🌟 What is the Malayalam Panchangam?

The word Panchangam is derived from Sanskrit: Pancha (Five) + Angam (Limbs). It literally means “Five Limbs.” It is an astrological almanac that tracks the movement of the Sun and Moon to determine the quality of time on any given day.

Unlike a standard Gregorian calendar that just tells you the date, the Malayalam Panchangam helps you answer questions like:

• “Is today a good day to start a business?”
• “When should I conduct a housewarming?”
• “What is my child’s birth star (Nakshatra)?”

Did you know? The Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham) is solar-based, but the Panchangam elements are largely lunar-based. This unique blend makes Kerala’s astrology distinct.

🖐️ The 5 Limbs (Pancha-Anga) Explained

To read the calendar, you only need to understand these five “limbs.” Once you know them, the symbols on a Malayalam calendar suddenly start to make sense.

1. Tithi (തിഥി) – The Lunar Day

What it is: The angular distance between the Sun and the Moon. There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month.

Why it matters: It determines the phase of the Moon.

Key Tithis: Amavasi (New Moon), Pournami (Full Moon), Ekadashi.

Usage: Tithi is used for deciding fasting days, festival dates, and temple rituals.

2. Nakshatra (നക്ഷത്രം) – The Star Constellation

What it is: The star the Moon is passing through on a specific day. There are 27 Nakshatras (e.g., Ashwathi, Bharani, Karthika).

Why it matters: This is crucial for personal astrology and birth charts.

Usage: Nakshatram is used for naming newborns, matching horoscopes (Porutham), and deciding Muhurtham.

3. Yoga (യോഗം) – The Planetary Alignment

What it is: A mathematical combination based on the positions of the Sun and Moon.

Why it matters: It predicts the general “mood” or quality of the day.

Usage: There are 27 Yogas. Some like Siddhi are considered great for starting work, while others like Vyatipata are best avoided for major events.

4. Karana (കരണം) – The Half-Tithi

What it is: Half of a Tithi.

Why it matters: It gives a more precise indication of when success is favored.

Usage: Certain Karanas like Bava are considered excellent for beginning commercial activities and practical tasks.

5. Vara (വാര) – The Weekday

What it is: The solar day of the week.

Examples:

• Njayar (Sunday) – Sun
• Thinkal (Monday) – Moon
• Chovva (Tuesday) – Mars

Usage: Each day favors different activities. For example, Mondays are often preferred for agricultural or creative starts, while some avoid starting fights or legal matters on Chovva (Tuesday).

🗂️ How to Read a Malayalam Panchangam (Step-by-Step)

Let’s look at a hypothetical entry you might see on a calendar app or a wall calendar:

Step 1: Check the Nakshatra

First, look at the Nakshatra (star). If you are planning a birthday ritual, naming ceremony, or specific puja, the star must be active.

In the example above, Thiruvonam is active only until 11:30 AM. After that, the next star Avittam begins. If your ritual requires Thiruvonam, you should finish it before that time.

Step 2: Check the “Bad” Times (Avoid These!)

Before you plan anything, rule out the negative windows of time. These are generally avoided for starting new or important activities.

• Rahu Kalam (രാഹുകാലം): Ruled by Rahu. Traditionally, new ventures, signing contracts, or starting journeys are avoided in this period.
• Gulika Kalam (ഗുലികകാലം): Associated with Saturn’s son. Things started here are believed to get delayed, dragged, or repeated.
• Yamagandam (യമഗണ്ഡം): Ruled by the God of Death. Often avoided especially for travel or risky activities.

Step 3: Find the “Good” Time (Muhurtham)

Once you’ve eliminated the bad times, you can look for the Muhurtham or Nalla Samayam.

If you are looking to launch a project, sign a contract, or start a business, you want a combination of:

• Favorable Tithi
• Good Nakshatra
• Supportive Yoga and Karana
• Time slots that avoid Rahu Kalam, Gulika Kalam, and Yamagandam

🧠 Pro Tip: The “Nazhika” System

Traditional Panchangams don’t always use AM/PM. They might use Nazhika (നാഴിക) and Vinazhika.

• 1 Nazhika = 24 minutes
• The day starts at Sunrise (often approximated as 6:00 AM)

For example, if the calendar says the star ends at 5 Nazhika, that means:

5 × 24 minutes = 120 minutes (2 hours) after sunrise.

So if sunrise is at 6:00 AM, the star ends at around 8:00 AM. Once you get used to this, even old-style Panchangams become easy to read.

🎯 Who Uses the Panchangam Today?

Even in our digital age, the Panchangam is still relevant and widely used across Kerala and the Malayali diaspora.

• Wedding Dates: Ensuring long-term compatibility and prosperity by aligning marriage Muhurtham with auspicious stars and Tithis.
• House Construction: Choosing dates for Kallidal (laying the foundation stone), housewarming, and moving in.
• Agriculture: Planting seeds or starting farming activities during specific Nakshatras and Yogas.
• Daily Routine: Many Malayalis still check Rahu Kalam daily just to be safe.

❓ FAQ: Malayalam Panchangam

Q: Can I check the Panchangam online?

Yes. There are many apps and websites like Drik Panchang or Manorama Online. They show Tithi, Nakshatra, Rahu Kalam and more. However, learning to read it yourself using a wall calendar or Panchangam book connects you more deeply to the culture.

Q: Do I need to know Malayalam to use it?

Not necessarily. Many modern apps are available in English, but the most authentic wall calendars and Panchangam books are in Malayalam script. Understanding basic Malayalam letters will make it easier and more meaningful.

Q: Is Rahu Kalam the same every day?

No. Rahu Kalam changes based on the day of the week (Vara). For example, on Sundays it is usually around 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM, while on Mondays it is around 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM. Your Panchangam or calendar will show the exact timing for each day.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

Understanding the Panchangam is just one layer of Kerala’s rich heritage. Once you get comfortable with Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, and Vara, the once-confusing grid on your Malayalam calendar becomes a meaningful guide to daily life.

Whether you are decoding the calendar or trying to decode the language itself, we are here to help you reconnect with Malayalam culture step by step.