Panchangam

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A panchangam (Sanskrit pañcāṅgam ) is a Hindu astrological almanac (or calendar), which follows traditional Indian cosmology, and presents important astronomical data in tabulated form. It is sometimes spelled Pancanga or Panchanga. It is pronounced Panchanga.

Panchangas are published in India by many learned authors, societies, academies, and universities. Different publications differ only minutely, at least for a casual or un-trained reader. They forecast celestial phenomena such as solar eclipses, forecast weather (rain, dryspells) as well as more mundane occurrences.

The study of Panchangas involves understanding Rasi phala, the impact of the signs of the zodiac on the individual. Astrologers consult the Panchangam to set dates for weddings, corporate mergers, and other worldly activities. Also see Hindu Calendar.

The actual casting of a Panchanga involves elaborate mathematical work involving high level of spherical geometry and sound understanding of astronomical phenomena, such as sidereal movements of heavenly bodies. However, in practice the tabulation is done on the basis of short-cut formulations as propounded by ancient Vedic sages and scholars.

A typical Panchanga may state tabulations of positions of Sun, Moon, and other planets for every day of the year on a fixed place (longitude, latitude) and time of day (in 24-hour format IST). The users calculate the remaining data using the their relative difference from this fixed place and time.

There are several panchangas that contain information for more than one year. There is one Vishvavijaya Panchanga that is for 100 years.

[edit] Etymology

Panchanga is a Sanskrit word, literally meaning "having five limbs".

1. n. (Vedic astrology) meaning "five attributes" of the day. These are:

Tithi - the lunar day

Vara - the day of week

Nakshatra - asterism of the day, that is, the stellar mansion in which Moon is located for an observer on Earth

Yoga - the angular relationship between Sun and Moon

Karana - roughly, the angular relationship progression between Sun and Moon

2. n. an almanac that contains the details of panchangam of the day.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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