📖 Introduction to Karana
Karana is the fourth of the five limbs (Pancha Anga) of the Panchangam.
A Karana is half of a Tithi. Therefore, each Tithi contains two Karanas.
There are 11 types of Karanas in total:
- Chara Karanas (Movable) - 7 types, repeat 8 times in a month
- Sthira Karanas (Fixed) - 4 types, occur only once per month
⭐ Importance of Karana
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Muhurtham
Karana is checked for auspicious events
🚫
Avoid Vishti
Vishti Karana is avoided for good works
🏠
Housewarming
Auspicious Karana is selected
🌾
Agriculture
Gara Karana is best for farming
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1
Bava Movable
Lion
Auspicious
✓ All auspicious activities, new beginnings, government work
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2
Balava Movable
Tiger
Auspicious
✓ Aggressive activities, competitions, bold ventures
🐷
3
Kaulava Movable
Pig
Auspicious
✓ Friendships, relationships, social events
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4
Taitila Movable
Donkey
Auspicious
✓ Family matters, home decoration, property purchase
🐘
5
Gara Movable
Elephant
Auspicious
✓ Agriculture, construction, land-related activities
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6
Vanija Movable
Cow
Auspicious
✓ Trade, business, buying and selling
🐕
7
Vishti (Bhadra) Movable
Dog
Inauspicious
⚠️ Avoid auspicious activities, only for warfare, defeating enemies
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8
Shakuni Fixed
Bird
📅 Second half of Krishna Chaturdashi
Moderate
✓ Medicine preparation, poison treatment, research
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9
Chatushpada Fixed
Four-footed
📅 First half of Krishna Amavasya
Auspicious
✓ Buying cattle, land purchase, agriculture
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10
Nagava (Naga) Fixed
Serpent
📅 Second half of Krishna Amavasya
Moderate
✓ Permanent works, Naga puja, spiritual activities
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11
Kimstughna Fixed
Insect
📅 First half of Shukla Pratipada
Auspicious
✓ All auspicious activities, fasting, charity
⚠️ Vishti Karana (Bhadra) - To Be Avoided
Vishti Karana is also called Bhadra. Being one of the 7 movable Karanas, it occurs 8 times per month.
Vishti is avoided for auspicious activities like marriage, housewarming, new business, and travel.
It is considered favorable only for defeating enemies and warfare.
🔢 Sequence of Karanas
The 60 Karanas in a lunar month are arranged as follows:
- Kimstughna - Starts in the first half of Shukla Pratipada
- Bava → Balava → Kaulava → Taitila → Gara → Vanija → Vishti - These 7 repeat 8 times (56 karanas)
- Shakuni - In the second half of Krishna Chaturdashi
- Chatushpada - In the first half of Amavasya
- Nagava - In the second half of Amavasya
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How is Karana calculated?
A Tithi is the time for Sun-Moon angular distance to increase by 12°. A Karana is half of that, i.e., 6° angular distance. Hence, each Tithi has 2 Karanas.
How long does a Karana last?
A Karana lasts approximately 11-12 hours on average. However, due to varying Moon speed, it can range from 9 to 13 hours.
Which Karanas are auspicious?
Bava, Balava, Kaulava, Taitila, Gara, Vanija, Chatushpada, and Kimstughna are auspicious. Only Vishti is inauspicious. Shakuni and Nagava are moderate.
Which Karanas are best for marriage?
Bava, Balava, Kaulava, Taitila, and Gara are the most auspicious Karanas for marriage. Vishti Karana must be strictly avoided.
📅 What's Today's Karana?
Check today's Panchangam for Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, and Karana.
🗓️ Today's Calendar
