In Hinduism, it is an ancient tradition to consult the Panchang before beginning any auspicious work. It is not just a calendar, but a collection of astrological calculations that tells us about the nature and energy of time. The word Panchang is made up of five parts, which represent the five major components of time.
Five Main Parts of the Panchang
The Panchang primarily contains detailed descriptions of these five components:
- Tithi: This represents the lunar day. Each month has 30 dates, divided into Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha.
- Var: This represents the day of the week (e.g., Monday, Tuesday).
- Nakshatra: This represents the group of stars in the celestial sphere. There are 27 constellations, each with its own special significance.
- Yoga: This refers to the specific position of the Sun and Moon. There are 27 types of yogas.
- Karan: This is half of the date. There are two Karanas in one Tithi.
Importance of Panchang in Daily Life
The use of Panchang is not limited to religious activities; it is also very useful in our daily lives.
- Knowledge of Auspicious and Inauspicious Times: The Panchang tells us about auspicious and inauspicious times (such as Abhijit Muhurta) and inauspicious times (such as Rahu Kaal), so that we can start important tasks at the right time.
- Fasts and Festivals: It gives us information about the exact dates of all religious fasts and festivals.
- Travel and New Undertakings: By looking at the Panchang, the most suitable time can be selected for activities like travel, house warming, starting a business, or marriage.
- Planetary Positions: It shows the times of sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset. Along with this, the position of the Sun and Moon in the zodiac sign is also mentioned.
In today's digital age, you can easily check today's Panchang online and plan your day according to the planetary positions.