Sunday 1 January 2012

Panchang - An Introduction by Anju Anand

Panchang,  "ancient Indian Calendar system" is used by Vedic Astrologers to judge the auspiciousness of the time and is also used to calculate the Vedic birth chart or Janam Patrika of a person. A Panchang gives the exact time when a particular task can be undertaken to reap maximum benefits. Even Ayurveda remedies and herbs when administered under a particular Nakshtra are most effective

The actual casting of a Panchang involves elaborate mathematical work involving high level of spherical geometry and sound understanding of astronomical phenomena, such as sidereal movements of heavenly bodies.

“तिथि र्वारश्च नक्षत्रं योगः करणमेव च ।
तत्पञ्चाङ्गमिति प्रोक्तं ॥”- {वृहदवकहडाचक्रम, पंचांग प्रकरण, श्लोक 1}

तिथि, वार, नक्षत्र, योग, और करण – ये पाँच काल के अंग हैं ।

Panchang means an almanac. Indian almanacs usually give details of five important divisions, viz.
Tithi (lunar day), Day of week, Nakshtra (constellation), Nitya Yoga and Karana for the day. 

Benefits from use of Panchangam
Knowledge of Tithi bestows Wealth,
Knowledge of Vara increases, Longevity,
Knowledge of Nakshtra erases Sins help one dissolve bad karmas,
Knowledge of Yoga Cures Diseases and help one keep deep afflictions away,
Knowledge of Karana ensures Success in work, help one to get their desires fulfilled
The Sanskrit word P
anchangam (pancha, five; anga, limb), which refers to the five limbs of the calendar or the five parameters.
Any new venture commenced on a shubh tithi/muhurat will bring prosperity, a deed undertaken on the right day of the week – shubh Vara will enhance longevity. Any deed undertaken on a day with a favorable star or shubh Nakshtra will destroy ill effects on the person; diseases will disappear if deeds are performed at a time of shubh yoga and objectives will be achieved without hurdles if started during a shubh Karan

तिथिः विष्णुः तथा वारो नक्षत्रम विष्णुः एव च।
योगः कर्णम च एव सर्वम विष्णुमयं जगत॥