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What Is Panchang? Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana Explained

Panchang (पंचांग) means "five limbs" — the five elements of the Vedic daily calendar.

The Five Limbs

• Tithi — the lunar day (1–30), the Moon–Sun elongation. Festivals follow tithis, not dates.
• Vara — the weekday, ruled by a planet (Monday = Moon... Saturday = Saturn).
• Nakshatra — the lunar mansion occupied by the Moon today.
• Yoga — the Sun–Moon combined position; 27 yogas cycle.
• Karana — half a tithi; 11 karanas in rotation.

Why It Matters

Shubh muhurta (auspicious timing) for weddings, griha pravesh, starting a business — all are chosen from panchang. Even Ekadashi fasting follows the tithi, not the weekday.

Key Tithis to Know

• Amavasya — new moon: ancestor rituals (shraddha)
• Purnima — full moon: gratitude, satyanarayan puja
• Ekadashi — 11th tithi: fasting and cleansing

Today's Panchang

See today's tithi, nakshatra and shubh muhurta in our free Panchang calendar — updated daily, IST.