Marathi Panchang and Amanta System: Complete Guide to Shalivahana Shaka

The Marathi Panchang is a cornerstone of cultural and religious life in Maharashtra, serving as a traditional Hindu almanac operating on the Amanta system of lunar month calculation. This system distinguishes it from the Purnimanta calendars prevalent in North India and aligns it with the calendrical traditions of other western and southern states like Gujarat and Karnataka. Based on the Shalivahana Shaka era, this almanac has been integral to the religious, cultural and agricultural life of Maharashtra for centuries.

Understanding the Amanta System

The term Amanta is derived from the Sanskrit words Amavasya (new moon) and anta (end), literally meaning ending on the new moon. This is the defining principle of the Marathi Panchang's structure. In this system, each lunar month concludes on the day of the new moon and the next month begins on the day immediately following the new moon.

Key Features of the Amanta System

Month's End: Each lunar month concludes on the day of the new moon (Amavasya). This is the most fundamental characteristic that distinguishes the Amanta system from the Purnimanta system.

Month's Beginning: Consequently, the new month begins on the day immediately following the new moon. This day is Shukla Paksha Pratipada tithi.

Fortnight Sequence: A direct result of this structure is that the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha), when the moon waxes, constitutes the first half of the month. The dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha), when the moon wanes, forms the second half. This is the reverse of the Purnimanta system, where the dark fortnight precedes the bright one.

System	First Fortnight	Second Fortnight	Month Ends On
Amanta Marathi	Shukla Paksha fifteen tithis	Krishna Paksha fifteen tithis	Amavasya new moon
Purnimanta North Indian	Krishna Paksha fifteen tithis	Shukla Paksha fifteen tithis	Purnima full moon

Despite this fifteen-day difference in the naming convention of the fortnights, the dates for major all-India festivals like Diwali remain consistent because they are tied to a specific lunar day (tithi) which is calculated universally.

Historical Foundation and Shalivahana Shaka Era

The Marathi Panchang follows the Shalivahana Shaka calendar, which was established in 78 CE. This calendar system is also known as Shaka Samvat and forms the basis for India's National Calendar, adopted in 1957.

Origin of Shalivahana Shaka

The name Shalivahana refers to King Shalivahana, who is credited with defeating the Shaka invaders and establishing a new era. According to legend, this day also marks when Lord Brahma created the universe, making it doubly auspicious in Hindu cosmology.

The Shalivahana Shaka calendar is predominantly followed in the Deccan region, including Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The calendar begins with the month of Chaitra, contrasting with the Vikrama Samvat calendar of North India, which begins with Baisakh.

Era Calculation

The Shalivahana Shaka era began in 78 CE. To convert a Gregorian year to Shaka Samvat, add 78 to the Shaka year (or subtract 78 from the Gregorian year before Chaitra 1 and 79 after).

Lunisolar Structure and Adhik Masa

The Marathi calendar is lunisolar, integrating both lunar phases for religious dates and solar movements for seasonal alignment. Each lunar year consists of 354 days divided into 12 months of 30 tithis each. Since this falls short of the solar year (365 days, 6 hours, 9.54 seconds) by approximately 10 days, 21 hours and 35.16 seconds, the calendar employs Adhik Masa (intercalary month) for synchronization.

Need for Adhik Masa

When the accumulated difference between lunar and solar years exceeds 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 2.865 seconds, an extra month is inserted. This intercalary month carries the name of the previous or following month depending on proximity and normally seven extra months occur in 19 years. This adjustment system is mentioned in the Rigveda, indicating its practice for at least 6000 years before the Buddhist era.

Aspect	Description	Significance
Lunar year duration	354 days	Twelve lunar months
Solar year duration	365 days 6 hours	Seasonal cycle
Annual difference	Approximately 11 days	Requires adjustment
Adhik Masa frequency	Seven times in 19 years	Lunisolar alignment

Twelve Months and Nakshatra Connection

The Marathi calendar consists of 12 months, with names derived from the Nakshatras (lunar mansions) that appear on the full moon at the beginning of each month. This naming system reflects a deep understanding of Vedic astronomy.

Detailed Description of Months

Chaitra Month: Derived from Chitra nakshatra, it falls between March and April and is part of Vasanta (Spring) season. Gudi Padwa, the Marathi New Year, is celebrated in this month.

Vaishakh Month: Named after Vishakha nakshatra, it comes in April-May and completes the Spring season. Important festivals like Akshaya Tritiya occur in this month.

Jyeshtha Month: Taken from Jyeshtha nakshatra, it occurs in May-June and begins Grishma (Summer) season. It is considered the hottest month of the year.

Ashadh Month: Based on Ashadha nakshatra, it falls in June-July and concludes the Summer season. Ashadhi Ekadashi is the major festival of this month.

Shravan Month: Named after Shravana nakshatra, it comes in July-August and is part of Varsha (Monsoon) season. It is considered the most sacred month of the Hindu calendar.

Bhadrapad Month: Derived from Bhadrapada nakshatra, it occurs in August-September and completes the Monsoon season. Ganesh Chaturthi is the biggest celebration of this month.

Ashwin Month: Taken from Ashvini nakshatra, it falls in September-October and begins Sharad (Autumn) season. Navratri and Dussehra are celebrated in this month.

Kartik Month: Based on Krittika nakshatra, it comes in October-November and concludes the Autumn season. Diwali is the biggest event of this month.

Margashirsh Month: Named after Mrigashira nakshatra, it occurs in November-December and begins Hemanta (Pre-Winter) season. Datta Jayanti is celebrated in this month.

Paush Month: Derived from Pushya nakshatra, it falls in December-January and completes the Pre-Winter season. Makar Sankranti is the important festival of this month.

Magh Month: Taken from Magha nakshatra, it comes in January-February and is part of Shishira (Winter) season. Maghi Purnima is celebrated in this month.

Falgun Month: Based on Phalguni nakshatra, it occurs in February-March and concludes the Winter season. Mahashivratri and Holi are the major festivals of this month.

Gudi Padwa: The Marathi New Year

Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the New Year in the Marathi calendar and is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (the first day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra). This festival is recognized in both Amanta and Purnimanta calendar systems, making it universally significant across Hindu traditions.

Significance of Gudi Padwa

Etymology: The term Gudi Padwa is also known as Samvatsara Padvo, literally meaning the first day of the new Samvat. Gudi refers to Brahma's flag, while Padwa refers to the first day of the moon's bright phase.

Historical Importance: According to tradition, Gudi Padwa commemorates King Shalivahana's victory over the Shakas, establishing the Shalivahana Shaka era. Another belief associates the day with Lord Brahma creating the universe.

Samvatsara Cycle: Gudi Padwa is linked to the 60-year Samvatsara cycle connected to Jupiter's position. Each year in the cycle is assigned a fixed name and predictions for the coming year are made based on the nature of the new Samvat.

Sadhe Teen Muhurat: In Vedic astrology, Gudi Padwa holds exceptional significance as it falls under Sadhe Teen Muhurat (three-and-a-half auspicious moments). Along with Akshaya Tritiya, Vijayadashami and half of Bali Pratipada, Gudi Padwa is considered self-auspicious, requiring no additional muhurta calculation.

Regional Names: The same day is celebrated as Yugadi in Karnataka and Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, reflecting the shared Shalivahana Shaka calendar tradition across the Deccan region.

Aspect	Description	Importance
Date	Chaitra Shukla Pratipada	First day after Amavasya
Era Beginning	First day of Shalivahana Shaka	Foundation of national calendar
Mythological Connection	Creation of universe by Brahma	Cosmic significance
Muhurat Category	One of Sadhe Teen Muhurat	Self-auspicious without calculation

Five Limbs of the Panchang

The Marathi Panchang, like all Vedic almanacs, is built upon five fundamental astronomical elements (Pancha Anga) that guide auspicious timings (muhurat) for various life events.

Tithi: Lunar Day

Tithi is the angular relationship between the Moon and the Sun. A lunar month contains 30 tithis divided into two Pakshas. Each tithi varies in length from approximately 19 to 26 hours and is determined by the longitudinal angle between the Sun and Moon. Tithi calculation is most crucial for religious ceremonies and festivals.

Vaar: Weekday

The seven days based on the Navagraha (nine celestial bodies). Ravivar (Sunday) is ruled by Sun, Somvar (Monday) by Moon, Mangalvar (Tuesday) by Mars, Budhvar (Wednesday) by Mercury, Guruvar (Thursday) by Jupiter, Shukravar (Friday) by Venus and Shanivar (Saturday) by Saturn. Each Vaar has its own energy and influence.

Nakshatra: Lunar Mansion

The 27 or 28 lunar mansions through which the Moon transits during its monthly cycle. Each Nakshatra has its own characteristics and deity. Nakshatra is extremely important for marriage matching and birth chart creation.

Yoga: Specific Angular Relationship

The 27 specific angular relationships between the Sun and Moon, each with distinct astrological significance. Yoga is calculated from the combined longitudinal movement of the Sun and Moon.

Karana: Half a Tithi

Half of a tithi, with 11 types of Karanas occurring in specific patterns throughout the lunar month. Karana is used for identifying favorable micro-timings within a day.

Panchang Limb	Description	Usage	Calculation Basis
Tithi	Thirty lunar days per month	Festivals and rituals	Sun-Moon angular distance
Vaar	Seven weekdays	Daily activities	Planetary rulership
Nakshatra	Twenty-seven lunar mansions	Marriage matching birth charts	Moon's position
Yoga	Twenty-seven special periods	Auspicious time determination	Sun-Moon combined motion
Karana	Half tithi eleven types	Micro timing calculation	Division of tithi

Six Seasons: Seasonal Division of the Year

The Marathi calendar divides the year into six seasons (Ritus), each comprising two months. This division accurately reflects the climate patterns of the Indian subcontinent.

Vasanta Ritu: Spring Season

Spanning from Chaitra to Vaishakh (mid-March to mid-May), Vasanta Ritu is characterized by pleasant weather, blooming flowers and vibrant colors. Festivals like Holi, Gudi Padwa and Basant Panchami are celebrated in this season. It is considered the time of new beginnings.

Grishma Ritu: Summer Season

From Jyeshtha to Ashadh (mid-May to mid-July), Grishma Ritu is known for scorching heat and high temperatures. Festivals like Buddha Purnima and Vat Purnima are included in this season. It is a challenging time for agriculture.

Varsha Ritu: Monsoon Season

Spanning from Shravan to Bhadrapad (mid-July to mid-September), Varsha Ritu brings relief from summer heat and arrives with rain showers crucial for agriculture. Festivals like Guru Purnima, Ashadhi Ekadashi, Nag Panchami, Raksha Bandhan and Ganesh Chaturthi are celebrated in this season.

Sharad Ritu: Autumn Season

From Ashwin to Kartik (mid-September to mid-November), pleasant weather returns in Sharad Ritu. Major festivals like Navratri, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Kojagiri Purnima, Diwali and Bhau Beej occur in this season. It is the time of celebrations.

Hemanta Ritu: Pre-Winter Season

Spanning from Margashirsh to Paush (mid-November to mid-January), Hemanta Ritu is characterized by cooler, dry weather. Festivals like Datta Jayanti and Makar Sankranti are celebrated in this season. It is the harvest time.

Shishira Ritu: Winter Season

From Magh to Falgun (mid-January to mid-March), Shishira Ritu is the coldest season. Major festivals like Mahashivratri and Holi are included in this season. It is considered excellent time for spiritual practice.

Uttarayan and Dakshinayan: Movement of the Sun

The year is also divided based on the Sun's movement. When the Sun enters Makara Rashi (Capricorn), Uttarayan begins, with days gradually lengthening. When the Sun enters Karka Rashi (Cancer), Dakshinayan begins, with days shortening. These six-month periods hold deep spiritual significance in Hindu tradition.

Sun Movement	Period	Day Length	Spiritual Significance
Uttarayan	Makar Sankranti to Karka Sankranti	Gradually increasing days	Day of devas auspicious
Dakshinayan	Karka Sankranti to Makar Sankranti	Gradually decreasing days	Time of ancestors less auspicious

Time Measurements and Tithi Duration

A Marathi lunar month consists of 30 tithis but the actual duration is approximately 29 days and a few hours rather than 30 full days. This is because a tithi is shorter than a solar day by about 48 minutes. This discrepancy is why the lunar year (354 days) requires periodic adjustment through Adhik Masa to synchronize with the solar year (365 days).

Contemporary Usage and Practical Relevance

The Marathi Panchang remains essential for determining Hindu festivals, religious observances, auspicious muhurtas for weddings and ceremonies and agricultural activities. Most Marathi and English newspapers in Maharashtra print dates according to both the Marathi calendar and the Gregorian calendar. Government offices in Maharashtra often acknowledge traditional dates alongside official Gregorian dates for cultural events and festivals.

Practical Use of Panchang

Marriage Muhurat: Finding the most astrologically favorable date and time for marriages by analyzing the horoscopes of the couple in conjunction with the Panchang.

Griha Pravesh: Selecting an auspicious time to move into a new home to invite positive energies.

Business Initiation: Determining favorable muhurta for starting new business ventures.

Agricultural Planning: Aligning sowing and harvesting times with lunar cycles and seasonal Ritus.

Traditional Panchangs are published annually, providing comprehensive astronomical data, festival calendars and astrological predictions for the year ahead. The Panchang is consulted before initiating any significant undertaking (shubharambh) to ensure favorable cosmic conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Amanta and Purnimanta systems?

In the Amanta system, the month ends on Amavasya and Shukla Paksha comes first, while in Purnimanta, the month ends on Purnima and Krishna Paksha comes first.

Why is Gudi Padwa considered Sadhe Teen Muhurat?

Gudi Padwa is a self-auspicious day that requires no additional muhurta calculation. The day is associated with the creation of the universe and Shalivahana's victory.

Why is Adhik Masa needed?

The lunar year is 354 days while the solar year is 365 days. To adjust this difference, Adhik Masa is added seven times in nineteen years.

Which regions follow the Amanta system in Marathi Panchang?

Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka andhra Pradesh and Telangana follow the Amanta system, which is characteristic of the Deccan and western coastal regions.

What are the five limbs of Panchang and their significance?

Tithi (lunar day), Vaar (weekday), Nakshatra (lunar mansion), Yoga (special period) and Karana (half tithi) together help in muhurta determination and auspicious time calculation.