How to Read Panchang

Panchang is a lunisolar calendar based on the positions of both the Moon and Sun, while the Gregorian calendar is purely solar-based. Panchang provides detailed astrological information including five elements (Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, and Vaar), which are essential for determining auspicious timings for religious ceremonies, marriages, and important life events in Hindu culture. The Gregorian calendar only tracks dates without any astrological significance.

Generally, Tithis 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 15 (Purnima) are considered auspicious for most activities. Tithis 4, 8, 9, and 14 (called Rikta Tithis) are often avoided for important activities like marriages or new ventures. However, the overall auspiciousness depends on the combination of all five elements (Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, Vaar) and the specific activity you're planning. Some Tithis are excellent for specific purposes—for example, Amavasya is ideal for Pitru Tarpan (ancestor worship).

Vishti (also called Bhadra) is one of the seven rotating Karanas and is considered highly inauspicious. It occurs approximately 4-5 times per month, lasting about 6 hours each time. During Bhadra Karana, it's advised to avoid starting new ventures, marriages, travel, important purchases, or any significant life decisions. However, Bhadra is considered less harmful when it falls during the night or when it's in certain zodiac signs. Always check the Panchang to see if Bhadra is active before planning important events.

While Panchang is especially important for major life events like marriages (Vivah), housewarming (Griha Pravesh), business launches, naming ceremonies (Naamkaran), and religious rituals, you can also use it for daily activities. For routine activities, checking basic elements like Tithi and Nakshatra is usually sufficient. For very important events like weddings, it's recommended to consult a qualified astrologer who can analyze your birth chart (Kundli) along with the Panchang.

Tithi is based on the Moon's position relative to the Sun. Since the Moon moves approximately 12 degrees per day, a Tithi completes when this 12-degree movement is achieved. This can happen at any time during the 24-hour period, not necessarily at midnight. That's why Panchang always shows the Tithi end time—for example, "Saptami till 14:30" means Saptami is active until 2:30 PM, after which Ashtami begins.

Gandmool Nakshatras are six specific Nakshatras (Ashwini, Ashlesha, Magha, Jyeshtha, Mula, and Revati) that occur at the junction of zodiac signs. Children born in these Nakshatras are said to require special Shanti (remedial) puja. For Muhurat selection, these Nakshatras—especially Ashlesha, Jyeshtha, and Mula—are generally avoided for major auspicious events like marriages, though each has its own specific significance and can be good for certain activities.

For marriages, Thursday (Guruvaar) and Friday (Shukravaar) are considered most auspicious as they're ruled by Jupiter (wisdom, prosperity) and Venus (love, harmony) respectively. Monday and Wednesday are also good. Tuesday and Saturday are generally avoided. Along with the day, ensure the Tithi is auspicious (2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, or Purnima), Nakshatra is favorable (Rohini, Mrigashira, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati), and Bhadra Karana is not active.