Aaj Ka Panchang: How to Read Daily Tithi, Nakshatra, Rahu Kaal & Abhijit Muhurat
In traditional Vedic astrology (Jyotish Shastra), Panchang (पंचांग) literally means "Five Limbs" (पञ्च + अङ्ग). Before starting any auspicious work, embarking on a long journey, purchasing property, or performing religious rituals, checking today's Panchang ensures maximum alignment with positive cosmic energies while avoiding unfavorable planetary influences.
The 5 Core Elements of Daily Panchang (पंचांग के ५ प्रमुख अंग)
1. Tithi (तिथि) — Lunar Day
Tithi measures the angular distance between the Sun and Moon in 12-degree increments. A lunar month contains 30 Tithis split evenly into two fortnights: Shukla Paksha (शुक्ल पक्ष - Waxing Moon) and Krishna Paksha (कृष्ण पक्ष - Waning Moon).
Key Tithis: Pratipada (1st), Dwitiya (2nd), Panchami (5th), Ashtami (8th), Ekadashi (11th), Trayodashi (13th), Purnima (Full Moon), and Amavasya (New Moon).
2. Vara (वार) — Solar Day of the Week
The 7 days of the week governed by celestial planets: Ravivara (Sun), Somavara (Moon), Mangalavara (Mars), Budhavara (Mercury), Guruvara (Jupiter), Shukravara (Venus), and Shanivara (Saturn).
3. Nakshatra (नक्षत्र) — Lunar Mansion
The 27 stellar constellations through which the Moon travels (from Ashwini, Bharani, Rohini to Revati). The prevailing Nakshatra determines daily emotional and spiritual inclinations.
4. Yoga (योग) — Soli-Lunar Angle Combination
27 mathematical Yogas calculated from the sum of solar and lunar longitudes. Auspicious Yogas include Siddhi, Shubha, and Amrita, while Vyatipata and Vaidhriti are avoided for new beginnings.
5. Karana (करण) — Half of a Tithi
There are 11 Karanas in total (7 movable like Bava, Balava, Kaulava & 4 fixed like Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga, Kintughna). Bava and Taitila are favored for trade and agriculture.
Understanding Rahu Kaal & Abhijit Muhurat Timings
⚠️ Rahu Kaal (राहु काल) — Inauspicious Window
Rahu Kaal is a 90-minute period occurring every day ruled by the shadow planet Rahu. Starting a new business, signing contracts, buying property, or embarking on journey during Rahu Kaal is traditionally avoided.
Note: Rahu Kaal timing changes every single day based on local sunrise.
✨ Abhijit Muhurat (अभिजीत मुहूर्त) — Supreme Blessing
Occurring around midday (approx 48 minutes centered on solar noon), Abhijit Muhurat carries Lord Vishnu’s divine Sudarshana blessing. It is powerful enough to neutralize minor astrological blemishes.
Ideal for starting urgent tasks when no other muhurat is available.
Why City-Specific Latitude & Longitude Matters
Because the Sun rises earlier in East India (Patna, Kolkata, Varanasi) than West India (Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur), Rahu Kaal and Tithi end times vary by up to 45 minutes across different cities.
| City | State | Sunrise Shift vs Delhi IST Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Patna | Bihar | ~20 mins earlier |
| Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh | ~15 mins earlier |
| Jaipur | Rajasthan | ~10 mins later |
| Mumbai | Maharashtra | ~35 mins later than Kolkata |
Get City-Specific Aaj Ka Panchang Offline on Your Phone
Download the official Hindi Calendar 2027 App by Mahavyoma Studio on Google Play. Enjoy instant city selection for 20+ Indian cities, precise Rahu Kaal calculations, and offline Panchang sheets.