What is Panchang and How to prepare and read it?
 

Panchang is an essential tool in Vedic Astrology and is used by astrologers and pundits to determine the most auspicious time for performing various activities. It is also used to determine the best times for fasting, taking medicine, and performing other daily rituals. Understanding the Panchang can help individuals make informed decisions and lead a more fulfilling life. Panchang is a traditional Hindu calendar that is used to determine auspicious and inauspicious timings for various events, such as weddings, starting new projects, and performing religious ceremonies. Panchang is derived from two words: "panch," which means "five," and "ang," which means "part." Therefore, Panchang refers to the five parts or components that make up the calendar.

The five components of Panchang are as follows:

Tithi: Tithi refers to the lunar day or the phase of the moon. There are 30 tithis in a lunar month, and each tithi is believed to have a specific influence on the native's life.

Nakshatra: Nakshatra refers to the lunar mansion or the constellation in which the moon is located at a particular time. There are 27 nakshatras in total, and each nakshatra has its own unique characteristics and effects.

Yoga: Yoga refers to the combination of the sun and moon positions in the zodiac. There are 27 yogas in total, and each yoga is believed to have a specific influence on the native's life.

Karana: Karana refers to the half tithi or the time between two consecutive tithis. There are 11 karanas in total, and each karana is believed to have a specific influence on the native's life.

Var: Var refers to the weekday, and there are seven vars in total. Each day of the week is believed to have a specific influence on the native's life.

 

To prepare a Panchang, astrologers and pundits use astronomical calculations and ephemeris tables to determine the exact positions of the sun, moon, and other planets. They then use this information to determine the tithi, nakshatra, yoga, karana, and var for a particular day.

To read a Panchang, one must first know the date and location for which the Panchang is prepared. The Panchang will list the tithi, nakshatra, yoga, karana, and var for each day, along with other information such as sunrise, sunset, and planetary positions. It will also indicate whether the day is auspicious or inauspicious for various activities based on the combination of these factors.

Reading a Panchang requires some knowledge of Vedic Astrology and its terminology. It's best to consult with an astrologer or pundit to get a more detailed understanding of the Panchang and its implications for your life.

 

To understand the Panchang in the Vedic way, it is important to have some knowledge of Vedic Astrology and its principles. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Importance of Tithi: Tithi or lunar day is one of the most important components of the Panchang. It is believed that the tithi at the time of one's birth can have a significant influence on their life. Therefore, astrologers pay close attention to the tithi when preparing a horoscope or making predictions.

Nakshatra and Its Effects: Each nakshatra or lunar mansion is associated with a particular deity and has its own unique characteristics and effects. It is believed that the nakshatra at the time of one's birth can have a significant influence on their personality and destiny. Therefore, astrologers pay close attention to the nakshatra when preparing a horoscope or making predictions

Auspicious Yoga and Inauspicious Yoga: The combination of the sun and moon positions in the zodiac gives rise to different yogas, some of which are considered auspicious while others are considered inauspicious. For example, the Gajakesari yoga is considered very auspicious, while the Kemadruma yoga is considered very inauspicious.

Karana and Its Significance: Karana refers to the half tithi or the time between two consecutive tithis. Each karana is believed to have a specific influence on the native's life. Some karanas are considered auspicious for starting new ventures, while others are considered inauspicious.

Var and Its Effects: Each day of the week is associated with a particular planet and has its own unique characteristics and effects. For example, Sunday is associated with the sun and is considered auspicious for starting new projects or performing religious ceremonies.

By understanding these principles and the significance of each component of the Panchang, individuals can use this tool to make informed decisions and lead a more fulfilling life. It is important to consult with an experienced astrologer to understand the Panchang and its implications fully.

 

-       Punit Sharma

(Jyotish Acharya)