Introduction to Pañcāṅgam - The Indian Calendrical System
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the Pañcāṅgam, exploring its five key elements and practical uses in both traditional and contemporary settings. Learners will gain a good understanding of Hindu timekeeping through interactive content and discussions.
Overview
Vāra: The day of the week
Nakṣatra: One of the 27 constellations
Yoga: An element derived from a specific alignment of the sun and moon in the way they move together
Karaṇa: Loosely equivalent to half of a tithi
Intent
Structure
- 6 weeks (2 modules per week)
- 3 lecture hours per week
- 2-3 hours per week additionally for readings and assignments.
- The course does not presuppose any knowledge of astrology
- Access to a computer with internet connection
- Drik Panchang - Browser version or App
- Traditional physical pañcāṅgam for your region
Contents
Day 1
Module 1: Introduction to Pañcāṅgam and Modern Tools
- What is Pañcāṅgam? - Components and their significance - Historical evolution of Pañcāṅgam - Pañcāṅgam's role in Vedic astrology and Hindu culture - Introduction to Drik Panchang software (browser version and app) - Understanding the advantages of physical Pañcāṅgam over digital versions Practical Exercise: Analyze a sample Pañcāṅgam using Drik Panchang and identify its key components.
Day 2
Module 2: Foundations - Understanding the Cosmos
- Motions of celestial bodies (Sun & Moon). Understanding the importance of these motions as the foundation for timekeeping across cultures. - Introduction to the ecliptic and zodiac - Nakṣatras (lunar mansions) and their importance Interactive Activity: Use Drik Panchang and an online planetarium tool to observe celestial motions.
Day 3
Module 3: Nakṣatras In-Depth
- Detailed exploration of the 27 Nakṣatras - Classification and characteristics of Nakṣatras - Understanding why Nakṣatras lead to the most advanced method of timekeeping and assessing the quality of time Assignment: Create a personal Nakṣatra profile based on your birth details using Drik Panchang.
Day 4
Module 4: Time Divisions in Pañcāṅgam
- Tithis (lunar phases) and their significance - Vāra (weekdays) in Vedic context - Understanding Horā and Muhūrta Quiz: Test your understanding of various time divisions in Pañcāṅgam using examples from Drik Panchang.
Day 5
Module 5: Māsa (Lunar Months) and Seasonal Calculations
- Understanding Māsa and their classifications - Normal Māsa vs. Adhika Māsa (intercalary months) - Significance of specific months (e.g., Puruṣottama Māsa, Kharmāsa) Group Project: Create a visual representation of the lunar month system using data from Drik Panchang.
Day 6
Module 6: Yogas and Karaṇas - The Building Blocks of Prediction
- Introduction to Yogas and their types - Karaṇas and their types - Significance of Yogas and Karaṇas - Bhadrā and its types Practical Exercise: Calculate and interpret Yogas and Karaṇas for given dates using Drik Panchang.
Day 7
Module 7: Muhūrta - The Art of Timing
- Principles of Muhūrta - Auspicious and inauspicious timings - Brahma Muhūrta, Abhijit Muhūrta and other special timings Case Study: Analyze the Muhūrta chosen for a significant historical event using Drik Panchang.
Day 8
Module 8: Advanced Pañcāṅgam Concepts
- Rising and setting of planets - Retrogression - Viṣa Ghaṭī and its effects - Special Yogas: Yogī, Avayogī, and others - Chaughaḍiyā Challenge: Solve advanced Pañcāṅgam problems using traditional methods and verify with Drik Panchang.
Day 9
Module 9: Festivals and Rituals - Pañcāṅgam in Practice
- How Pañcāṅgam determines festival dates - Pūjā timings and their astrological basis - Regional variations in festival calculations Virtual Field Trip: Explore how different temples use Pañcāṅgam for ritual timings and compare with Drik Panchang calculations.
Day 10
Module 10: Comparative Calendrical Systems
- Pañcāṅgam and Jantrī - Brief overview of Western and Islamic astrological calendars - Understanding the universal elements in different calendrical systems Discussion Forum: Debate the strengths and limitations of different calendrical systems, including digital tools like Drik Panchang.
Day 11
Module 11: Traditional Methods vs. Modern Applications
- Comparing traditional and digital Pañcāṅgam methods - A surface level understanding of Sūrya Siddhānta vis-a-vis Dṛk Gaṇita Hands-on Workshop: Compare calculations using traditional methods and Drik Panchang.
Day 12
Module 12: Pañcāṅgam in the Modern World
- Relevance of Pañcāṅgam in contemporary society - Adapting ancient wisdom to modern life - Critical thinking and scientific perspectives on Pañcāṅgam - Future of Pañcāṅgam studies and digital tools Final Project: Create a comprehensive guide for using Pañcāṅgam in daily life, incorporating both traditional knowledge and modern tools.
Session Recordings
Day 1
Module 1: Introduction to Pañcāṅgam and Modern Tools
Day 2
Module 2: Foundations - Understanding the Cosmos
Day 3
Module 3: Nakṣatras In-Depth
Day 4
Module 4: Time Divisions in Pañcāṅgam
Day 5
Module 5: Māsa (Lunar Months) and Seasonal Calculations
Day 6
Module 6: Yogas and Karaṇas - The Building Blocks of Prediction
Day 7
Module 7: Muhūrta - The Art of Timing
Day 8
Module 8: Advanced Pañcāṅgam Concepts
Day 9
Module 9: Festivals and Rituals - Pañcāṅgam in Practice
Day 10
Module 10: Comparative Calendrical Systems
Day 11
Module 11: Traditional Methods vs. Modern Applications
Day 12
Module 12: Pañcāṅgam in the Modern World
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Key Takeaways
Understand:
The fundamental principles and components of Pañcāṅgam
Interpret:
The various elements of Pañcāṅgam
Apply:
Both traditional methods and modern software (particularly Drik Panchang) for Pañcāṅgam calculations
Appreciate:
The cultural and astrological significance of Pañcāṅgam across different regions
Who is this course for?
- The course is open for all interested learners who wish to understand the Pañcāṅgam and learn more about the Vaidika method of timekeeping. It is especially beneficial for students, teachers, parents and every Indian who wishes to connect back to their cultural traditions.
Know your Instructor
Nilmadhab Prasad Sahi
Nilmadhab Prasad Sahi, who goes by the pen name Vedanjanam on social media, is a Vaidika astrologer based in Mumbai. As a lifelong seeker of Indian Knowledge Systems, particularly Vedānta and Nyāya, he embarked on his journey into classical Parāśari Astrology in 2022.
With the blessings of his Guru and Iṣṭa, he quickly mastered its foundational principles. A Triskandhī Jyotiṣī, Vedanjanam has cultivated deep expertise across Jātaka (natal astrology), Siddhānta (astronomical calculations), and Samhitā (mundane astrology).
His passion lies in the mathematical astronomy of the Vedas, with a particular focus on the principles of the Sūrya Siddhānta; and the later contributions of luminaries such as Āryabhaṭa, Brahmagupta, and Varāhamihira, as well as modern scholars like Bapu Shastri Ketkar.
In addition to his astrological pursuits, Nilmadhab provides strategic consulting for both Indian and multinational corporations. His previous leadership roles include senior positions at renowned organizations such as Hamilton Housewares Pvt. Ltd., Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., Tata Motors Ltd., and Kansai Nerolac Paints. He holds formal degrees in Physics and Management.
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