Learn — Guides & Articles
Everything you need to understand Panchangam, Tamil astrology, and Vedic timekeeping
New to Panchangam? Start here
Read these 5 articles in order to build a solid foundation.
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What is Panchangam?
The Hindu almanac and its five key astronomical elements — the best place to begin.
What is Thirukanitham?
How the Drik (astronomical) method differs from the traditional Vakya system.
What is Tithi?
The lunar day — the most important of the five Panchangam elements.
What is Vara?
The weekday in Panchangam — one of the five Pancha Angas and a key factor in muhurtham selection.
How is Rahu Kalam Calculated?
A practical example of how Panchangam timing rules work in everyday life.
Panchangam Basics
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What is Panchangam?
The Hindu almanac tracks five key astronomical elements every day — Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, and Vara. Learn what each limb means and why the Panchangam matters in Tamil culture.
What is Thirukanitham?
Thirukanitham is the Drik (astronomical) method of Panchangam calculation that uses live planetary positions instead of ancient formula tables. Understand how it differs from the traditional Vakya system.
Drik vs Vakya — Which is More Accurate?
A head-to-head comparison of the two Tamil Panchangam traditions: modern astronomical Drik calculation and the centuries-old Vakya formula system. See where they agree and where they diverge.
The Five Pancha Angas
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What is Tithi?
Tithi is the lunar day, defined by the angular distance between the Sun and Moon. There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month — learn their names, groupings, and astrological significance.
What is Vara?
Vara is the weekday element of Panchangam. Each of the 7 days is ruled by a planet and carries its own qualities. Learn the Tamil names, ruling planets, and muhurtham significance of all 7 Varams.
What is Nakshatra?
Nakshatra is the lunar mansion the Moon occupies each day. Discover all 27 Nakshatras, their ruling planets, presiding deities, and their role in muhurtham selection and Tamil astrology.
What is Yoga?
Panchanga Yoga is calculated from the combined sidereal longitudes of the Sun and Moon. There are 27 Yogas — some highly auspicious, some inauspicious — used for timing important events.
What is Karana?
Karana is half of a Tithi. There are 11 types — 7 movable and 4 fixed. Vishti Karana (Bhadra) is the most inauspicious and is universally avoided for ceremonies.
Key Concepts
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What is Chandrashtamam?
Chandrashtamam occurs when the Moon transits the 8th Rasi from your birth Rasi. Learn which Nakshatra groups are affected and which activities to avoid during this period.
What is Hora?
Hora (ஓரை) is a one-hour planetary period that cycles through the seven classical planets. Learn the Chaldean order, weekday rulers, and how Hora determines Nalla Neram in Tamil Panchangam.
How Calculations Work
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How is Rahu Kalam Calculated?
Step-by-step explanation of the Rahu Kalam formula using sunrise, day duration, and weekday. Includes the complete weekday lookup table and live timing for today.
How is Nalla Neram Calculated?
Nalla Neram is the daily auspicious "good time" in Tamil Panchangam. Learn how it is derived from Hora timing, weekday rules, and sunrise — with today's live timing included.
What is Lagna? (Udaya Lagna / Ascendant)
Lagna is the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at any moment. Learn what Udaya Lagna is, how it changes every ~2 hours, and its critical role in birth charts and muhurtham selection.
Ready to explore daily Panchangam data?