We often hear the word Panchangam used in religious and generally in the public. It is considered as an important and indispensable document to the practicing Hindu House – hold and to the Hindu religious institutions like temples, Maths ,schools and sabhas.
What is it ??
It is Five – fold reference , has a dual interpretation.
In the first place , it provides five fold information.
The Year - Samvatsara
The location of the SUN - Ayana
The season - Ritu
The month - Masa
The stage of the moon - Sukla / krishn paksha ( waxing / waning)
Secondly , it provides information on the
angas ( principal elements ) of a lunar day, viz tithi ( numerical sequence from the New Moon or the Full Moon)
vasara – the day of the week
nakshatra - the star among the 27 principal stars associated with the Moon )
Yoga - one of the aspects of the day
Karana – one of 11 parts of a day
The Panchangam also provides the accurate astronomical data dealing with the rotation of and the revolution of the planetary bodies, giving the precise duration of celestial phenomena like eclipses .It is a reference manual for astrologers to cast horoscopes and choose auspicious day, time , etc for rituals , celebrations, functions like weddings etc. It also contains forecast of weather and prospects for agriculture, trade , house construction and industry.
( courtesy Sri Nrisimha Priya Eng July 2009)
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