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Each Tithi has two halves, giving 60 Karanas per lunar month from just 11 types
A Karana is the smallest daily subdivision of the Panchang. It represents half a Tithi — exactly 6 degrees of angular separation between the Moon and the Sun. The word "Karana" derives from the Sanskrit root "kri" (to do), signifying the quality of action during that period. While a Tithi spans roughly one day (12 degrees of Moon-Sun elongation), a Karana covers roughly half a day.
Karanas are used extensively in Muhurta (electional astrology) to determine the suitability of a time for specific activities. Classical texts like the Surya Siddhanta and Muhurta Chintamani prescribe specific Karanas for ceremonies, travel, agriculture, and commerce.
1 Karana = 6° of Moon-Sun elongation = ½ Tithi
1 Tithi = 12° = 2 Karanas
30 Tithis x 2 = 60 Karanas per lunar month
There are only 11 distinct Karana types, yet they fill 60 positions per lunar month. This works because the Karanas are divided into two groups:
7 types that repeat 8 times each = 56 positions (positions 2 through 57)
4 types that occur only once each = 4 positions (positions 1, 58, 59, 60)
Total: 56 (chara) + 4 (sthira) = 60 karanas = 2 per tithi x 30 tithis
The Karana number (1-60) within a lunar month is derived directly from the Moon-Sun elongation:
Karana Position = floor((Moon° - Sun°) / 6) + 1
If elongation < 0, add 360° (normalize to 0-360)
Position 1 = Kimstughna (sthira)
Positions 2-57 = Chara cycle: (pos-2) mod 7 maps to Bava(0)...Vishti(6)
Positions 58,59,60 = Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga (sthira)
Suppose the Moon is at 85.3 degrees and the Sun is at 42.7 degrees.
Elongation = 85.3 - 42.7 = 42.6 degrees
Karana position = floor(42.6 / 6) + 1 = floor(7.1) + 1 = 7 + 1 = 8
Position 8 falls in the chara cycle (positions 2-57). Offset = (8 - 2) mod 7 = 6, which maps to the 7th chara karana = Vishti (Bhadra).
This is Shukla Chaturthi (4th tithi), 2nd half. The elongation 42.6 degrees is between 42 and 48 degrees (7th and 8th karana of the month).
Each of the 11 Karanas is presided over by a deity and carries a distinct nature that influences the quality of actions undertaken during its period.
Karanas are broadly classified into three categories based on their suitability for undertaking activities:
Bava, Balava, Kaulava, Taitila, Garaja -- These five chara karanas are considered favorable for most activities including marriage, travel, business, and religious ceremonies.
Vanija -- Suitable for trade and commerce but not recommended for spiritual or domestic ceremonies. Also favorable for agriculture.
Vishti (Bhadra) -- The 7th chara karana is considered highly inauspicious. It occurs 8 times per month and is avoided for all new beginnings, journeys, and ceremonies. Only acts of destruction, confrontation, and warfare are prescribed during Vishti.
The four Sthira (fixed) Karanas occupy unique positions at the very beginning and end of the lunar month. They appear only once, making them astronomically and ritually distinct from the repeating cycle.
Preparing medicines, poison-related work, divination, tantric practices
Animal husbandry, cattle purchase, veterinary work, stable foundations
Cruel acts, destructive tasks, underground work. Avoid travel and ceremonies
Charity, spiritual practices, Shraddha, overcoming obstacles. A surprisingly auspicious fixed karana
In Muhurta Shastra (electional astrology), the Karana is one of the five limbs (Panchangas) that must be evaluated before fixing an auspicious time. While Tithi and Nakshatra carry more weight, the Karana acts as a fine-tuning element:
Always avoid Vishti (Bhadra) Karana for auspicious events. Since Vishti occurs 8 times a month, it eliminates roughly 13% of available time.
Bava and Balava Karanas are especially recommended for marriage (Vivaha), religious initiations (Upanayana), and house construction (Griha Arambha).
Vanija Karana is preferred for starting new businesses, signing contracts, and agricultural sowing.
The Sthira Karanas (Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga, Kimstughna) at month boundaries are reserved for specific rituals like Shraddha, animal husbandry, and spiritual practices.
The 60 Karanas of each lunar month follow a precise pattern. Understanding this cycle is key to predicting which Karana will be active at any point in the month:
Position 1 (Shukla Pratipada, 1st half): Kimstughna (sthira) -- the month begins with the last fixed karana, symbolizing the dissolution of the old cycle.
Positions 2-57 (Shukla Pratipada 2nd half through Krishna Chaturdashi 1st half): The 7 chara karanas cycle 8 times in order: Bava, Balava, Kaulava, Taitila, Garaja, Vanija, Vishti.
Positions 58-60 (Krishna Chaturdashi 2nd half, Amavasya 1st & 2nd half): Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga (sthira) -- the month ends with three fixed karanas at the darkest phase.