Tithis

Tithis are an essential part of the lunar calendar and represent the phases of the Moon. They play a significant role in determining auspicious and inauspicious timings for various activities. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Tithis:

Definition and Calculation:
• A Tithi is the time it takes for the longitudinal angle between the Moon and the Sun to increase by 12 degrees. This means that each Tithi represents a 12-degree separation between the Moon and Sun in the sky.

• There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, divided into two Pakshas (fortnights):
o Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase): When the Moon is increasing in light, from the New Moon (Amavasya) to the Full Moon (Purnima).
o Krishna Paksha (Waning phase): When the Moon is decreasing in light, from the Full Moon back to the New Moon.

Types of Tithis:
Each Tithi has a unique name and significance. There are 15 Tithis in each Paksha, making up a total of 30 Tithis in the lunar month. Here’s a list of the Tithis along with their ruling planet:

Here is a list of the Tithis in both phases, along with their significance:

Shukla Paksha Tithis (Waxing Phase)

Pratipada (1st Tithi)
Beginning of the lunar month. Auspicious for starting new ventures.

Dwitiya (2nd Tithi)
Good for laying foundations and planning.

Tritiya (3rd Tithi)
Ideal for financial matters, transactions, and marriage ceremonies.

Chaturthi (4th Tithi)
Known for obstacles, considered inauspicious for major tasks. Auspicious for Ganesh Puja.

Panchami (5th Tithi)
Favorable for healing, education, and creative endeavors.

Shashti (6th Tithi)
Good for health-related activities, curing diseases.

Saptami (7th Tithi)
Auspicious for travel and public activities.

Ashtami (8th Tithi)
Known for strength, power, and warfare. Ideal for aggressive or assertive actions.

Navami (9th Tithi)
Good for challenges and competition, not for starting peaceful activities.

Dashami (10th Tithi)
Great for religious, charitable, and social activities.

Ekadashi (11th Tithi)
Traditionally observed as a fast day for spiritual purification.

Dwadashi (12th Tithi)
Good for wealth management and religious activities.

Trayodashi (13th Tithi)
Auspicious for long-term projects, journeys, and financial activities.

Chaturdashi (14th Tithi)
A time for inner strength, ideal for spiritual endeavors. Considered less favorable for worldly tasks.

Purnima (Full Moon)
The culmination of the waxing moon, excellent for spiritual and auspicious tasks.

Krishna Paksha Tithis (Waning Phase)

Pratipada (1st Tithi)
Similar to the waxing Pratipada, good for small-scale beginnings.

Dwitiya (2nd Tithi)
Favorable for routine tasks, foundation work.

Tritiya (3rd Tithi)
Good for trade, travels, and managing resources.

Chaturthi (4th Tithi)
Avoid important activities. Can involve obstacles and hindrances.

Panchami (5th Tithi)
Good for learning, creative work, and nurturing health.

Shashti (6th Tithi)
Favorable for health-related matters.

Saptami (7th Tithi)
Ideal for travel and undertaking missions.

Ashtami (8th Tithi)
Linked to intensity, power, and sometimes conflict.

Navami (9th Tithi)
Suitable for aggressive pursuits, competitions, and challenges.

Dashami (10th Tithi)
Favorable for social and communal activities.

Ekadashi (11th Tithi)
Sacred fasting day, known for spiritual benefits and self-discipline.

Dwadashi (12th Tithi)
Good for religious observances, financial management.

Trayodashi (13th Tithi)
Auspicious for finalizing deals and travel plans.

Chaturdashi (14th Tithi)
A day of heightened energy, often linked to intensity and ritual activities.

Amavasya (New Moon)
Known for its dark phase, ideal for introspection, spiritual practices, and avoiding important worldly activities.

Each Tithi has its own significance in astrology, religious rituals, and everyday life. The Tithis are used to determine auspicious times for rituals, festivals, and other events.