In Hinduism, each lunar phase has religious and astrological significance.[1] There are four principal (primary, or major) lunar phases: the new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter (also known as third or final quarter), when the Moon's ecliptic longitude is at an angle to the Sun (as viewed from the center of the Earth) of 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° respectively.[2] Hindu astrology also considers significant the changes in the phase of the moon even during the course of each individual day.
New moon[edit | edit source]
The first of these principal phases is Amāvásyā (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.), the day of the new moon.[3]
Paksha fortnights[edit | edit source]
The second and fourth phases (the quarters) are less significant, marking only the midpoints of the Paksha (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.), the fourteen days on either side of the full moon. There are two pakshas: the first is the 'brightening' (Shukla) of the moon, as it changes from new to full; the second is the 'darkening' (Krishna), as it changes from full to new.[4]
The first day of a paksha is called a Pratipada (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) or Prathama (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) and thus there are two of these days (the first and usually the fifteenth of the lunar month).[5]
Full moon[edit | edit source]
The third phase is Pūrṇimā (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.), the day of the full moon.[6]
Calendrical significance[edit | edit source]
In the pūrṇimānta māna Hindu lunisolar calendar used in most parts of the Indian subcontinent, the lunar month starts on the day following the full moon and therefore Amāvásyā always falls in the middle of the month. However, in the amānta māna calendar used in some places, the lunar month starts on the day of the new moon, making Amāvásyā the last day of the lunar month in those places. Many festivals, the most famous being Diwali (lit. 'the festival of lights'), are observed on Amāvásyā.
Tithi: lunar phase change in a single day[edit | edit source]
File:Tithi.ogv In Vedic timekeeping, a tithi is a "duration of two faces of moon that is observed from earth".[1] Every day of a lunar month is called tithi. This concept is significant in astrology as it maps to the moment of birth.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Defouw, Hart; Svoboda, Robert (2003). Light on Life: An Introduction to the Astrology of India. Lotus Press. p. 186. ISBN 0-940985-69-1.
- ↑ *Seidelmann, P. Kenneth, ed. (1992). Explanatory Supplement to the Astronomical Almanac. Mill Valley: University Science Books. p. 478.
- ↑ "Amavasya: a gateway to spiritual renewal and new beginnings". Times of India. 13 May 2024.
- ↑ "Understanding Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha: Significance and Differences". mPanchang. 20 December 2024.
- ↑ Verma, Manish (2013). Fasts and Festivals of India. Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd. p. 52. ISBN 978-81-7182-076-4.
- ↑ "Vasanta Purnima". rudraksha-ratna.com.