in harmony with the eternal rhythm of Sanātana Dharma.
🌸 Introduction In the vast expanse of Sanātana Dharma, every symbol is a living expression…
Introduction Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India…
Introduction Since time immemorial, mantras have formed the living heartbeat of Sanatana Dharma. Every mantra…
🌺 Introduction In the spiritual vocabulary of Sanātana Dharma, few terms are as profound and…
In the quiet folds of Karnataka’s Chikkaballapura district, about 60–70 km from Bengaluru, lies a…
In the serene village of Dodda Mallur, near Channapatna in Ramanagara district, stands one of…