In Vedic astrology, the Karana is one of the five limbs of Panchang (the Hindu calendar), and it refers to half a Tithi. A full Tithi (lunar day) is divided into two halves, and each half is called a Karana. There are 11 Karanas in total, out of which 4 are fixed and 7 are repeating.
Steps to Check Karana:
1. Know Your Date, Time, and Location
- You need the date, time, and place of birth to calculate the Karana accurately.
2. Calculate the Tithi
- First, find the Tithi on the day of birth.
- The Tithi is determined by the position of the Moon relative to the Sun.
- A Tithi spans 12 degrees of separation between the Sun and the Moon.
3. Identify the Karana
- Each Tithi has two Karanas:
- The first Karana applies to the first half of the Tithi.
- The second Karana applies to the second half of the Tithi.
- Example:
If the Tithi is Shukla Pratipada (the first Tithi in the waxing phase):- First half: Kimstughna Karana (fixed).
- Second half: Bava Karana (repeating).
4. Use Panchang or Astrology Software
- Check a Panchang (Hindu almanac) for the exact Karana on the day and time of your birth.
- Modern astrology software or online tools can calculate the Karana for you instantly.
List of 11 Karanas
- Fixed Karanas (4) (occur only once per lunar cycle):
- Kimstughna
- Shakuni
- Chatushpada
- Naga
- Repeating Karanas (7) (cycle through each Tithi twice):
- Bava
- Balava
- Kaulava
- Taitila
- Garaja
- Vanija
- Vishti (Bhadra)
Significance of Karana
- The Karana is related to action and the quality of work or tasks performed.
- It influences the type of energy present during specific times.
- Good Karanas (e.g., Bava, Balava): Auspicious for starting important tasks.
- Vishti (Bhadra): Considered inauspicious and avoided for major decisions.