Panchanga Glossary
Every Nakshatra, Karana, Vaar, Tithi and Nitya Yoga shown on your daily Panchang — explained in one place.
⭐ Nakshatras
27 lunar mansionsThe Moon's position at birth (or on any given day) falls within one of 27 Nakshatras, each with its own ruling deity, symbol, and personality traits. This is the Nakshatra shown as "Sunrise" and "Now" on the daily Panchang.
🌓 Karanas
11 half-tithi periodsA Karana is half a Tithi -- there are 11 Karanas in total (7 "movable" ones that repeat through the lunar month, and 4 "fixed" ones that occur only once each), each with its own ruling deity and favourable/unfavourable activities.
📅 Vaars
7 weekdaysThe Vaar is the Vedic weekday -- each of the 7 days is ruled by a planet and carries its own classical significance for Muhurta (auspicious timing), fasting, and worship.
🌙 Tithis
16 lunar daysA Tithi is a lunar day, measuring the angle between the Sun and Moon. There are 16 distinct Tithi names in total -- 14 are shared between the waxing (Shukla) and waning (Krishna) fortnights, while Purnima (full moon) and Amavasya (new moon) each belong to only one.
🧘 Nitya Yogas
27 daily yogasThe Nitya Yoga is formed from the combined longitude of the Sun and Moon, divided into 27 equal spans -- distinct from combination/dosha yogas like Raj Yoga or Gajakesari Yoga found in a birth chart. Each Nitya Yoga carries its own meaning and auspicious/inauspicious classification.
Want to see today's values for all five at once? Check today's full Panchang, or generate your own birth chart to see your personal Nakshatra, Tithi, Yoga, Karana and Vaar.
Explore more Astrology articles