Tithi: The Subtle Dimension of Time in Vedic Astrology

In Vedic astrology, the Panchang is regarded as the true time mirror. It is not just a calendar, but a precise astronomical and astrological document of cosmic motion. Among its five limbs, Tithi, Vaar, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana, Tithi holds a very special place. A Tithi is not just the name of a day, it is the angular relationship between the Sun and Moon that shapes many events, moods and auspicious or inauspicious conditions in life.

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Panchang And The Role Of Tithi

Panchang literally means a time indicator made of five limbs. Tithi stands first among these five. Without understanding Tithi, no astrological calculation, muhurta selection or ritual timing is considered fully accurate. That is why knowledge of Tithi is important both for students of Jyotish and for householders who follow traditional practices.

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What Is A Tithi?

A Tithi is defined by the angular distance between the Moon and the Sun. When this angular distance reaches 12 degrees, one Tithi is considered complete. Thus the 360 degree zodiac is divided into 30 equal parts, giving 30 Tithis in a lunar month. These are grouped into two fortnights

1. Shukla Paksha, from New Moon to Full Moon when the Moon is waxing
2. Krishna Paksha, from Full Moon to New Moon when the Moon is waning

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How Are Tithis Formed?

The Earth revolves around the Sun and the Moon revolves around the Earth. The changing angles between the Sun and Moon as seen from Earth give rise to the sequence of Tithis.

1. When the Sun and Moon are exactly aligned at 0 degrees, the phase is called Amavasya, the New Moon, and the Moon is invisible.
2. When they are 180 degrees apart, the phase is called Purnima, the Full Moon, and the Moon is fully visible.
3. Between one Amavasya and the next, each 12 degree step in this angle marks one Tithi.

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Fifteen Tithis Of Shukla Paksha And Their Angular Values

Shukla Paksha runs from Amavasya, 0 degrees, to Purnima, 180 degrees

Tithi name	Sun Moon angular distance
Pratipada	0° to 12°
Dwitiya	12° to 24°
Tritiya	24° to 36°
Chaturthi	36° to 48°
Panchami	48° to 60°
Shashthi	60° to 72°
Saptami	72° to 84°
Ashtami	84° to 96°
Navami	96° to 108°
Dashami	108° to 120°
Ekadashi	120° to 132°
Dwadashi	132° to 144°
Trayodashi	144° to 156°
Chaturdashi	156° to 168°
Purnima	168° to 180°

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Fifteen Tithis Of Krishna Paksha And Their Angular Values

Krishna Paksha runs from Purnima, 180 degrees, to the next Amavasya, 360 degrees or 0 degrees

Tithi name	Sun Moon angular distance
Pratipada	180° to 192°
Dwitiya	192° to 204°
Tritiya	204° to 216°
Chaturthi	216° to 228°
Panchami	228° to 240°
Shashthi	240° to 252°
Saptami	252° to 264°
Ashtami	264° to 276°
Navami	276° to 288°
Dashami	288° to 300°
Ekadashi	300° to 312°
Dwadashi	312° to 324°
Trayodashi	324° to 336°
Chaturdashi	336° to 348°
Amavasya	348° to 360°

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Table Of Planetary Lords Of Tithis

Every Tithi has a presiding deity or planetary lord. These lords help define the nature of the Tithi and the suitability of different activities on that day. They are particularly important for Tithi shuddhi, vows, rituals, marriages and other sacred actions.

Tithi	Presiding deity or planet
Pratipada	Agni Deva
Dwitiya	Brahma
Tritiya	Gauri, Parvati
Chaturthi	Lord Ganesha
Panchami	Naga Devatas
Shashthi	Kartikeya
Saptami	Surya Deva
Ashtami	Durga
Navami	Dandini, Chamunda
Dashami	Dharmaraja, Yama
Ekadashi	Lord Vishnu
Dwadashi	Hanuman or Narayana
Trayodashi	Kamadeva
Chaturdashi	Lord Shiva
Purnima or Amavasya	Moon or Pitris

Notes

1. On Purnima, the influence of the Moon is at its peak.
2. Amavasya represents ancestors and intense subtle energies, which is why Shraddha and Tarpana are often performed on this day.

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How Long Does One Tithi Last?

The duration of a Tithi depends on the speed of the Moon and usually ranges between about 19 and 24 hours. The start and end of a Tithi are calculated astronomically and do not always match sunrise or midnight.

In Vedic tradition, the Tithi that is present at sunrise is considered the Tithi for that day. If a Tithi begins after sunrise and ends before the next sunrise, it is called Tyajya Tithi for many ritual purposes and is generally avoided for important samskaras.

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Practical Uses And Importance Of Tithi

1. Tithi holds the first place in choosing an auspicious muhurta.
2. Vows, festivals, yagyas, marriages, housewarming and other sacred ceremonies are scheduled only after selecting a suitable Tithi.
3. Since the Moon signifies the mind, Tithis also reflect emotional tendencies and psychological moods across the month.

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Lunar Month And Solar Year

1. Twelve lunar months form a lunar year of about 354 days.
2. The solar year is about 365¼ days long.
3. The difference of roughly 11 days is balanced by adding an extra month, called Adhika Masa or Purushottam Masa, every two and a half to three years.

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Conclusion

Tithi is not just an astronomical measure, it is a subtle unit of the Vedic time cycle. Understanding its calculation, meaning and applications is essential for astrologers, priests and sincere spiritual seekers. Studying this primary limb of Panchang is a crucial step toward understanding the core of Vedic astrology.

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FAQ: Tithi In Vedic Astrology (Hindi)

1.क्या तिथि और अंग्रेजी तारीख एक जैसी होती हैं?
नहीं, तिथि चंद्र सूर्य के कोणीय अंतर पर आधारित है, जबकि अंग्रेजी तारीख स्थिर सौर कैलेंडर पर आधारित होती है, इसलिए एक ही तारीख पर हर साल अलग तिथि हो सकती है।

2.तिथि देखने का सबसे सरल तरीका क्या है?
प्रामाणिक पंचांग या विश्वसनीय ज्योतिषीय एप में तिथि, पक्ष और तिथि परिवर्तन का समय दिया होता है, इन्हें देखकर रोज की तिथि आसानी से जानी जा सकती है।

3.शुभ कार्य के लिए तिथि अधिक महत्वपूर्ण है या नक्षत्र?
दोनों ही महत्वपूर्ण हैं। सामान्यतः पहले तिथि देखी जाती है, फिर नक्षत्र, योग और करण का विचार करके संपूर्ण मुहूर्त निर्धारित किया जाता है।

4.त्याज्य तिथि में कौन से कार्य नहीं करने चाहिए?
त्याज्य तिथि में विवाह, गृह प्रवेश, नामकरण जैसे मांगलिक संस्कार और बड़े आरंभिक कार्य करने से बचने की सलाह दी जाती है, हालांकि सामान्य दिनचर्या प्रभावित नहीं होती।

5.एकादशी, पूर्णिमा या अमावस्या विशेष क्यों मानी जाती हैं?
इन तिथियों पर चंद्र सूर्य का संबंध मानसिक, आध्यात्मिक और ऊर्जात्मक स्तर पर तीव्र प्रभाव डालता है, इसलिए व्रत, साधना और दान के लिए इन्हें विशेष माना जाता है।

6.क्या जन्म तिथि, यानी जन्म के दिन की वैदिक तिथि, जीवन पर प्रभाव डालती है?
हाँ, जन्म तिथि का स्वामी देवता और उस समय का चंद्र योग व्यक्ति के स्वभाव, भावनात्मक बनावट और कुछ जीवन प्रवृत्तियों पर महत्वपूर्ण प्रभाव डाल सकता है।

7.क्या केवल तिथि देखकर भविष्यवाणी की जा सकती है?
केवल तिथि से पूर्ण भविष्यवाणी संभव नहीं, पर दिन विशेष की प्रवृत्तियों, मानसिक स्थिति और साधारण शुभ अशुभ संकेतों का अनुमान लगाया जा सकता है। विस्तृत फल के लिए जन्म कुंडली जरूरी है।

8.क्या सामान्य गृहस्थ को भी तिथि का गहरा ज्ञान होना जरूरी है?
गहन तकनीकी ज्ञान जरूरी नहीं, पर मुख्य तिथियों की प्रकृति और उनके सामान्य उपयोग का ज्ञान होने से व्रत, पूजा और जीवन की योजना अधिक संतुलित और जागरूक ढंग से की जा सकती है।

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FAQ: Tithi In Vedic Astrology (English)

1.Is a Tithi the same as a calendar date?
No. A Tithi is based on the changing angular distance between the Sun and Moon, while a calendar date is a fixed position in the solar Gregorian system. The same date can correspond to different Tithis in different years.

2.How can a beginner easily find the current Tithi?
By checking a reliable Panchang or trusted Jyotish app that clearly shows the Tithi, Paksha and the exact start and end time of each Tithi for their location.

3.Which is more important for auspicious work, Tithi or Nakshatra?
Both matter. Usually Tithi is checked first, then Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana are considered to finalise a complete muhurta for important events.

4.What should be avoided on a Tyajya Tithi?
Major samskaras, like marriage, housewarming or naming ceremonies, are generally avoided on Tyajya Tithis, though routine daily activities can continue as usual.

5.Why are Ekadashi, Purnima and Amavasya considered special?
Because on these Tithis the Sun Moon relationship creates strong effects on the mind and subtle energy. They are regarded as powerful days for fasting, meditation, charity and spiritual practice.

6.Does the Tithi at birth influence a person’s nature?
Yes, the presiding deity of the birth Tithi and the Moon’s condition at that time can significantly shape emotional patterns, temperament and some life tendencies.

7.Can predictions be made using only Tithi?
Only general tendencies of a day can be seen from Tithi alone. Detailed personal predictions always require a full horoscope with exact birth data.

8.Is it necessary for ordinary people to study Tithi in depth?
Deep technical study is not required, but basic awareness of key Tithis and their uses helps plan fasts, worship and important tasks in greater harmony with cosmic time.