Karan in Panchang (Vedic Astrology)
In Vedic Astrology, a Karan (करण) is a part of the Panchang and represents the half of a Tithi (lunar day). There are two Karans in each Tithi, making a total of 11 different Karans that repeat cyclically. Karans are significant for understanding the nature of the day and are used in Muhurta (auspicious timing), predictions, and personal traits.
Types of Karans
Karans are divided into two categories:
- Fixed (Sthira) Karans – Do not repeat and occur once in a lunar month.
- Movable (Chara) Karans – Repeat eight times in a lunar cycle.
1. Movable (Chara) Karans (Repeat 8 times per lunar month)
These are considered generally good for auspicious activities:
- Bava (बव) – Good for travel, business, and starting new work.
- Balava (बालव) – Auspicious for learning, education, and celebrations.
- Kaulava (कौलव) – Favorable for relationships, agreements, and deals.
- Taitila (तैतिल) – Suitable for wealth accumulation, construction, and planning.
- Garaja (गर) – Good for administrative work, discipline, and justice.
- Vanija (वणिज) – Best for business, trade, and financial dealings.
- Vishti (विष्टि) (Bhadra) – Inauspicious for starting anything new; associated with obstacles and disputes.
2. Fixed (Sthira) Karans (Occur once per lunar cycle)
These occur at the end of the lunar month and have unique influences:
8. Shakuni (शकुनि) – Suitable for diplomacy, resolving conflicts, and legal matters.
9. Chatushpada (चतुष्पद) – Good for spiritual activities but not material success.
10. Naga (नाग) – Inauspicious for material work, but favorable for mysticism and hidden knowledge.
11. Kimstughna (किंस्तुघ्न) – Considered very auspicious, ideal for new beginnings, marriage, and prosperity.
Importance of Karan in Astrology
- Determines Muhurta (auspicious timings).
- Impacts personality traits if present at birth.
- Used in Vedic rituals, marriage compatibility, and travel decisions.
Would you like to know the Karan for a specific date or how it affects your chart? 😊
