Today's Panchang

Panchang, also known as the Hindu calendar or Vedic almanac, is an ancient system of timekeeping used in Hindu astrology to determine auspicious and inauspicious timings.

It provides details about sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset, Tithi (lunar day), Nakshatra (constellation), Yoga, Karana, and Var (weekday).

Panchang plays a vital role in deciding the right time for pujas, festivals, weddings, and other rituals, helping devotees align their daily activities with cosmic and planetary movements for spiritual harmony and success.

The five essential elements of Panchang are Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, and Var.

• Tithi – represents the lunar day and determines festivals and fasts.
• Nakshatra – signifies the constellation in which the moon resides and influences personality and emotions.
• Yoga – reflects the combined motion of the Sun and Moon and reveals the quality of the day.
• Karana – is half of a Tithi and is used for determining auspicious timings.
• Var (weekday) – ruled by a particular planet and defines the day’s nature.

Together, these five elements form the foundation of the Hindu calendar and guide daily astrological calculations.

Panchang is location-specific because the positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets vary with geographical coordinates.

The timing of sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset differs from city to city, making each Panchang unique.

For accurate results, always refer to a local Panchang or city-specific Hindu calendar to ensure correct Muhurat and Tithi timings for rituals and events.

Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is purely solar, Panchang combines both lunar and solar movements to calculate days, months, and festivals.

It not only lists dates but provides deep astrological insight into auspicious muhurats, Yogas, and planetary influences.

While a modern calendar tracks civil time, Panchang serves as a spiritual and cosmic guide that harmonizes daily life with celestial rhythms.

Brahma Muhurta is a sacred period occurring about 1.5 hours before sunrise, as mentioned in the Panchang.

It is the most auspicious time for meditation, study, and spiritual practices.

During this period, the mind remains calm and receptive, making it ideal for learning, chanting mantras, and connecting with the divine.

Praying during Brahma Muhurta enhances concentration, wisdom, and well-being.

Rahu Kaal is an inauspicious period ruled by the shadow planet Rahu, as noted in the Panchang.

It occurs daily and varies based on sunrise and sunset timings.

During Rahu Kaal, one should avoid starting new ventures, signing contracts, or performing auspicious rituals, as it may bring delays or obstacles.

However, spiritual activities like meditation or mantra chanting remain unaffected.

Abhijit Muhurta is a highly auspicious time around midday, lasting approximately 48 minutes.

It is ruled by Lord Vishnu and is used when no other favorable Muhurat is available.

During this time, one may start new ventures, perform pujas, or make important decisions.

Many astrologers consider it a universal good time that cancels minor inauspicious influences.

Vijay Muhurta means ‘the victorious moment’ — an auspicious time determined through Panchang.

It usually occurs in the afternoon and is ideal for journeys, business deals, or success-oriented projects.

Activities begun during Vijay Muhurta bring positive outcomes, courage, and prosperity, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Panchang plays a crucial role in fixing the dates of Hindu festivals and fasts (vrats).

Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Navratri, Janmashtami, and Shivratri are determined based on Tithi and Nakshatra.

It also marks fasting days such as Ekadashi, Purnima, Amavasya, Pradosha, and Sankashti.

Each fast has spiritual significance and is dedicated to specific deities like Lord Vishnu, Shiva, or Ganesha.

Panchang lists various Yogas based on the Sun–Moon angular relationship.

• Auspicious Yogas — Sarvartha Siddhi, Amrit Siddhi, Ravi Pushya, Guru Pushya — favorable for new tasks, investments, or journeys.
• Inauspicious Yogas — Bhadra, Panchaka, Ganda Moola — periods to avoid major activities.

These Yogas influence the energy of a day, guiding astrological and spiritual planning.

Moonrise time, as given in the Panchang, holds great significance in Hindu fasting and worship.

Fasts like Sankashti Chaturthi and Janmashtami begin only after moonrise.

Since moonrise timing varies daily and by location, Panchang provides accurate moonrise data to ensure rituals are performed at the correct time.

Sankalpa is the ritual declaration of intent performed before any puja or ceremony.

During Sankalpa, the devotee mentions Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, and planetary positions.

This aligns the ritual with cosmic energy, ensuring it is spiritually precise and astrologically correct.

Today’s Panchang gives real-time details of Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, weekday, and timings of sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset.

It highlights key intervals like Rahu Kaal, Gulikai Kaal, and Abhijit Muhurta.

Many online Panchang tools also display the daily Choghadiya, lunar month, and Vikram Samvat year for complete astrological insight.

The Hindu Panchang is a lunisolar calendar, combining lunar phases and solar movements, unlike the Western Gregorian calendar, which is purely solar.

Panchang divides time by Tithis and Nakshatras, essential for festivals, fasts, and auspicious muhurats.

It also includes planetary Yogas, eclipses, and celestial events, serving as a spiritual and astrological guide, not just a date tracker.

Panchang acts as a daily astrological guide to plan activities in harmony with cosmic energy.

By understanding Tithi, Nakshatra, and Yogas, one can choose the best times for new ventures, rituals, or travel.

Farmers, astrologers, and devotees rely on it to align actions with favorable planetary influences, promoting balance, prosperity, and peace.