Draṣṭā // Course

Introduction to Pañcāṅgam and Muhūrta

Following the enthusiastic response last year with over 700+ participants, this course on Pañcāṅgam—the Indian calendrical system— is now added with a new component of Muhūrta Śāstra. This course offers a deeper understanding of the Pañcāṅgam and a foundational understanding of Muhūrta and their practical applications in both traditional and modern contexts.

05 Jun - 20 Jul 2025 Completed
About the Course Session Recordings Takeaways and Audience Know your Instructor

Overview

Various civilizations across the world developed their own ways of recording time since the beginning of civilization. Having a unit of time and a way to measure it was absolutely critical to measure change of time, development, and decay.

In Bhārata, which may have been the most ancient and evidently the most advanced civilization of yore, the Pañcāṅgam was developed by our sages for measuring time. But our sages did not stop there. They were interested not just in measuring time to understand the passing of time, but they envisioned the measurement to also give an idea of quality of time - so that the efforts of men and women for all areas of life could be best optimized. 

A Pañcāṅgam is a Hindu astrological almanac or calendar, deeply rooted in the highly refined astronomy of evident bodies in the sky, as well as in mathematical points needed for calculating important events like eclipses. 

The word "Pañcāṅgam" comes from Saṃskṛta, where "pañca" means five and "aṅgam" means limb or part. As the name suggests, it consists of five main elements:

Tithi: The lunar day
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

The Pañcāṅgam is used to determine auspicious times for various activities, festivals, and religious observances. 

It is consulted for important life events like weddings, beginning new ventures, or performance of rituals. Determination of right time for a particular event falls under the ambit of Muhūrta Śāstra.

Before the advent of modern tools, the Pañcāṅgam was used to calculate and educate the masses of all astronomical phenomena including the eclipses, in addition to dates important for mundane and religious affairs.

Pañcāṅgam is typically prepared for specific locations, as the calculations depend on geographical coordinates. They're widely used in India and by Hindu communities around the world for both religious and cultural purposes.

While traditionally complex to understand, Pañcāṅgam was germane to the lifestyle of Hindus of the yore and was well understood.

Modern versions of the Pañcāṅgam are available as apps or websites, making this ancient system more accessible to people today. However, the knowledge of utilizing the data available in the pañcāṅgam is largely lost in today’s times, with traditional mediums of instruction going out of fashion.

Structure

Through a series of video lectures spread over 7 weeks and 14 lectures, reading materials, exercises and discussions, this course will make the learner conversant with the Hindu methods of time keeping and understanding the quality of time.

Time Commitment:
- 7 weeks (2 modules per week)
- 3 lecture hours per week
- 2-3 hours per week additionally for readings and assignments

Required Materials:
- Course notes: (provided in digital format)
- Access to a computer with internet connection
- Drik Panchang: Browser Version or Mobile App 
- Traditional, physical Pañcāṅgam of your region

Contents

Module 1

Module 1: Introduction to Pañcāṅgam and Modern Tools

- What is Pañcāṅgam? - Components and their significance - Historical evolution of Pañcāṅgam - Pañcāṅgam's role in Vaidika astrology and Hindu culture - Introduction to Drik Pañcāṅgam software (browser version and mobile app) - Understanding the advantages of physical Pañcāṅgam over digital version Practical Exercise: Analyze a sample Pañcāṅgam using Drik Pañcāṅgam and identify its key components.

Module 2

Module 2: Foundations - Understanding the Cosmos

- Motions of celestial bodies (Sun and 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 Pañcāṅgam and an online planetarium tool to observe celestial motions.

Module 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 Pañcāṅgam.

Module 4

Module 4: Time Divisions in Pañcāṅgam

- Tithis (lunar phases) and their significance - Vāra (weekdays) in Vaidika context - Understanding Horā and Muhūrta Quiz: Test your understanding of various time divisions in Pañcāṅgam using examples from Drik Pañcāṅgam

Module 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 Pañcāṅgam

Module 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 Pañcāṅgam.

Module 7

Module 7: Muhūrta - The Art of Timing

- Principles of Muhūrta - Auspicious and inauspicious timings - Brahma Muhūrta, Abhijīt Muhūrta, and other special timings Case Study: Analyze the Muhūrta chosen for a significant historical event using Drik Pañcāṅgam.

Module 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 Pañcāṅgam.

Module 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 Pañcāṅgam calculations.

Module 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 Pañcāṅgam.

Module 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 Pañcāṅgam.

Module 12

Module 12: Introduction to Muhūrta

- Understanding representation of planets in horoscope way - Understanding Lagna - Key rules of a propitious Muhūrta

Module 13

  • Modules 13 and 14: Practical explanation of Muhūrta

  • Modules 13 and 14: Practical explanation of Muhūrta

Session Recordings

Module 1: Introduction to Pañcāṅgam and Modern Tools

Module 1

Module 1: Introduction to Pañcāṅgam and Modern Tools

Module 2: Foundations - Understanding the Cosmos

Module 2

Module 2: Foundations - Understanding the Cosmos

Module 3: Nakṣatras In-Depth

Module 3

Module 3: Nakṣatras In-Depth

Module 4: Time Divisions in Pañcāṅgam

Module 4

Module 4: Time Divisions in Pañcāṅgam

Module 5: Māsa (Lunar Months) and Seasonal Calculations

Module 5

Module 5: Māsa (Lunar Months) and Seasonal Calculations

Module 6: Yogas and Karaṇas - The Building Blocks of Prediction

Module 6

Module 6: Yogas and Karaṇas - The Building Blocks of Prediction

Module 7: Muhūrta - The Art of Timing

Module 7

Module 7: Muhūrta - The Art of Timing

Module 8: Advanced Pañcāṅgam Concepts

Module 8

Module 8: Advanced Pañcāṅgam Concepts

Module 9: Festivals and Rituals - Pañcāṅgam in Practice

Module 9

Module 9: Festivals and Rituals - Pañcāṅgam in Practice

Module 10: Comparative Calendrical Systems

Module 10

Module 10: Comparative Calendrical Systems

Module 11: Traditional Methods vs. Modern Applications

Module 11

Module 11: Traditional Methods vs. Modern Applications

Module 12: Introduction to Muhūrta

Module 12

Module 12: Introduction to Muhūrta

Modules 13 and 14: Practical explanation of Muhūrta

Module 13

Modules 13 and 14: Practical explanation of Muhūrta

Modules 13 and 14: Practical explanation of Muhūrta

Module 13

Modules 13 and 14: Practical explanation of Muhūrta

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Key Takeaways

Understand:

The fundamental principles and components of Pañcāṅgam

Calculate and Interpret:

The various elements of Pañcāṅgam

Apply:

The knowledge of the Pañcāṅgam to determine auspicious timings and festival dates

Use:

Both traditional methods and modern software (particularly Drik Pañcāṅgam) for Pañcāṅgam calculations

Appreciate:

The cultural and astrological significance of Pañcāṅgam across different regions

Find:

Muhūrtas for key events of life like travels, gṛha praveśa, marriage, etc.

Who is this course for?

  • - Learners and Seekers curious to understand and apply the Pañcāṅgam knowledge. - Students, ācāryas, and parents looking to find auspicious muhūrtas for key events. - Practitioners and enthusiasts keen on exploring the Vaidika method of timekeeping, using traditional and modern mediums. - Cultural and heritage enthusiasts who want to reconnect with the ancient Indian wisdom, their contemporary relevance, and its cultural significance.

Know your Instructor

Nilmadhab Prasad Sahi

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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