हिंदू पंचांग: तिथी, वार, नक्षत्र

• The Hindu Panchang is a traditional Indian almanac that provides important astronomical data and calculations.
• It is used to determine auspicious timings for various activities, festivals, and rituals.
• The Panchang includes five main elements: Tithi, Vara, Nakshatra, Yoga, and Karana.

Tithi

• Tithi refers to the lunar day, which is the time it takes for the Moon to increase its distance from the Sun by twelve degrees.
• There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, divided into two fortnights: Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase) and Krishna Paksha (the waning phase).

Vara

• Vara indicates the day of the week.
• The seven Varas are Ravivara (Sunday), Somavara (Monday), Mangalavara (Tuesday), Budhavara (Wednesday), Guruvara or Brihaspativara (Thursday), Shukravara (Friday), and Shanivara (Saturday).

Nakshatras

• Nakshatras are lunar constellations or divisions of the ecliptic through which the Moon passes.
• There are 27 Nakshatras, each spanning 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the zodiac.
• Each Nakshatra is associated with specific characteristics and influences.

Yoga

• Yoga refers to the angle between the Sun and the Moon.
• There are 27 Yogas, each with its own astrological significance.

Karana

• Karana is half of a Tithi.
• There are 11 Karanas, which repeat in a specific order within each lunar month.

Festivals and Rituals

• Hindu festivals and rituals are integral to the cultural and religious life of Hindus.
• These observances are often based on the lunar calendar and determined by the Panchang.
• Festivals mark important events in mythology, seasonal changes, and harvest times.
• Rituals include pujas, prayers, fasts, and ceremonies performed to honor deities, seek blessings, and fulfill religious duties.

Months of the Hindu Calendar

• The Hindu calendar has twelve months, each aligned with the lunar cycle.
• The names and characteristics of the months are as follows:

Chaitra

• The first month of the Hindu calendar, corresponding to March-April.
• It marks the beginning of the new year in many regions of India.
• Celebrated with festivals like Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Ram Navami.

Vaishakha

• The second month, corresponding to April-May.
• Known for the Vaishakha Snana (bathing in holy rivers) and Buddha Purnima.

Jyeshtha

• The third month, corresponding to May-June.
• Marked by hot weather and the Ganga Dussehra festival.

Ashadha

• The fourth month, corresponding to June-July.
• The period when the monsoon season starts, and observance of Guru Purnima takes place.

Shravana

• The fifth month, corresponding to July-August.
• Considered auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva, with many devotees observing fasts on Mondays (Shravana Somvar).

Bhadrapada

• The sixth month, corresponding to August-September.
• Celebrated with Ganesh Chaturthi, a major festival honoring Lord Ganesha.

Ashwin

• The seventh month, corresponding to September-October.
• Includes the Pitru Paksha (a period for honoring ancestors) and Navaratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Kartika

• The eighth month, corresponding to October-November.
• Celebrated with Diwali, the festival of lights.

Margashirsha

• The ninth month, corresponding to November-December.
• Considered auspicious for worshipping Lord Krishna.

Pausha

• The tenth month, corresponding to December-January.
• A period of colder weather and often associated with austerity.

Magha

• The eleventh month, corresponding to January-February.
• Marked by Magha Snana (bathing during Magha) and festivals like Makar Sankranti and Vasant Panchami.

Phalguna

• The twelfth month, corresponding to February-March.
• Celebrated with Holi, the festival of colors.

Nakshatras in Detail

• There are 27 Nakshatras, each associated with a specific range of the zodiac.
• Ashwini: 0° - 13°20' Aries; ruled by Ketu; associated with healing and new beginnings.
• Bharani: 13°20' - 26°40' Aries; ruled by Venus; associated with nurturing and transformation.
• Krittika: 26°40' Aries - 10° Taurus; ruled by the Sun; associated with sharpness and purification.
• Rohini: 10° - 23°20' Taurus; ruled by the Moon; associated with growth and beauty.
• Mrigashira: 23°20' Taurus - 6°40' Gemini; ruled by Mars; associated with curiosity and seeking.
• Ardra: 6°40' - 20° Gemini; ruled by Rahu; associated with intensity and transformation.
• Punarvasu: 20° Gemini - 3°20' Cancer; ruled by Jupiter; associated with renewal and abundance.
• Pushya: 3°20' - 16°40' Cancer; ruled by Saturn; associated with nourishment and care.
• Ashlesha: 16°40' - 30° Cancer; ruled by Mercury; associated with insight and hidden knowledge.
• Magha: 0° - 13°20' Leo; ruled by Ketu; associated with ancestry and power.
• Purva Phalguni: 13°20' - 26°40' Leo; ruled by Venus; associated with pleasure and creativity.
• Uttara Phalguni: 26°40' Leo - 10° Virgo; ruled by the Sun; associated with kindness and prosperity.
• Hasta: 10° - 23°20' Virgo; ruled by the Moon; associated with skill and craftsmanship.
• Chitra: 23°20' Virgo - 6°40' Libra; ruled by Mars; associated with beauty and artistry.
• Swati: 6°40' - 20° Libra; ruled by Rahu; associated with independence and balance.
• Vishakha: 20° Libra - 3°20' Scorpio; ruled by Jupiter; associated with purpose and focus.
• Anuradha: 3°20' - 16°40' Scorpio; ruled by Saturn; associated with friendship and devotion.
• Jyeshtha: 16°40' - 30° Scorpio; ruled by Mercury; associated with intensity and leadership.
• Mula: 0° - 13°20' Sagittarius; ruled by Ketu; associated with endings and transformation.
• Purva Ashadha: 13°20' - 26°40' Sagittarius; ruled by Venus; associated with purification and invigoration.
• Uttara Ashadha: 26°40' Sagittarius - 10° Capricorn; ruled by the Sun; associated with perseverance and responsibility.
• Shravana: 10° - 23°20' Capricorn; ruled by the Moon; associated with listening and learning.
• Dhanishta: 23°20' Capricorn - 6°40' Aquarius; ruled by Mars; associated with abundance and rhythm.
• Shatabhisha: 6°40' - 20° Aquarius; ruled by Rahu; associated with healing and mystery.
• Purva Bhadrapada: 20° Aquarius - 3°20' Pisces; ruled by Jupiter; associated with transformation and wisdom.
• Uttara Bhadrapada: 3°20' - 16°40' Pisces; ruled by Saturn; associated with compassion and sacrifice.
• Revati: 16°40' - 30° Pisces; ruled by Mercury; associated with completion and liberation.