Panchang

Although it is essential to have the knowledge of arithmetical calculations to understand Indian Astrology, but for the benefit of the common people, astrologers have devised a calendar ( Panchang ) with the help of which, and simple arithmetical calculations, one can have knowledge about planets, good or bad for him.

It is not necessary for a common man to be an astrologer in order to understand the Panchang. But for a smooth and systematic running of life, one should know how to interpret ' Phalita '.

Panchang means five organs to understand the Phalita. These five things are -

Tithi (Date)
Nakshatra (Group of stars)
Yoga (an auspicious moment)
Karan (Half of the part of Tithi)
Vaar (days of the week)

TITHI

Tithi is considered as the first phase or portion ( Kala ) of the 16 phases of the Moon. The 15 days, commencing from Amavasya (the last day of the dark half of a lunar month) to Purnima (Full moon), are called the Tithis of the Shukla-Paksha (brighter phase) and the days commencing from Purnima to Amavasya are called Krishna Paksha (darker phase).

In Indian Astrology, the calculation of the Tithis starts from Pratipada (The first day in each half of the lunar month) of the Shukla-Paksha. They are:

Pratipada.
Dwitiya.
Tritiya.
Chaturthi.
Panchami.
Shashthi.
Saptami.
Ashtami.
Navami.
Dashami.
Ekadasi.
Dwadashi.
Trayodashi.
Chaturdashi.
Purnima.

Similarly, in the Krishna-Paksha , starting from Pratipada till Chaturdashi, all the dates are same; the only difference being the fifteenth day which is Amavasya (Moonless night)

These fifteen days have been given five names.

NANDA( 1st,6th,11th & Friday )
BHADRA( 2nd,7th,12th & Wednesday )
JAYA( 3rd,8th,13th & Tuesday )
RIKTA( 4th,9th,14th & Saturday )
PURNA( 5th,10th, 15th & Thursday )

If the above mentioned days falls on the given Tithis it is considered as auspicious and the work taken in hand in successfully accomplished. For example (if, 1st, 6th 11th falls on Friday, 2nd, 7th, 12th falls on Wednesday etc.)

INAUSPICIOUS DAYS:- The following days (Tithis) are considered to be inauspicious, and there is a fear of hurdles, obstructing the accomplishment of the work. The names of these auspicious days have been given as follows:

The dates are considered to be inauspicious if it falls on the following days

If 12th day and 4th day of the months falls on Sunday and 11th & 6th falls on Monday and 5th & 7th falls on Tuesday respectively, they are considered as inauspicious.

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