Introduction to Panchangam
The Panchangam is a traditional Hindu calendar and almanac that provides detailed astronomical and astrological information used to determine auspicious timings, religious observances, festivals, and daily rituals. The word Panchangam comes from the Sanskrit words Pancha (five) and Anga (limbs), meaning the five essential elements that make up the Hindu calendar system.
In Sri Vaishnava tradition, the Panchangam is an important guide for performing daily worship, observing religious fasts, celebrating festivals, and determining auspicious times for various activities such as marriages, naming ceremonies, housewarming rituals, and temple events.
The Sri Vaishnava Panchangam typically follows the Tamil calendar and integrates both astronomical calculations and spiritual traditions followed by Vaishnava temples and households.
This Panchangam is based on the traditional Tamil year Parapava Varusham, which forms part of the sixty-year Tamil cycle used in Hindu calendrical calculations.
The complete Panchangam for this year can be referred to in the traditional almanac.
Download the full Panchangam here:
Sri Vaishnava Panchangam – Parapava Varusham (PDF)
What is Panchangam?
The Panchangam provides detailed information about the position of the Sun, Moon, and other celestial bodies. Based on these astronomical calculations, the Panchangam determines:
- Daily tithi (lunar day)
- Nakshatram (star constellation)
- Yoga
- Karana
- Important festival days
- Rahu Kalam and Yamagandam timings
- Auspicious and inauspicious periods
- Religious observances and fasts
For centuries, devotees have relied on the Panchangam to align their daily activities with cosmic and spiritual harmony.
The Five Limbs of Panchangam
The Panchangam consists of five fundamental components known as the Pancha Angas.
These five elements are:
- Tithi
- Vara
- Nakshatra
- Yoga
- Karana
Each of these elements carries important significance in determining the nature of the day.
1. Tithi (Lunar Day)
Tithi refers to the lunar day and is determined by the angular distance between the Sun and the Moon. Each lunar month consists of 30 tithis, divided into two phases:
Shukla Paksha
The waxing phase of the Moon.
Krishna Paksha
The waning phase of the Moon.
Important tithis include:
- Ekadasi
- Amavasya
- Purnima
- Chaturthi
- Sashti
In Sri Vaishnava tradition, Ekadasi is particularly important and is observed as a fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
2. Vara (Weekday)
The Vara represents the day of the week. Each day is associated with a particular deity and planetary influence.
The seven weekdays are:
| Day | Associated Planet | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Sun | Energy and authority |
| Monday | Moon | Calmness and devotion |
| Tuesday | Mars | Strength and courage |
| Wednesday | Mercury | Knowledge and communication |
| Thursday | Jupiter | Spiritual wisdom |
| Friday | Venus | Prosperity and harmony |
| Saturday | Saturn | Discipline and karma |
Devotees often perform special prayers depending on the weekday.
3. Nakshatra (Star Constellation)
The Nakshatra represents the position of the Moon in one of the 27 constellations.
These include:
- Ashwini
- Bharani
- Krittika
- Rohini
- Mrigashira
- Ardra
- Punarvasu
- Pushya
- Ashlesha
- Magha
- Purva Phalguni
- Uttara Phalguni
- Hasta
- Chitra
- Swati
- Vishaka
- Anuradha
- Jyeshta
- Mula
- Purvashada
- Uttarashada
- Shravana
- Dhanishta
- Shatabhisha
- Purva Bhadrapada
- Uttara Bhadrapada
- Revati
Nakshatra plays an important role in astrology, marriage matching, and temple rituals.
4. Yoga
Yoga is calculated based on the combined position of the Sun and Moon.
There are 27 yogas, each influencing the nature of the day.
Some examples include:
- Vishkambha
- Preeti
- Ayushman
- Saubhagya
- Shobhana
- Siddhi
- Vyatipata
- Variyan
- Parigha
- Shiva
- Siddha
Certain yogas are considered highly auspicious for performing religious ceremonies.
5. Karana
Karana represents half of a tithi and is used to determine the suitability of performing activities.
There are 11 Karanas, including:
- Bava
- Balava
- Kaulava
- Taitila
- Garaja
- Vanija
- Vishti
- Shakuni
- Chatushpada
- Naga
- Kimstughna
Some Karanas are considered highly favorable, while others are avoided for important events.
Important Daily Timings in Panchangam
Apart from the five main components, the Panchangam also provides several daily time periods.
These include:
Rahu Kalam
Rahu Kalam is considered an inauspicious time period for starting important activities.
However, devotional practices such as prayers and temple visits are permitted.
Yamagandam
Yamagandam is another period considered unfavorable for initiating new ventures.
Gulikai Kalam
Gulikai Kalam is believed to have neutral effects and is often associated with Saturn.
Abhijit Muhurtham
Abhijit Muhurtham is considered one of the most auspicious times during the day and is often used for important activities.
Panchangam and Sri Vaishnava Tradition
In Sri Vaishnava tradition, the Panchangam plays an essential role in determining:
- Ekadasi fasting days
- Temple festivals
- Divya Desam celebrations
- Religious rituals
- Auspicious timings for ceremonies
Many temples read the new Panchangam at the beginning of the Tamil New Year, announcing important festival dates for the year.
Devotees also consult the Panchangam before performing rituals such as:
- Upanayanam
- Marriage
- Gruhapravesam
- Naming ceremony
- Temple consecrations
Parapava Varusham
The Tamil calendar follows a 60-year cycle, with each year having a unique name.
The year Parapava is one of the sixty years in this traditional cycle.
The Tamil New Year usually begins in the month of Chithirai, when the Sun enters the zodiac sign Mesha (Aries).
This day is celebrated as Puthandu, marking the beginning of a new Tamil calendar year.
Devotees begin the new year with prayers, temple visits, and reading the Panchangam.
Importance of Panchangam in Daily Life
Even today, the Panchangam continues to guide devotees in their daily lives. To find today’s panchangam, click here.
It helps people:
- Choose auspicious times for important events
- Observe fasting days
- Celebrate religious festivals
- Perform temple rituals
- Maintain alignment with cosmic cycles
The Panchangam represents a beautiful blend of astronomy, astrology, and spiritual tradition.
Panchangam and Temple Festivals
Many temple festivals follow the Panchangam calendar.
Examples include:
- Vaikunta Ekadasi
- Rama Navami
- Narasimha Jayanti
- Krishna Jayanthi
- Brahmotsavam
- Panguni Uthiram
- Sri Rama Navami
Each festival is celebrated according to the tithi and nakshatra specified in the Panchangam.
Conclusion
The Panchangam is more than just a calendar. It is a sacred guide that connects the movements of celestial bodies with spiritual life.
For Sri Vaishnava devotees, the Panchangam helps maintain harmony between religious practices, temple traditions, and the natural cosmic order.
By following the Panchangam, devotees can perform rituals at the most auspicious times and observe important festivals in accordance with ancient traditions.
May the blessings of Sriman Narayana guide us throughout the year and bring prosperity, peace, and spiritual growth.