Tithi and Its Importance in Vedic Timekeeping

Introduction

In the Vedic system of time measurement (Panchānga), Tithi (lunar day) holds a central place. It represents the angular distance between the Sun (Sūrya) and the Moon (Chandra), serving as one of the five fundamental limbs of the Panchānga (the others being Vāra [weekday], Nakṣatra [constellation], Yoga, and Karaṇa).

A Tithi is not merely a unit of time but a cosmic indicator of energy, auspiciousness, and psychological mood, guiding rituals, festivals, and human undertakings. Classical texts such as Bṛhat Saṃhitā and Dharmasindhu emphasize that all religious and social activities should be aligned with the appropriate Tithi.

Calculation of Tithi

Mathematically, a Tithi corresponds to every 12° of angular separation between the Moon and the Sun. Since a full circle is 360°, dividing it by 12° gives 30 Tithis in one lunar month.

Śukla Pakṣa (Bright Fortnight): 15 Tithis beginning from Pratipadā (the day after Amāvasyā) and culminating in Pūrṇimā (Full Moon).

Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa (Dark Fortnight): 15 Tithis beginning from Pratipadā (the day after Pūrṇimā) and ending with Amāvasyā (New Moon).

Thus, Tithi represents the ever-changing relationship of the Sun and Moon, making it the most dynamic marker of time in Vedic astrology.

Table of 30 Tithis

Tithi (Sanskrit)	English Meaning	Classical Significance
1. Pratipadā	First day	Beginning of ventures, but unstable for marriage (Bṛhat Saṃhitā).
2. Dvitīyā	Second day	Auspicious for friendship, travel.
3. Tṛtīyā	Third day	Favourable for learning, arts, but avoid war.
4. Chaturthī	Fourth day	Associated with obstacles, worship of Gaṇeśa.
5. Pañcamī	Fifth day	Excellent for healing, learning mantras.
6. Ṣaṣṭhī	Sixth day	Favours victory, Subrahmaṇya worship.
7. Saptamī	Seventh day	Auspicious for health, Surya worship (Ratha Saptamī).
8. Aṣṭamī	Eighth day	Fierce energy, linked with Durgā; avoid new ventures.
9. Navamī	Ninth day	Powerful, linked with Rama Navami & Durga Navami.
10. Daśamī	Tenth day	Good for long journeys, rituals.
11. Ekādaśī	Eleventh day	Most sacred; vrata, fasting, devotion to Viṣṇu.
12. Dvādaśī	Twelfth day	Breaking of Ekādaśī fast (Parāṇa).
13. Trayodaśī	Thirteenth day	Associated with Pradosha vrata (Śiva).
14. Chaturdaśī	Fourteenth day	Fierce, connected with Śiva (Mahaśivarātri).
15. Pūrṇimā	Full Moon	Spiritual completion, great festivals (Guru Pūrṇimā, Holī).
16. Pratipadā (Kṛṣṇa)	Day after Full Moon	Cooling energy, but unstable.
17. Dvitīyā (Kṛṣṇa)	Second waning	Auspicious for travel, humility.
18. Tṛtīyā (Kṛṣṇa)	Third waning	Good for learning, donations.
19. Chaturthī (Kṛṣṇa)	Fourth waning	Fierce; avoid major tasks.
20. Pañcamī (Kṛṣṇa)	Fifth waning	Linked with serpent worship (Nāga Pañcamī).
21. Ṣaṣṭhī (Kṛṣṇa)	Sixth waning	Good for Subrahmaṇya worship, healing.
22. Saptamī (Kṛṣṇa)	Seventh waning	Auspicious for Sun rituals.
23. Aṣṭamī (Kṛṣṇa)	Eighth waning	Associated with Kṛṣṇa Janmāṣṭamī.
24. Navamī (Kṛṣṇa)	Ninth waning	Fierce, ancestral rites.
25. Daśamī (Kṛṣṇa)	Tenth waning	Good for travel, rituals.
26. Ekādaśī (Kṛṣṇa)	Eleventh waning	Sacred fasting, devotion.
27. Dvādaśī (Kṛṣṇa)	Twelfth waning	End of fasting, auspicious.
28. Trayodaśī (Kṛṣṇa)	Thirteenth waning	Linked with Śiva worship (Pradosha).
29. Chaturdaśī (Kṛṣṇa)	Fourteenth waning	Fierce; Mahaśivarātri falls here (if in Kṛṣṇa).
30. Amāvasyā	New Moon	Day for ancestor rituals (Śrāddha), powerful spiritual austerity.

Importance of Tithi

1. Spiritual and Religious

Ekādaśī is most sacred for Viṣṇu-bhakti; fasting on this day is said to liberate from sins (Padma Purāṇa).

Pūrṇimā and Amāvasyā are highly potent for vrata, upavāsa, and ancestor worship.

Each Tithi aligns with specific deities and energies, making ritual timing deeply effective.

2. Astrological Significance

Tithi forms part of the Pañcāṅga, influencing personality and temperament at birth.

Birth Tithi indicates mental disposition:

Pratipadā natives are ambitious,

Ekādaśī borns are spiritually inclined,

Chaturthī may face obstacles but gain strength through struggle.

3. Psychological and Energetic

Waxing Tithis (Śukla Pakṣa) are generally expansive and supportive of growth.

Waning Tithis (Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa) promote introspection, withdrawal, and spiritual effort.

This rhythm mirrors human emotional tides.

4. Daily Life and Rituals

Marriage, house entry, travel, and major undertakings are chosen based on Tithi.

Certain Tithis (Rikta Tithis — 4th, 9th, 14th) are considered inauspicious for new beginnings.

Festivals across Hindu tradition — Janmāṣṭamī, Rāma Navamī, Śivarātri, Holī, Guru Pūrṇimā — are all Tithi-based.

Summary & Key Takeaways

Tithi = 12° separation between Sun and Moon.

There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, divided into bright and dark halves.

Each Tithi carries distinct spiritual, astrological, and psychological qualities.

Classical texts emphasize selecting Tithi before undertaking any religious or social activity.Understanding Tithi aligns human life with the cosmic rhythm of Sun and Moon, ensuring harmony with time itself.

Thanks,

Edu-Astro Team