Understanding Daily Panchang: Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga & Rahu Kaal

A traditional Hindu Panchang (पंचांग) consists of five core elements of time: Tithi (तिथि), Vara (वार), Nakshatra (नक्षत्र), Yoga (योग), and Karana (करण). Reading a Panchang accurately allows one to determine auspicious muhurats and avoid unpromising periods like Rahu Kaal.

The 5 Elements of Panchang

• 1. Tithi (तिथि): The lunar day based on the angular distance between the Sun and the Moon (e.g. Pratipada, Ekadashi, Purnima, Amavasya).
• 2. Vara (वार): The solar day of the week (Ravivara to Shanivara).
• 3. Nakshatra (नक्षत्र): The lunar mansion or star constellation occupied by the Moon.
• 4. Yoga (योग): The angular relationship between Sun and Moon positions (27 Yogas).
• 5. Karana (करण): Half of a Tithi (11 Karanas in total).

City-Specific Panchang Calculation

Because sunrise and sunset times vary across geographical locations, a Panchang calculated for Varanasi or Patna will differ by several minutes from Delhi or Mumbai. Accurate Panchang apps recalculate planetary positions specifically for your city's exact latitude and longitude.