Purnima Tithi is one of the most sacred and significant lunar days in the Hindu calendar. The term Purnima is derived from the Sanskrit words "Purna", meaning full, and "Ma", meaning Moon. It refers to the day when the Moon is in its complete, fully illuminated state, symbolizing fullness, prosperity, and spiritual illumination. Purnima Tithi occurs on the 15th day of the Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the Moon) in every lunar month. On this day, the Moon rises in its full glory, opposite the Sun, and is completely visible in the night sky. The energy of the Moon is at its peak, and according to Vedic beliefs, the Moon significantly influences the mind, emotions, and spiritual consciousness of human beings. Therefore, Purnima is considered an ideal day for spiritual practices, meditation, and performing religious rituals.
Sankranti Today in Vedic Astrology
According to Vedic astrology, Rahu is an inauspicious planet. During the transition of planets, the time under the influence of Rahu should be avoided for any auspicious work. Doing Puja, Hawan, or Yagya (यज्ञ) to propitiate auspicious planets during this time is interfered by Rahu due to its malefic nature. If one does Puja, Hawan, or Yagya during Sankranti Today, then desired results are not achieved. Hence, it is important to consider Sankranti Today before starting any new work. By doing so, the possibility of achieving desired results is increased.
However, any work related to Rahu gives good results during this period. Hawan, Yagya, etc., to propitiate Rahu can be done during this time.
People, especially in South India, give utmost importance to Sankranti Today. Auspicious activities like marriage rituals, engagement, Graha Pravesh, any purchase of stocks, shares, gold, home, car, and starting new business or trade are avoided during this time. Sankranti Today is considered only for undertaking any new work, and already started work can be continued during Sankranti Today.
Sankranti Today, which is also spelled as Rahu Kala, Rahu Kal, Rahu Kalam, and Rahu Kalaam, is a certain amount of time every day which lasts approximately for one and a half hour. Sankranti Today is one of the eight segments of the day between sunrise and sunset. These eight segments are calculated by taking the total time between sunrise and sunset at a given place and then dividing this time duration by eight.
Sankranti Today timings and duration are not the same for any two locations due to the difference in local timings of sunrise and sunset. Even for one location, Sankranti Today timing and duration are not the same for all days as sunrise and sunset timings keep changing throughout the year. In other words, Sankranti Today varies from place to place and from day to day. Hence, Sankranti Today should be looked at for each day.
After sunrise, the first period (out of eight divisions of time between sunrise and sunset), which approximately lasts for one and a half hours, is always auspicious as this duration of the day is always free from the malefic effects of Rahu.
Sankranti Today on Different Days:
- Monday: Sankranti Today falls on the 2nd period.
- Saturday: Sankranti Today falls on the 3rd period.
- Friday: Sankranti Today falls on the 4th period.
- Wednesday: Sankranti Today falls on the 5th period.
- Thursday: Sankranti Today falls on the 6th period.
- Tuesday: Sankranti Today falls on the 7th period.
- Sunday: Sankranti Today falls on the 8th period.
Note: Few people consider Sankranti Today for the night duration also, though this is less popular as most important and auspicious work are started during the daytime. However, Sankranti Today during the night can also be calculated by dividing the duration between sunset and the next day's sunrise by eight. According to some, Sankranti Today on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday has more malefic effects than those of other weekdays.