Malayalam Panchang Kerala’s Precise Solar Calendar

The Malayalam Panchang, officially known as the Kollam Era, represents one of the most astronomically precise and historically significant calendar systems in India. This sidereal solar calendar, exclusive to Kerala, embodies centuries of Vedic astronomical knowledge refined through meticulous calculations and continuous refinement by scholarly councils. It is not merely a Panchang guiding religious rituals and festivals but a living document deeply integrated with Kerala's agricultural cycles, weather patterns and social life.

Historical Origins and the Kollam Era

Foundation in 825 CE

The Malayalam calendar originated in 825 CE when King Udaya Marthanda Varma, the ruler of Venad residing in Kollam, convened a council of all learned scholars in Kerala to establish a new era. The site chosen was Kollam (Quilon), then the capital of Venadu and an important port town of the Chera Kingdom.

According to historical records documented by Shangoony Menon in his History of Travancore, the convention involved extensive astronomical research and calculations of solar movements throughout the twelve zodiac signs, scientifically determining the number of days in each month's revolution. The council resolved to adopt the new era from the first day of Lion Month (August 15, 825 CE) as Kollam year one, designating it as a solar year. This arrangement received approval from all the wise scholars of the time and neighboring regions subsequently adopted the same system.

Legendary and Historical Accounts

Various traditional accounts attribute different significance to the calendar's origin. According to one tradition, the Kollam era relates to the legend of Paraśurāma, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, with cycles of 1,000 years reckoned from 1176 BCE, making 825 CE the first year of the era's third millennium. Another belief holds that the calendar commemorates Sri Adi Shankaracharya, whose physical departure in 820 CE at Kedarnath became known in Kerala several years later, prompting the establishment of the Kollam era in his memory in 825 CE.

Hermann Gundert suggested the era began with the erection of a new Shiva Temple in Kollam, which initially had strictly local and religious significance but gained wider adoption as Kollam emerged as an important trade center. Recent scholarship suggests the calendar commemorated the foundation of Kollam port by Maruwan Sapir Iso, leader of Persian Christian settlers and trading guilds like Anjuvannam, following the liberation of the Kingdom of Venad from Chola rule with assistance from the Chera emperor at Kodungallur.

Early Documentation

The earliest available record mentioning the Kollam Era is a royal decree by Sri Vallavan Goda, King of Venadu, dated circa 973 CE (Kollam Era 149), which employs the phrase "Kollam Thontri Aandu". Another era, "Kollam Aḻintha Aandu," counting from 1097 CE, was reckoned by the Cholas for some time, when Chola overlords captured the port of Kollam.

Pure Solar Calendar Structure

Sidereal Solar System

The Malayalam calendar is a sidereal solar calendar where months are based exclusively on the Sun's transit through the twelve zodiac signs (Rashis) rather than lunar phases. This makes it fundamentally different from lunisolar calendars used in most other parts of India.

The calendar follows the Nirayana (sidereal) zodiac, which is based on the fixed positions of stars rather than the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology. This distinction is crucial for astronomical accuracy and aligns the calendar precisely with actual stellar positions observable in the sky.

Year Structure

A Malayalam calendar year consists of 365 days, closely matching the solar year. Since the system is purely solar, there is no need for Adhik Masa (intercalary month) adjustments required in lunisolar calendars.

Era Calculation

To convert Gregorian years to Malayalam Era (ME), subtract 824 from the Gregorian year before Lion Month 1 (mid-August) or 825 after Lion Month 1. For example, the current year 2025 corresponds to Malayalam Era 1200-1201.

Twelve Solar Months

The Malayalam calendar begins with Lion Month (August-September) rather than Aries Month (April-May), reflecting the formal adoption of the Kollam Era. Each month corresponds directly to a zodiac sign and lasts for the duration of the Sun's transit through that sign.

No.	Malayalam Month	Zodiac Sign	Sanskrit Name	Gregorian Period	Days
1	Lion Month	Simha (Leo)	Shravana	August September	31-32
2	Maiden Month	Kanya (Virgo)	Bhadrapada	September October	30-31
3	Balance Month	Tula (Libra)	Ashwina	October November	29-30
4	Scorpion Month	Vrischika (Scorpio)	Kartika	November December	29-30
5	Archer Month	Dhanus (Sagittarius)	Margashirsha	December January	29-30
6	Goat Month	Makara (Capricorn)	Pausha	January February	29-30
7	Water Bearer Month	Kumbha (Aquarius)	Magha	February March	29-30
8	Fish Month	Meena (Pisces)	Phalguna	March April	30-31
9	Aries Month	Mesha (Aries)	Chaitra	April May	30-31
10	Bull Month	Vrishabha (Taurus)	Vaishakha	May June	31-32
11	Twins Month	Mithuna (Gemini)	Jyaishtha	June July	31-32
12	Crab Month	Karkataka (Cancer)	Ashadha	July August	31-32

Precise Month Beginning Rule: Aparahna System

The Malayalam calendar employs a unique and highly precise rule for determining when months begin, distinguishing it from other Indian solar calendars.

Aparahna Calculation

The day between sunrise and sunset is divided into five equal parts. The crucial threshold is Aparahna, which represents three-fifths (3/5) of the day from sunrise to sunset.

Month Beginning Rules

If Sankranti (solar transition into a new zodiac sign) occurs before Aparahna (i.e., within the first 3/5 of the day), the new month begins on the next day. If Sankranti occurs after Aparahna (i.e., in the last 2/5 of the day), the new month begins two days later.

This sophisticated system ensures astronomical precision by accounting for the exact timing of solar transitions relative to the observable day cycle. It represents a refinement over simpler systems that use fixed clock times like midnight or sunset.

Example Calculation: If sunrise occurs at 6:00 AM and sunset at 6:00 PM (12-hour day), the day is divided into five parts of 2.4 hours each. Aparahna begins at 6:00 AM + (3 × 2.4 hours) = 1:12 PM. If Aries Sankranti occurs at 11:00 AM (before 1:12 PM), the new month begins the next day. If it occurs at 2:00 PM (after 1:12 PM), the new month begins two days later.

Dual New Year Tradition

The Malayalam calendar uniquely recognizes two distinct New Year celebrations, reflecting both astronomical tradition and administrative adoption.

Vishu The Traditional Astronomical New Year

Date: Celebrated on the first day of Aries Month (Aries Sankranti), typically April 14 or 15. In 2025, Vishu falls on Monday, April 14.

Astronomical Significance: Vishu marks the solar new year when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Aries, the first of the twelve zodiac signs. This makes Vishu astronomically significant as the true beginning of the solar cycle.

Historical Tradition: Vishu was considered the beginning of the year until 825 CE, when the Kollam Era was formally adopted. Despite the official calendar shift, Vishu continues to be celebrated as the traditional Kerala New Year due to its astronomical importance.

Regional Recognition: Vishu is particularly significant in the Malabar region of Kerala, where it is considered the astrological New Year. The festival is also celebrated in Tulu Nadu and Mahe.

Vishu Observation Ritual: The most cherished tradition involves Vishu Observation, meaning "that which is seen first". On Vishu morning, people wake early to view an auspicious arrangement of items including rice, fruits, golden flowers (Indian Laburnum blossoms), holy texts, mirrors, coins and lamps placed before a deity, usually Lord Krishna. Seeing this setup first thing in the morning is believed to bring prosperity for the year ahead.

Celebrations: The festival includes wearing new clothes, bursting fireworks, family gatherings, feast (called Sadhya) and elders giving pocket money to children.

Pan-Indian Context: Vishu coincides with other Indian New Year celebrations that follow the Sun's path, including New Year (Tamil Nadu), Spring Equinox Festival (Odisha), First of April (Bengal), Summer Festival (Punjab) and festivals in Northeast India. The Water Festival of Southeast Asia and New Year in Sri Lanka also fall on the same date.

Lion Month First The Official Kollam Era New Year

Date: Celebrated on the first day of Lion Month (Lion Sankranti), typically August 16 or 17.

Official Status: When the Government of Kerala adopted Kollam Varsham as the regional calendar, the first of Lion Month the month of the festival of Onam was accepted as the official Kerala New Year instead of Vishu.

Administrative Significance: Lion Month First marks the beginning of the calendar year for governmental, educational and administrative purposes in Kerala. This date aligns with the formal establishment of the Kollam Era in 825 CE.

The Five Elements of Panchangam

Despite being a solar calendar, the Malayalam Panchang incorporates all five traditional Vedic astronomical components (Pancha-Anga).

1. Tithi Lunar Day

Represents the angular distance between the Sun and Moon, with 30 tithis in a lunar month. Examples include New Moon, Full Moon and Eleventh Day. Tithis determine fasting days, rituals and festivals.

2. Nakshatra Star Constellation

The 27 lunar mansions through which the Moon transits. Examples include Horse Star, Bearer Star and Red Star. Nakshatras are crucial for preparing horoscopes (Jathakam), naming newborn children and fixing wedding dates.

3. Yoga Auspicious Combination

Mathematical calculation based on the combined longitudes of the Sun and Moon, with 27 yogas recognized. Examples include Accomplishment Yoga (prosperity) and Crossing Yoga (inauspicious). Yoga predicts the nature of the day auspicious or inauspicious.

4. Karana Half Tithi

Each tithi is divided into two Karanas, with 11 Karana types recurring in cycles. Examples include Bava, Strong One and Difficult. Karanas help determine the success or failure of tasks initiated on that day.

5. Vara Weekday

Seven days named after celestial bodies: Sun Day, Moon Day, Mars Day, Mercury Day, Jupiter Day, Venus Day and Saturn Day. Used for daily rituals, business openings and temple events.

Fourteen-Day Star Periods

The Malayalam calendar employs a unique division of the 365-day year into groups of 14 days, each bearing the name of one of the 27 Nakshatras. This system creates approximately 26 fortnightly periods corresponding to specific star constellations, facilitating agricultural planning and seasonal predictions specific to Kerala's climate and farming cycles.

Inauspicious Time Periods

The Panchang identifies specific periods during each day that are considered inauspicious for beginning new ventures.

Rahu Period: An inauspicious time of approximately 90 minutes ruled by planet Rahu. The timing varies each day of the week. New tasks, travel and important activities should be avoided during this period.

Saturn Period: Associated with Saturn, this period is not favorable for beginning major activities.

Death Period: Time ruled by Yama, the deity of death, best avoided for travel or important work.

These timings are prominently displayed in daily Panchangs and are widely consulted before scheduling significant events.

Major Festivals and Observances

The Malayalam calendar features numerous significant festivals aligned with astronomical and agricultural cycles.

Onam: The most important festival of Kerala, celebrated during the month of Lion Month. This annual harvest and cultural festival commemorates the legendary King Mahabali and marks prosperity and abundance.

Vishu: Celebrated on the first day of Aries Month as the traditional New Year.

Crab Month Rituals: Rituals performed during the month of Crab Month to honor ancestors. The entire month is called Ramayana Month, dedicated to reciting the Ramayana.

Goat Month Lights: Celebrated on the first day of Goat Month at the Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala, marking the winter solstice and the grand finale of the two-month pilgrimage season.

Festival of Lights: The festival of lights celebrated on the first day of Balance Month (October-November).

Nine Nights: Celebrated during Maiden Month, featuring Goddess of Learning Worship and Education Initiation (initiation of children into formal education).

Shiva's Star: Celebrated during Archer Month on the Nakshatra of Lord Shiva.

Great Shiva Night: Celebrated during Water Bearer Month, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Agricultural Integration

The Malayalam calendar is deeply integrated with Kerala's agricultural cycles.

Southwest Monsoon Beginning: The southwest monsoon beginning around June 1, named after its occurrence in mid-Bull Month.

Northeast Monsoon: The northeast monsoon starting in mid-October, literally meaning "rain in Balance Month".

Two Annual Harvests: The two annual paddy harvests occurring in the months of Maiden Month and Goat Month, respectively.

Precision and Contemporary Relevance

The Malayalam Panchang's reputation for precision stems from several factors. Rigorous astronomical calculations performed by scholarly councils since 825 CE. Aparahna-based month beginning rule that accounts for exact solar transition timings. Sidereal solar framework eliminating lunar drift and intercalation complexities. Integration of lunar elements (Tithi, Nakshatra) while maintaining solar month structure.

Modern Malayalam Panchangs are consulted for temple rituals and festivals by priests. Horoscope preparation by astrologers. Wedding date selection based on Nakshatra and Tithi compatibility. Business inaugurations during auspicious muhurtas. Naming ceremonies for newborns based on birth Nakshatra. Avoiding inauspicious timings for daily activities.

The Panchang has adapted to modern technology, with data now available through mobile apps, websites and daily newspapers in both Malayalam and English, ensuring continued relevance for Kerala communities worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: How is the Malayalam calendar different from other Indian calendars?

The Malayalam calendar is a pure solar calendar based on zodiac transits, while most other Indian calendars are lunisolar. It requires no intercalary months.

Question 2: Why are both Vishu and Lion Month First celebrated?

Vishu is the astronomical new year (Aries Sankranti), while Lion Month First is the official Kollam Era new year. Both hold historical and cultural significance.

Question 3: What is the Aparahna system?

Aparahna is the time that represents 3/5 of the day from sunrise to sunset. Whether Sankranti occurs before or after this threshold determines when the new month begins.

Question 4: Is the Malayalam calendar used only by Hindus?

No, the Malayalam calendar is used by all communities in Kerala regardless of religion for cultural and administrative purposes. It is the state's official calendar.

Question 5: How can I get an accurate Malayalam Panchang for my area?

Numerous mobile apps and websites provide location-based Malayalam Panchangs. Local newspapers also publish daily Panchang information.