What is Karana in Panchang? Half-Tithi Timing Explained
Karana is the half-tithi element of the Hindu panchang. Learn the 11 karanas, how they repeat, and why karana is checked for auspicious timing.
Karana is one of the five limbs of the Hindu panchang. It is closely tied to tithi: one karana equals half of a tithi.
Since a tithi is based on 12 degrees of angular separation between the Moon and the Sun, a karana covers 6 degrees. This makes karana a finer timing unit than tithi.
In short: 1 karana = half a tithi. There are 11 named karanas used in the panchang.
The 11 Karanas
The karanas are divided into seven movable karanas and four fixed karanas. The movable karanas repeat through most of the lunar month, while the fixed karanas occur at specific points.
| Type | Karanas |
|---|---|
| Movable | Bava, Balava, Kaulava, Taitila, Gara, Vanija, Vishti |
| Fixed | Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga, Kimstughna |
Why Karana Matters
Karana is checked when selecting muhurat because it describes a more specific quality of time than tithi alone. Some karanas are considered supportive for activity, trade, learning, and ritual. Others are treated with caution.
The most commonly discussed example is Vishti Karana, also called Bhadra. Many traditions avoid Vishti for auspicious beginnings, ceremonies, and important agreements.
Karana vs Tithi
Tithi is the lunar day. Karana is half of that lunar day. Every tithi has two karanas, though their names follow a traditional repeating pattern rather than simply being numbered.
This is why a panchang may show both tithi and karana ending times. The tithi may continue, while the karana changes within it.
Common Uses of Karana
- Refining marriage, business, and griha pravesh muhurat
- Avoiding Vishti/Bhadra for auspicious beginnings
- Understanding why two parts of the same tithi may be treated differently
- Adding precision to daily panchang interpretation
How to Read Karana Today
Karana changes based on the Moon-Sun angular relationship, so it should be calculated astronomically. A location-aware panchang can show the current karana and its end time for the selected date.
Karana is subtle but important. If tithi tells you the lunar day, karana tells you which half of that lunar day you are in, giving muhurat selection a sharper edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many karanas are there?
There are 11 named karanas: seven movable karanas and four fixed karanas.
Why is karana called half-tithi?
A tithi covers 12 degrees of angular separation between the Moon and Sun. A karana covers half that distance, or 6 degrees.
Which karana is commonly avoided?
Vishti Karana, also called Bhadra, is traditionally avoided for many auspicious beginnings.
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