Karana Details

A karana is half of a tithi - the smaller time unit in the Hindu calendar. There are 11 karanas in total, of which four are fixed and seven are movable, repeating through the lunar month. Each karana has its own character and preferred uses.

Karanas are used for fine-tuning the timing of rituals, ceremonies and important actions, offering a more precise muhurat than tithi alone.

The word 'karana' means 'instrument' or 'cause', reflecting the belief that each karana creates a specific influence that colours the moment and can be used to good effect when understood.

A karana is simply half a tithi. Since a tithi spans 12 degrees of the Sun-Moon angular distance, a karana spans 6 degrees. There are 60 karanas in a lunar month, made up of the 30 tithis each divided in half.

Four karanas - Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga and Kimstughna - are fixed and occur only once per month, at the beginning and end of the lunar cycle. The other seven movable karanas repeat eight times each through the month.

This fine division allows astrologers to pinpoint an even more precise muhurat, which is especially useful for important ceremonies like marriage and griha pravesh.

The four fixed karanas - Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga and Kimstughna - appear only during the transition between lunar months. They are associated with specific deities and are generally considered less suitable for auspicious beginnings.

The seven movable karanas rotate in a repeating cycle through the rest of the month. Each is linked to a planet and a deity, giving it a distinct character. Vanija, for example, is associated with trade and is considered excellent for business dealings.

Understanding whether a karana is fixed or movable, and which deity it is linked to, adds depth to muhurat selection for those who want a more refined timing.

A muhurat becomes stronger when the tithi, nakshatra and karana all align favourably. The karana adds an extra layer of precision, especially for ceremonies like marriages, namkaran (naming) and griha pravesh.

For everyday purposes, knowing the current karana is enough to understand the quality of the moment and plan your important tasks with greater care.

If a karana like Vishti (Bhadra) is active, traditional practice suggests avoiding the start of important work and waiting for a more favourable karana.

For a full muhurat, combine the karana with the tithi, the day's nakshatra and yoga, and the Choghadiya for a refined and complete timing.