Panchanga — Five Elements of the Vedic Day

Tithi

The lunar day — one of 30 tithis in the lunar month. Tithi governs the nature of the day's energy: growth tithis for initiations, Purnima/Amavasya for intensification and restraint.

Vara

The weekday lord (Sun on Ravivar, Moon on Somavar, etc.) provides the foundational planetary energy of each day. Matching the day's lord to the activity significantly affects muhurtha selection.

Nakshatra

The nakshatra the Moon transits on a given day determines its emotional and instinctual quality. Specific nakshatras are more supportive for travel, commerce, learning, or spiritual practice.

Yoga & Karana

Yoga is the sum of Sun and Moon degrees (27 yogas, from Vishkambha to Vaidhriti). Karana is the half-tithi (11 karanas). Both refine the quality of action timing within the day.

Which Panchanga element is most important for muhurtha?

All five must be considered, but Nakshatra carries the most weight in muhurtha selection — the Moon's nakshatra sets the quality of the undertaking. After Nakshatra, Tithi matters greatly: waxing tithis (1–14) favour growth; waning (16–29) favour completion. Vara sets the planetary tone, and avoiding inauspicious Yogas (Vishkambha, Parigha, Vyatipata, Vaidhriti) is important.

Does AstroShri personalise Panchanga for my chart?

Yes. AstroShri cross-references each day's Nakshatra against your natal Janma Nakshatra (birth star) to flag Tarabala (star strength) — the 9-star cycle of favourable, neutral, and challenging days unique to your birth star. It also checks the day's Tithi lord against your natal house significations.

What is Chandra Bala?

Chandra Bala is the strength of the transiting Moon relative to your natal Moon sign. When the transit Moon is in the 3rd, 6th, 10th, or 11th sign from your natal Moon, Chandra Bala is considered strong — these positions favour undertakings. The 1st, 5th, and 9th (on Purnima) are neutral; the 4th, 8th, and 12th are weak Chandra Bala days.