What Is Panchang? Your Daily Guide to Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, and Karana

The Panchang is the Vedic calendar — "panch" (five) + "ang" (limb). Every day, it tracks five elements that traditional astrology uses to judge whether a day supports or obstructs a given activity. Here's how to read it.

The five limbs of the Panchang

1) Tithi (lunar day)

The Moon's phase position, from Pratipada (day 1) to Purnima (full moon) or Amavasya (new moon). Certain tithis are considered ideal for beginnings — Dwitiya, Tritiya, Panchami, Saptami, Dashami, Ekadashi, and Trayodashi — while others like Chaturthi, Navami, and Chaturdashi are traditionally avoided for auspicious work.

2) Nakshatra (lunar mansion)

The Moon's position among 27 nakshatras. Each nakshatra carries a character — Rohini favors growth and creativity, Hasta favors skill-based work, Anuradha favors friendship and devotion. Matching the day's nakshatra to your task is the core of muhurat selection.

3) Yoga (Sun–Moon angular relationship)

27 yogas computed from the combined longitudes of the Sun and Moon. Some, like Siddhi and Amrita, are considered highly auspicious; others, like Vyatipata and Vaidhriti, are avoided for important work.

4) Karana (half-tithi)

Each tithi splits into two karanas. Seven movable karanas cycle through the month, plus four fixed ones. Bhadra (Vishti) karana is the one most people watch out for — traditionally inauspicious for beginnings.

5) Vaar (weekday)

Each day carries its ruling planet's nature — Tuesday (Mars) for courage and action, Thursday (Jupiter) for learning and auspicious beginnings, Saturday (Saturn) for discipline and labor.

How people actually use the Panchang

• Choosing muhurats — wedding dates, griha pravesh (housewarming), business launches, and travel are timed to days when the five limbs align favorably
• Daily planning — checking Rahu Kaal (the inauspicious window each day) before scheduling important meetings
• Fasting and festivals — Ekadashi, Purnima, and Amavasya observances all follow the tithi

Check today's Panchang

Rather than computing all of this by hand, see the ready daily Panchang with tithi, nakshatra, shubh muhurat timings, and Rahu Kaal: https://astrobooth.in/panchang

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Panchang and a calendar?

A regular calendar tracks solar dates. The Panchang tracks lunar-solar elements (tithi, nakshatra, yoga, karana, vaar) used to evaluate the quality of each day.

What is Rahu Kaal?

A roughly 90-minute window each day, varying by weekday and location, traditionally avoided for starting important work.

Is the Panchang the same across India?

The underlying astronomy is the same, but regional traditions (and sunrise-based day boundaries) can shift tithi timings by location.

For education and personal reflection. Astrology is not a substitute for medical, legal or financial advice.