Vedic Tithis - 30 Lunar Days
Complete guide to the 30 tithis (lunar days) in the Vedic calendar for Ujjain
Tithis
30 Lunar Days of the Vedic Calendar
Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon) ๐โ๐
The bright fortnight when the moon grows from new to full. Favorable for growth, building, and expansion.
Shukla Pratipada
Shukla Dwitiya
Shukla Tritiya
Shukla Chaturthi
Shukla Panchami
Shukla Shashthi
Shukla Saptami
Shukla Ashtami
Shukla Navami
Shukla Dashami
Shukla Ekadashi
Shukla Dwadashi
Shukla Trayodashi
Shukla Chaturdashi
Shukla Purnima
Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon) ๐โ๐
The dark fortnight when the moon wanes from full to new. Favorable for release, letting go, and introspection.
Krishna Pratipada
Krishna Dwitiya
Krishna Tritiya
Krishna Chaturthi
Krishna Panchami
Krishna Shashthi
Krishna Saptami
Krishna Ashtami
Krishna Navami
Krishna Dashami
Krishna Ekadashi
Krishna Dwadashi
Krishna Trayodashi
Krishna Chaturdashi
Krishna Amavasya
What are Tithis?
Tithis are the lunar days in the Vedic calendar system. A tithi is the time it takes for the Moon to be 12ยฐ ahead of the Sun. Since the Moon's speed varies, tithis can range from about 19 to 26 hours. There are 30 tithis in a lunar month, divided into two pakshas (fortnights).
The Two Pakshas
Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon): The bright fortnight when the Moon grows from new to full. This is a time of growth, building, and expansion. Favorable for starting new projects, ceremonies, and positive actions.
Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon): The dark fortnight when the Moon wanes from full to new. This is a time of release, introspection, and letting go. Favorable for spiritual practices, fasting, and releasing negative patterns.
Spiritual Significance
Each tithi is ruled by a specific deity and has unique spiritual qualities. Important Hindu festivals and vrats (fasting observances) are celebrated on specific tithis:
- Ekadashi (11th tithi) - Most sacred for Lord Vishnu, observed for fasting
- Purnima (Full Moon, 15th Shukla) - Major festivals like Guru Purnima
- Amavasya (New Moon, 15th Krishna) - Ancestor worship and spiritual practices
- Chaturthi (4th tithi) - Sacred to Lord Ganesha
- Ashtami (8th tithi) - Sacred to Durga and Krishna
Using Tithis in Daily Life
Understanding tithis helps you align your activities with natural lunar rhythms. Each tithi has favorable and unfavorable activities. Explore all 30 tithis above to learn about their ruling deities, spiritual nature, and best uses for planning your important activities.