Loading...
Loading...
Why professional panchangs sometimes disagree by ±1 day — and which system to follow
Both Smarta and Vaishnava traditions use the same astronomical calculations — the same Moon, the same tithis, the same sunrise. The only difference is which DATE-SELECTION rule applies when a tithi spans two consecutive solar days.
A tithi is "Viddha" (contaminated) when the previous tithi is present at sunrise. Smartas ignore this — they use the tithi at the required Kala window. Vaishnavas reject the Viddha day entirely and observe the festival on the next day when the tithi is "Shuddha" (pure).
Smarta and Vaishnava Ekadashi dates differ about 4–6 times per year. Smarta: fast when Ekadashi is at sunrise. Vaishnava: Ekadashi must be "Shuddha" — if Dashami touches sunrise, skip to the next day.
| Aspect | Smarta | Vaishnava |
|---|---|---|
| Default rule | Udaya Tithi | Shuddha Tithi |
| Viddha tithi | Accepted | Rejected |
| Ekadashi fast | Day tithi is at sunrise | Day tithi is "pure" |
| Parana | Before Dwadashi ends | After sunrise, before 1/4 Dwadashi |
| Authority | Dharmasindhu, Nirnayasindhu | Hari Bhakti Vilasa, Navadvipa Panjika |
| Followers | Most Hindu families | ISKCON, Gaudiya Vaishnavas |