The Panchang (or Panchangam) is an ancient Hindu calendar system that provides vital astrological information for determining auspicious times and dates. Used widely across South India, especially in Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil communities, the Panchang serves as a spiritual and practical guide for daily life.

Key Components of Panchang

Panchang derives its name from five (“panch”) essential elements (“angas”) that form its structure:

• Tithi – Lunar day based on moon’s position relative to sun
• Nakshatra – Constellation or lunar mansion the moon is in
• Yoga – Auspicious or inauspicious period based on sun-moon angle
• Karana – Half of a Tithi that indicates daily activities
• Vaara – Day of the week

Regional Variations

While the core principles remain consistent, Panchang calculations vary by region and tradition:

Practical Applications

The Panchang is consulted for numerous purposes:

• Determining auspicious dates for weddings, housewarming, and business ventures
• Scheduling religious ceremonies and festivals
• Identifying favorable times for travel or new beginnings
• Planning agricultural activities according to lunar cycles
• Personal spiritual practices and fasting days

Scientific Basis

While deeply spiritual, Panchang calculations have astronomical foundations. The positions of the moon, sun, and constellations are precisely calculated using complex mathematical formulas passed down through generations of Vedic scholars.

Modern Panchang applications combine ancient wisdom with technology to provide accurate, personalized information based on your specific location and language preference.