What is Yoga in Panchang? The 27 Yogas Explained
Yoga is one of the five limbs of the Hindu panchang. Learn how yoga is calculated from the Sun and Moon, the 27 yoga names, and why yoga matters for muhurat.
In the Hindu panchang, Yoga is one of the five core limbs, along with tithi, nakshatra, karana, and vaara. It is a calendrical factor calculated from the combined positions of the Sun and the Moon.
This yoga is different from physical yoga practice. Panchang yoga describes the quality of time created by the relationship between the two luminaries.
In short: Panchang yoga is calculated from the sum of the Sun's and Moon's longitudes. There are 27 yogas.
How Yoga is Calculated
The apparent celestial longitude of the Sun and the Moon are added together. The result is divided into 27 equal portions of 13 degrees 20 minutes each. Each portion corresponds to one yoga.
Since the Moon moves quickly, the yoga changes frequently. It may begin or end at any time of day, so a daily panchang lists both the current yoga and its ending time.
The 27 Yogas
| # | Yoga | General Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vishkambha | Mixed, often handled carefully |
| 2 | Priti | Favorable for harmony |
| 3 | Ayushman | Associated with vitality |
| 4 | Saubhagya | Favorable and fortunate |
| 5 | Shobhana | Graceful, pleasing |
| 6 | Atiganda | Generally avoided for auspicious starts |
| 7 | Sukarma | Good for action and work |
| 8 | Dhriti | Steady and supportive |
| 9 | Shoola | Sharp, handled carefully |
| 10 | Ganda | Often avoided for major beginnings |
| 11 | Vriddhi | Growth-oriented |
| 12 | Dhruva | Stable |
| 13 | Vyaghata | Obstacle-prone |
| 14 | Harshana | Joyful, favorable |
| 15 | Vajra | Forceful, mixed |
| 16 | Siddhi | Good for accomplishment |
| 17 | Vyatipata | Generally avoided |
| 18 | Variyana | Comfort-oriented |
| 19 | Parigha | Restrictive, often avoided early |
| 20 | Shiva | Auspicious, calm |
| 21 | Siddha | Supportive for success |
| 22 | Sadhya | Good for effort |
| 23 | Shubha | Auspicious |
| 24 | Shukla | Clear, favorable |
| 25 | Brahma | Good for learning and sacred work |
| 26 | Indra | Strong, leadership-oriented |
| 27 | Vaidhriti | Usually avoided for auspicious beginnings |
Why Yoga Matters
Yoga helps refine the quality of a time window. A day may have a favorable tithi and nakshatra, but an unfavorable yoga can still make practitioners cautious.
In daily life, yoga is most useful when selecting muhurat for beginnings, rituals, travel, and important commitments.
Yoga and the Other Panchang Elements
Yoga is never read alone. It is interpreted with tithi, nakshatra, karana, weekday, sunrise, sunset, Rahu Kaal, and other timing factors. The full panchang gives context.
Yoga gives the panchang another layer of nuance. It turns a simple date into a more complete reading of time, helping explain why two days with the same tithi may still feel different in traditional timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many yogas are there in panchang?
There are 27 yogas in the traditional panchang system.
Is panchang yoga the same as physical yoga?
No. Panchang yoga is a calendrical and astrological factor based on the combined positions of the Sun and Moon.
Why does yoga matter for muhurat?
Certain yogas are traditionally considered supportive, while others are avoided for important beginnings.
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