So basically, Panchang are the five limbs of the Vedic almanac, which are calculated as per the movement of the moon thru the sky, i.e., thru the various lunar constellations (nakshatras) and the various resulting celestial combinations that are formed in the process. Panchang helps priests and astrologers choose the right time for important occasions like weddings and funerals. It also helps people by outlining auspicious periods for important vrats or upavas, i.e., for ritualistic fasting and prayer-sadhanas.

The Hindus as well as others who follow the Vedic tradition, use panchang to plan their daily, weekly, and longer-term activities. It can be a useful guide for all aspects of life, from personal relationships to career goals. Depending on the time of a certain day, they can determine the best time to take important decisions and conduct crucial actions.

In addition, Panchang provides valuable information to astrologers. A good Panchang is an indispensable tool for the Vedic Astrologer (Jyotishi) which they need to refer in order to determine their predictions of key occurrences and events.

Panchang is also useful to an individual to ascertain the best time for major undertakings. It can be used to decipher the auspicious times for specific activities such as pooja (ritual-prayer), register a new business, inaugurate an importance place such as home or office and so on.

In olden days, people would traditionally start the day by reading the panchang for that day in the morning… to determine specific times for their daily activities.

In our modern context, we can utilize the power of Panchang along with a scheduling application to strategize and plan our key endeavors in a way that can benefit us to the maximum extent.
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We all know the effect moon has on our body and our surroundings. Right from high tidal waves to higher blood pressure have been linked with the moon’s motion. So, by referring to the Vedic panchang, we can harness this power of daily lunar transit to time our activities in a strategic manner to increase our chance of accomplishment and success. ​

If one is to do a simple search on the internet about Panchak Yoga, you will find many websites that give this information and more. There are some which explain ALL the terrible things that can happen if one is to conduct certain activities during the Panchak phase and then there are others that give remedial ideas. BUT the key is why does this Panchak phase exist? And what does it really mean?

Nakshatras like Revati and Dhanishta which are very auspicious otherwise in terms of worldly gains… why do we not perform auspicious activities when moon is traversing them? Though there are no authoritative shastras that explain this scenario, we can gain some insight into it from the basics of Jyotish (Vedic Astrology) itself!

When we consider the Kaal-Purush kundali, which is arrived at by considering Aries as the ascendant and indicates the natural positioning of the various houses. For the Kaal-Purush kundali, we find that the zodiac signs of Aquarius and Pieces fall in the 11th and 12th house respectively.

It is believed that the astrological houses 1 thru 10 are meant for this material world and that the houses 11th and 12th indicate our spiritual journey. That is the reason why we think of 11th house as the gains that we acquire from our work in this world (1 thru 10th house). 11th house also indicates our journey into the cosmic waters of Pieces in the 12th house. 

Now, moon indicates the progression of our Mann (loosely translated in English as the mind… though from the Yogic perspective, it encompasses much more than that) … Moon is also the storehouse of our Causal Body as indicated in Ayurveda and hence is also the dispenser of our karmas! If you have not read my article about  our 'many bodies' then, so check out:    Our Numerous "Bodies" (Understanding Karma & Karmic Clearing series)

When moon in transiting the last two spiritual houses of Aquarius and Pieces, would indicate a time when we should withdraw our energies from the material pursuits and instead focus on our spiritual self. This would be the time when we should focus on our spiritual progress and wellbeing. Instead if one is to continue with their material activities and pursuits, then it is but natural that they will not attain success, as the time would not be conducive for such mundane, material activities.

That would also explain why it is only the last two padas of Dhanishta nakshatra which is included in the Panchak Yoga, since the first two padas of Dhanishta fall in the zodiac sign of Capricorn and would be in the 10th house of the Kaal Purush Kundali.

Our Rishis were very scientific in their approach. Time was truly understood and best utilized to help us lead a successful life… materially as well as spiritually. That is the reason, our Rishis explained to us about time periods like the Abhijeet Kaal where we can take up material activities for positive, beneficial results and then there are also phases like the Panchak Kaal when we are better off refraining from worldly activities and instead should focus on our spiritual practice.

Tithi in Vedic Astrology is one of the most important concepts. Tithi is one of five elements in the Vedic (or Hindu) Panchang (Five Parts of the Vedic Calendar). The rest are Nakshatra, Yoga, Vara and Karana. Each Tithi lasts between 21.5 and 26 hours. Tithi also defines almost all Hindu festivals.

Tithi refers to the first phase/portion among the 16 phases of the lunar cycle. It indicates a lunar day. The complete waxing cycle (Shukla Paksha, or the brighter phase) has 15 tithis. It begins at Amavasya, the last day in the dark half of a lunar moon month and ends at Purnima the full Moon. The other 15 tithis, are part of the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha, or the darker phase), that begins at Amavasya and ends at Purnima. These tithis for the two phases are called the same, though their actual meaning and importance varies very greatly on if they fall within the waxing or the waning phase of the moon.
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Vedic astrology says that a person's birth Tithi can have a significant impact on their personality and life. Astrology also uses tithis to identify auspicious and unlucky muhurtas (special times) for significant occasions.

​Colloquially we find that Vedic Astrologers associate the waxing phase tithis with auspiciousness and material goodness, whereas they associate the waning phase tithis with ill-effects of a ‘malignant’ moon. Also, we find many references where these astrologers would define auspiciousness based on whether a person was born during the day or the night. BUT one needs to keep in mind, that Lord Krishna, who was the very divine incarnation on earth and was ‘sarva guna sampann’- i.e., he had all the desirable qualities and attributes, was born during the Krishna Paksha and that too at night!!

So, it is very important to consider the details mentioned within the classical texts with a bigger picture in mind. Are you simply looking to learn about the tithis and utilize them for mundane gains in life? ‘or’ are you looking to learn about the tithis and then utilize their knowledge to better your life in a conscious a-karm manner? The a-karm way, which was taught by Lord Krishna allows us to tarry thru the worst situations in life and in a way, defy what mundane astrology predicts for a person. The power of Divine Grace and Blessings is absolutely unsurpassed, and we always need to keep that in mind…
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Now coming back to tithis, a tithi is defined according to the Sun-Moon correlation. After the new moon (or the full moon as the case may be) the first Tithi falls 12 degrees from the Sun. The next 12-degree from the Sun is the second Tithi and so on. One needs to note that these tithis are not defined at sunrise. They can change at any hour of the day or night. 

​The Fifteen Tithi-s are called with specific names and there are many famous festivals associated with each tithi. Details are as follows:
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1. Pratipada- This is also called as Padva and the most famous first tithi day is the Bali Pratipada which falls during the festive time of Diwali.
2. Dooja- The most famous festival celebrated on the dooja tithi is the Bhai Dooj, which is also celebrated during the festive Diwali time and marks the special bond shared between a brother and sister.
3. Tritiya- The most famous festival celebrated on a Tritiya is the Akshaya Tritiya.
4. Chaturthi- The most famous festival celebrated on a Chaturthi is Ganesh Chaturthi.
5. Panchami- The most famous festival celebrated on a Panchami tithi is Nag Panchami.
6. Shashti- The most famous festivals celebrated on a Shashti tithi are the Skanda Shashti as well as the Surya Shashti.
7. Saptami- The most famous festival celebrated on a Saptami tithi is the Ratha Saptami.
8. Ashtami- The most famous festival celebrated on a Ashtami tithi is the Gokulashtami.
9. Navami- Ram Navami is the most famous festival that is celebrated on a navami tithi. It comes towards the end (9th day) of the Chaitra Navaratri… i.e., the special nine nights festival for the worship and celebration of Ma Durga at the start of Spring.
10. Dashami- Vijaya Dashami, which comes at the end of the Sharada Navaratri… i.e., the special festive time of nine nights for the worship and celebration of Ma Durga in the autumn months.
11. Ekadashi- The most famous festival celebrated on a Ekadashi tithi is the Devashayani Ekadashi which is also called as the Ashada Ekadashi as it falls in the Vedic month of Ashada.
12. Dwadashi- The most famous festival that is celebrated on a Dwadashi tithi is the Govatsa Dwadashi, which is dedicated to the worship of cows and calves.
13. Triyodashi- The most famous festival celebrated on a Triyodashi tithi is the Dhana Triyodashi, which is also celebrated during the festive days of Diwali.
14. Chaturdashi- Kali Chaudas and Anant Chaturdashi are the most famous festivals celebrated on a Chaturdashi tithi. Kali Chaudas is celebrated during the start of Diwali, right after Dhana Triyodashi and Anant Chaturdashi is celebrated at the end of the ten days special celebration of Lord Ganesh, which starts with Ganesh Chaturthi and ends with Anant Chaturdashi.
15. Purnima (or Amavasya)- There are many special festivals celebrated during the Purnima and Amavasya tithi of which, Guru Purnima and Hanuman Jayanti are the most famous festivals celebrated on a Purnima tithi and Laxmi Puja and Shani Jayanti are the most famous festivals celebrated on the Amavasya tithi.

In Vedic philosophy, time has an important role to play for various occasions in personal and professional life. Before starting any task or for special occasions, people check the “muhurta” – the auspicious time to start the work or any important event in one’s life.

​Muhurta is otherwise called as the unit of measurement for choosing a good time for any activity or event in professional and personal life. 

Normally, one muhurta is for approximately 48 minutes. One of the important occasions is starting of a business venture, marriage ceremony, naming of child, etc. There are some common principles followed to find out the best muhurta for a given activity. One among them is “rahu kalam”.

People try to avoid “rahu kalam” to start anything or to perform any auspicious task. But for an occasion in one’s personal life, the best time depends on the star / sign of that individual.  This is because, the best time can be calculated based on the position of the planets related with that individual, during that given point of time. Sun’s energy has high influence on finding the muhurta.  

Just like the influence of sun’s and moon’s gravitational force on the high and low tides in the ocean, planets has influence in the happenings in the life of living beings on the earth. There is a strong belief among the Hindus that if any event important started in the right time will succeed. Muhurta is always calculated with the help of Hindu calendar called “Panchang”. 

Important elements in determining auspicious timing are weekday, lunar day, star, yoga and karana.  Usually these are listed in the panchang. Astrologers are the people who choose the best muhurta.  The planetary positions and its effects on the living beings was discovered several ages before itself. These concepts are explained in Manu Samhita with scientific reasons. 

Selecting the muhurta increases the chances of success.  Astrology and Astronomy deals with these concepts in Hindu philosophy. Based on the astrological calculations and help of planetary positions for a given time, the astrologer tells about the auspicious time for the future. 

The “muhurta” for one occasion differs from other.  The best suitable muhurta for marriage may not be ideal for starting a business venture or signing of an agreement or buying/selling of property.  In modern days, people from many religious beliefs  are aware of the benefits of conducting work during a specific muhurta.

One easy  way to  find out about auspicious timing is to utilize the time of Abhijeet Muhurta. To learn more about  this,  check out these articles...

• What is the Abhijeet Nakshatra? Understanding the power of the Abhijeet Nakshatra- to become the Final and Supremely Victorious One!! 
• Timing is everything!! How you can better time your work and events to ensure most success in your endeavors

​In Jyotish, i.e., Vedic Astrology, we know that Rahu can help with positive manifestation like innovation and creative expression. But at the same time, Rahu energies can be erratic and many a times, it can also make us behave in excessive and compulsive ways. 

This ultimately seems to defeat the purpose and detracts us away from the positive Rahu qualities.

One of the simple remedial measures that has been suggested in ancient texts and suggested by several astrologers is to wear a silver chain or anklet on one’s left foot. Wearing this silver chain on the left foot, is believed to calm down and properly channel the Rahu energy in our life. And at the same time, this is believed to curb and control any negative Rahu tendencies in our actions. 

I am sure, if you are scientifically inclined, then you might be wondering why this remedy is suggested and how it works to help us? Here is one explanation I would like to postulate...
 
As we know silver metal is ruled by the moon and in Jyotish, moon represents our mind. It is because of this connection, that Rahu is believed to have maximum effect on the moon. Because any instability or excessive compulsive behaviors (all represented by Rahu) would be first experienced by the mind in any individual before they manifest in their physical form.
 
Rahu is the co-ruler of Aquarius which is the zodiac sign that represents the anklets (as per medical Jyotish). So, when we combine all these energy significations, it makes sense that by wrapping around a silver chain on our left ankle, we are symbolically and energetically ‘curbing our mind’ to ensure that it stays calm and works in a focused and channeled way instead of going astray by any excessive influences of Rahu.

Also, the silver chain when wrapped around in this manner, is energizing, and supporting the ankle, which would also symbolically indicate how the mind will stay strong and not get adversely influenced by Rahu (which co-rules the ankle- Aquarius).
 
Because of this reason, I would suggest that instead of merely wearing a silver anklet on the left foot, it is better to wrap a silver chain on the left ankle.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna declared that among the nakshatras (lunar mansions or constellations), he is the Abhijeet nakshatra. Abhijeet means one is who is Victorious- over everything and everyone. The one who is finally wins over all his foes and enemies- be they outside people or his own inner negative tendencies. The one who cannot be defeated- i.e., he who is supremely victorious!

Within the 28 nakshatra system, which indicates the creation of the mind- Abhijeet nakshatra is the 22 nakshatra. This nakshatra has been removed in the 27 nakshatra system, which is indicative of the creation of the body. It is not surprising since, real winning is first mental, within our mental make-up the outward physical manifestation of that victory is then bound to happen in time.
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If you do not believe me ask any Martial Arts expert- they will tell you that even the biggest guy with the fastest technique is no competition to the one- who is truly and deeply confident within himself about his power and ability to win. This is not about superficial ‘wanting’ to win or even ‘thinking’ about having the right talent to win- but knowing- deep and pure knowing that you can, and you will win. That is what Abhijeet represents.

​Three-fourth of this nakshatra is from Uttar Ashada (preceding it) and one-fourth is from Shravana (following it).  Because of this Abhijeet brings in the qualities of both these nakshatras and transforms them even more to make it “truly illustrious”.

​Now, coming back to Abhijeet nakshatra- it is made up of Uttar Ashada, which means- the latter victorious one and Shravan which means- to listen. Also, Uttar Ashada is ruled by Shiva (among the tri-murti rulers) and Shravana is ruled by Vishnu.

​So, Abhijeet forms the point within the nakshatra journey (or, we should rightly say, the soul journey thru the nakshatras) where it is able to receive blessings from Hari-Hara. A form of the Divine, which has the qualities of both Hari (Lord Vishnu) and Hara (Lord Shiva). The tri-murti lord of Abhijeet is Brahma. So, Abhijeet assimilates and expresses the qualities of ALL the three of the tri-murtis.

People having planets (grahas) in the Abhijeet nakshatra or having this nakshatra in any prominent position in their chart will find that they are drawn to the qualities of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu and they are better off assimilating the individual qualities of these two divinities and then utilizing them as necessary- depending on the situation that they are facing to ensure the best outcome. 

There is a time when one needs to be meditative and/or angry and there are times- where we need to work with calm diplomacy- each of these qualities are essential and the one who wants to be supremely victorious needs to know- when he/she should be utilizing which quality as well as the best manner in which to express it. This is the power of the Abhijeet nakshatra.

In addition, people with a prominent Abhijeet nakshatra in their chart can be highly creative and can come up with truly unique and ‘creative’ solutions to problems and challenges. Where others may not see a way out- a Abhijeet person will be able to find a viable solution. Because of this they can be very resourceful to obtain their objective- till they have clarity of purpose and a well-defined direction of endeavor (note- the negative influence of Shravana can make a person wander aimlessly without clarity of purpose in their life).

Also, another point to note is that all the other Lunar Constellations are feminine in nature, as they are considered to be wives of the Moon; but Abhijeet is masculine in nature.

Because Abhijeet has the power packed from two key nakshatras that inculcate the individual powers of courage, patience, and valor (Uttar Ashada) and divine wisdom (Shravana), ​it indicates that ‘high point’ the top of… the zenith of being-ness.
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It is for this reason that Abhijeet muhurta, i.e., the Abhijeet hora segment of the day is considered extremely auspicious and can be utilized to better time one’s actions for fruitful and favorable results.

​Special Note: This article like others within the   Jyotish    category, assumes that you already have some basic understanding of Jyotish or Vedic Astrology. Here on Maitreyi Paradigm, my intension is to utilize the information that is contained within each of our astrological charts to help strategically pave our own pathway- to health, wellbeing, and happiness. To help you identify and address your own deep, driving soul urges and desires.

Above all, my intension with explaining these ‘not-so-typically-explained’ Jyotish (meaning Eyes of the Vedas- that allow us to see light) concepts is to help you build a   Life Process Framework™ that is customized to your own lessons, your trials, and tribulations- so that you can not only thrive materially, but also find peace and happiness.
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Some of these concepts are from classical ancient texts and other wisdom details have been obtained from deep contemplative states or as I prefer to say- by the blessings of the Divine Mother.

Jupiter rules both Sagittarius and Pisces, though Sagittarius is the mool-trikona sign of Jupiter. In simple terms, this indicates that on this earthly material plane, the key purpose of Jupiter is to show the path of “Dharma”. But this is not the end purpose of Jupiter- in and of itself!! 

This is indicated by the symbol for Sagittarius which is the archer and the three signs that follow it- Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pieces. Of these, Capricorn and Aquarius are ruled by Saturn and Pisces is ruled by Jupiter. It is also important to note that Saturn is the karaka for Karma- our actions as well as receiving the fruits of those actions.
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As we know the symbol of Sagittarius is half-horse and half-man. It shows the evolution of a soul thru the various stages designated by the various signs and that as we arrive at Sagittarius, even though we now realize the importance of civilized-living, which is governed by dharma and laws- we still have not completed our journey to being a complete, i.e., evolved man (an evolved human being). 

​What is interesting to note is that this archer in Sagittarius is pointing his arrow forward- towards the three signs that follow it- Capricorn, Aquarius and then finally Pisces. Here Jupiter symbolically indicates that the path forward is thru the key-core qualities of those three signs so that we can arrive at our final goal of Pisces- where we complete our journey. 

The way we move further on with our soul-journey is by first conducting our own karmas- signified by Capricorn and then preforming karmas for the general wellbeing, i.e. for the wellbeing of our communities, societies and the world at large- signified by Aquarius and it is only after we have performed the appropriate (needed) karmas and learnt our lessons in the process that we will be able to arrive at Pisces- the Cosmic ocean, the abode of Lord Vishnu- the supreme consciousness that pervades everything and everywhere and is known as the supreme God-head. 
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Pisces which is also ruled by Jupiter is signified by the two fishes swimming in opposite direction. On one hand we can learn our lessons and move out of this repeated cycle of birth and death or on the other hand, it is possible that there are still many lessons that we need to learn, many karmic debts that we still need to clear/pay and so because of this we need to “go back” to continuing with the cycle- another iteration of the journey- and hopefully the next time around we will be that much wiser about our experience and grow further within our soul-consciousness. 

Here in Pisces, Jupiter helps us to know/realize that we have now reached the cosmic presence. Finally, our journey can stop. We can rest, we do not need to trek anymore and here our feet (our soul-journey) find rest at the feet of the supreme consciousness within the depths of the Cosmic ocean. 

So basically, Jupiter rules the wisdom of the way forward in Sagittarius and gives us the knowledge/wisdom and desire to traverse the path forward thru Capricorn and Aquarius, where we need to “settle” our karmic accounts so as to then arrive at the final junction where we can attain moksha- liberation from this cycle of birth and death, i.e., our individual consciousness can finally merge with the Divine Supreme Consciousness!! 
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So – how can we practically utilize this Wisdom of Jupiter?? Take a look at your Vedic chart and then check to see the houses these four signs fall in. Addressing the karmas/lessons associated with those houses will help you to easily progress on your soul journey- which is to say that it will help you in a general manner, to make things better for you- at an overall level.

For e.g., let’s say you are a Virgo ascendent, then in that case Sagittarius will be in your 4th house with Capricorn being in the 5th, followed by Aquarius in 6th and Pisces in the 7th house. At a simple level, even if you are to ensure that you conduct appropriate karmas around your relationship with your mother, your home along with ensuring proper focus and commitment to creative endeavors and children along with following a structured daily routine and ensuring that you have a more accommodative stance when you deal with other people… will help you bigtime in sorting thru other challenging areas of your life.

Even though doing all the above actions may seem like common sense, but particularly for a Virgo ascendent person, they will find that when they do those things and pay more attention to those tasks- concerning the houses 4 thru 7, the rest of their life will flow that much smoother. 

Also, it would not be surprising, if you have planets in these houses which will further indicate that these are part of your core life-lessons!! Then in that case, conducting those karmas will take on an even deeper significance and so subsequently addressing them properly will help you that much more… 
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If you are a student of Jyotish, then you can surely meditate on this snippet of wisdom and find out other deeper significances. But if you are a lay person reading this to find answers for their own chart, then even simply looking at the significance of the houses these four signs fall in, and then attending to those lessons/actions/tasks will go a long way into smoothening (making easy & joyful) your overall life experience.