Tithis (Lunar Days)

The 15 Lunar Phases of Vedic Calendar

A Tithi is a lunar day, representing the angular relationship between the Sun and Moon. There are 15 tithis in each paksha (fortnight), making 30 tithis in a complete lunar month. Each tithi carries unique energy for different activities.

1. Pratipada

Auspicious

प्रतिपदा

DeityBrahma
QualityCreation, new beginnings, foundation laying
MantraOm Brahmane Namaha
ColorWhite
DirectionEast
ElementAkasha (Ether)
PakshaShukla & Krishna

Favorable Activities

Starting new ventures and projectsFoundation laying ceremonies (griha pravesh)Initiating education or learningBeginning spiritual practicesWearing new clothes for the first timeFirst entry into new houseStarting constructionPlanting seeds (literal and metaphorical)

Unfavorable Activities

Ending or completing major projectsMarriage ceremonies (too early in cycle)Finalizing long-term commitmentsConclusion ceremoniesSelling property or assets

Classical Reference

Muhurta Chintamani states: 'Pratipada is blessed by Brahma for all beginnings.' Brihat Samhita: 'First Tithi brings creative success.'

Modern Application

Perfect for product launches, starting courses, opening bank accounts, beginning fitness programs, initiating any new endeavor.

2. Dwitiya

Auspicious

द्वितीया

DeityVidhatri (Brahma's aspect)
QualityOrganization, planning, bringing order to chaos
MantraOm Vidhaatre Namaha
ColorLight Blue
DirectionSoutheast
ElementVayu (Air)
PakshaShukla & Krishna

Favorable Activities

Organizing and planningStructured learningCreating systems and processesAdministrative tasksDocument preparationMarriage ceremonies (highly auspicious)Partnership formationsHarmonizing relationships

Unfavorable Activities

Impulsive actionsUnplanned adventuresBreaking established systemsChaos or disorder

Classical Reference

Dharma Sindhu: 'Dwitiya brings divine pairing and harmony.' Best Tithi for marriage after Rohini Nakshatra.

Modern Application

Ideal for marriages, business partnerships, organizing spaces, implementing new systems, harmonizing teams.

3. Tritiya

Highly Auspicious

तृतीया

DeityGauri (Parvati)
QualityStrength, courage, determination, prosperity
MantraOm Gauri Devyai Namaha
ColorRed
DirectionSouth
ElementAgni (Fire)
PakshaShukla & Krishna

Favorable Activities

All types of ventures and beginningsFinancial investmentsPurchasing vehicles or propertyStarting businessesMilitary or protective activitiesWomen's empowerment activitiesAkshaya Tritiya (when in Vaishakha month) - especially powerful

Unfavorable Activities

Timid or fearful actionsProcrastinationAvoiding challenges

Classical Reference

Nirnaya Sindhu: 'Tritiya blessed by Gauri never fails.' Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most auspicious days in Hindu calendar.

Modern Application

Best for gold purchases, vehicle buying, property investment, starting ambitious projects, women entrepreneurs launching ventures.

4. Chaturthi

Highly Auspicious

चतुर्थी

DeityGanesha
QualityWisdom, learning, obstacle removal, intellectual growth
MantraOm Gam Ganapataye Namaha
ColorYellow/Golden
DirectionSouthwest
ElementPrithvi (Earth)
PakshaShukla & Krishna

Favorable Activities

Education and learningIntellectual pursuitsWriting and publishingStarting courses or trainingWorship of GaneshaRemoving obstacles through prayerBusiness planning and strategyInstalling Ganesha idolsVinayaka Chaturthi celebrations

Unfavorable Activities

Viewing the moon (causes false accusations - Mithya Dosha)Hasty decisions without proper planningIgnoring details

Classical Reference

Ganesha Purana: 'Chaturthi is Ganesha's own day.' Avoid moon-viewing to prevent Mithya Dosha (false blame).

Modern Application

Perfect for starting courses, educational enrollment, strategy meetings, product development, solving business problems.

5. Panchami

Mixed

पंचमी

DeityNagas (Serpent Deities)
QualityKnowledge, mysticism, protection, hidden wisdom
MantraOm Naga Devaya Namaha
ColorGreen/Emerald
DirectionWest
ElementJala (Water)
PakshaShukla & Krishna

Favorable Activities

Study of occult sciencesSpiritual practices involving KundaliniNaga Panchami worshipProtection ritualsLearning sacred sciencesTantric practices (under guidance)Saraswati Puja (on Vasant Panchami)

Unfavorable Activities

Mundane material activitiesSuperficial engagementsIgnoring spiritual dimensionsDisrespecting nature or serpents

Classical Reference

Garuda Purana: 'Panchami belongs to Nagas. Honor them for protection.' Vasant Panchami marks Saraswati's blessing for knowledge.

Modern Application

Good for research projects, patent applications, learning metaphysics, environmental protection initiatives.

6. Shashthi

Auspicious

षष्ठी

DeityKartikeya (Skanda)
QualityVictory, courage, strategic warfare, protection of children
MantraOm Saravanabhavaya Namaha
ColorOrange/Saffron
DirectionNorthwest
ElementAgni (Fire)
PakshaShukla & Krishna

Favorable Activities

Overcoming enemies and obstaclesMilitary or competitive activitiesStrategic planning for battles (literal or metaphorical)Child protection ritualsSkanda Shashthi observancesSports and competitionsStanding up for righteousness

Unfavorable Activities

Making peace with enemies (if war is needed)Compromising on principlesAvoiding necessary conflicts

Classical Reference

Skanda Purana: 'Shashthi grants victory to righteous warriors.' Especially powerful for child health and protection.

Modern Application

Ideal for competitive exams, sports events, business competitions, legal battles, protecting children's interests.

7. Saptami

Highly Auspicious

सप्तमी

DeitySurya (Sun God)
QualityIllumination, health, vitality, clarity, fame
MantraOm Suryaya Namaha / Gayatri Mantra
ColorBright Red/Crimson
DirectionEast
ElementAgni (Fire)
PakshaShukla & Krishna

Favorable Activities

Health-related activitiesSurya worship and upasanaSeeking fame and recognitionLeadership activitiesRatha Saptami celebrationsEye treatments or vision carePublic speaking or performances

Unfavorable Activities

Hiding or being secretiveAvoiding public recognitionNeglecting health

Classical Reference

Aditya Hridayam: 'Saptami is Surya's day of full glory.' Ratha Saptami in Magha month is highly auspicious.

Modern Application

Perfect for health initiatives, public events, fame-seeking activities, solar energy projects, eye care, vitamin D therapies.

8. Ashtami

powerful_mixed

अष्टमी

DeityDurga/Kali (Fierce form of Divine Mother)
QualityDestruction of evil, fierce protection, transformation through destruction
MantraOm Dum Durgayai Namaha / Om Krim Kalikayai Namaha
ColorBlack/Dark Blue
DirectionSouth
ElementAgni (Fire)
PakshaShukla & Krishna

Favorable Activities

Durga/Kali worshipRemoving negative forcesJanmashtami (Krishna's birth)Breaking bad habitsEnding toxic situationsProtection ritualsTantric practices (under guidance)

Unfavorable Activities

Starting gentle or peaceful venturesMarriage ceremoniesBirths (considered challenging - Ashtami dosha)Pleasant social gatherings

Classical Reference

Devi Mahatmya: 'Ashtami is the day Durga destroys demons.' Janmashtami is universally auspicious despite Ashtami nature.

Modern Application

Good for ending toxic situations, breaking contracts with bad actors, fierce competitive moves, protection from enemies.

10. Dashami

Mixed

दशमी

DeityYama (Lord of Death/Dharma)
QualityDharma, righteousness, ancestral connection, justice
MantraOm Yamaya Namaha
ColorDark Green
DirectionSouth
ElementPrithvi (Earth)
PakshaShukla & Krishna

Favorable Activities

Ancestor worship (Pitru Tarpan)Legal and justice-related mattersMaking righteous decisionsVijaya Dashami (Dussehra) - highly auspiciousDharmic activitiesPaying respects to elders and ancestors

Unfavorable Activities

Adharmic or unethical activitiesAvoiding family responsibilitiesDisrespecting elders or ancestors

Classical Reference

Garuda Purana: 'Dashami pleases Yama and ancestors.' Vijaya Dashami is one of three most auspicious days (with Akshaya Tritiya and Diwali).

Modern Application

Good for legal matters, ethical decisions, family reconciliation, estate planning, honoring elders.

11. Ekadashi

highly_spiritual

एकादशी

DeityVishnu/Hari
QualitySpiritual elevation, detachment, purification, liberation
MantraOm Namo Narayanaya / Hare Krishna Maha-mantra
ColorWhite/Pure
DirectionAll directions (Vishnu is all-pervading)
ElementAkasha (Ether/Space)
PakshaShukla & Krishna

Favorable Activities

Fasting and spiritual practicesVishnu worship and bhaktiMeditation and contemplationReading scriptures (especially Bhagavad Gita)Seeking spiritual liberation (moksha)Detachment from material desires24 types of Ekadashi vrats throughout the year

Unfavorable Activities

Material or worldly activitiesHeavy eating or indulgenceMarriage ceremoniesBusiness launchesMaterial acquisitions

Classical Reference

Padma Purana: 'One who fasts on Ekadashi attains liberation.' All 24 Ekadashis have specific names and benefits.

Modern Application

Dedicate to spiritual practices, fasting, meditation retreats, charity work, temple visits, scripture study.

12. Dwadashi

Auspicious

द्वादशी

DeityMadhava (Vishnu aspect)
QualitySweetness, compassion, healing, recovery
MantraOm Madhavaya Namaha
ColorLight Yellow/Honey
DirectionNortheast
ElementJala (Water)
PakshaShukla & Krishna

Favorable Activities

Recovery from Ekadashi fast (breaking fast properly)Healing activitiesGentle and compassionate actionsSweet speech and diplomacyMedical treatmentsRelationship healing

Unfavorable Activities

Harsh or aggressive actionsBreaking relationshipsBitter speech or conflicts

Classical Reference

Smriti texts: 'Dwadashi heals what Ekadashi purifies.' Breaking Ekadashi fast on Dwadashi with proper rituals brings full merit.

Modern Application

Good for medical treatments, therapy sessions, diplomatic meetings, relationship counseling, gentle problem-solving.

13. Trayodashi

Mixed

त्रयोदशी

DeityKamadeva (in Shukla) / Kali (in Krishna)
QualityDesire fulfillment, romantic love, or fierce destruction (depending on paksha)
MantraOm Kamadevaya Namaha (Shukla) / Om Krim Kalikayai Namaha (Krishna)
ColorPink (Shukla) / Black (Krishna)
DirectionSoutheast (Shukla) / South (Krishna)
ElementAgni (Fire)
PakshaShukla & Krishna

Favorable Activities

Romance and love matters (Shukla Paksha)Fulfilling desires (Shukla Paksha)Pradosh Vrat (both pakshas)Dhanteras (Krishna Trayodashi before Diwali)Kali worship (Krishna Paksha)

Unfavorable Activities

Suppressing legitimate desires (Shukla)Indulging in wrong desires (Krishna)Ascetic practices when love is needed

Classical Reference

Shiva Purana: 'Pradosh on Trayodashi grants all wishes.' Dhanteras on Krishna Trayodashi is highly auspicious for wealth.

Modern Application

Shukla: Dating, romance, desire manifestation. Krishna: Ending toxic desires, Dhanteras shopping, wealth rituals.

14. Chaturdashi

powerful_spiritual

चतुर्दशी

DeityShiva (Mahakaal)
QualityTransformation, destruction of obstacles, Tantric power
MantraOm Namah Shivaya
ColorAsh Grey/White (Vibhuti)
DirectionNorth (Shiva's abode)
ElementAkasha (Ether)
PakshaShukla & Krishna

Favorable Activities

Shiva worship and Shivaratri observancesTantric practices (under guidance)Transformation and letting goDestroying major obstaclesMasik Shivaratri (monthly)Mahashivaratri (annual, most powerful)

Unfavorable Activities

Marriage ceremoniesStarting gentle or social venturesBirths (Chaturdashi dosha)Pleasant gatherings

Classical Reference

Shiva Purana: 'Chaturdashi is Shiva's night of transformation.' Mahashivaratri grants liberation.

Modern Application

Good for major transformations, spiritual retreats, deep meditation, ending old chapters, powerful strategic moves.

15. Purnima

Highly Auspicious

पूर्णिमा

DeityChandra (Moon God)
QualityFullness, completion, emotional fulfillment, peak energy
MantraOm Som Somaya Namaha / Om Chandraya Namaha
ColorBright White/Silver
DirectionNorthwest (Moon's direction)
ElementJala (Water)
PakshaShukla

Favorable Activities

All auspicious activities reach peakMarriage ceremonies (full moon energy)Spiritual practices (especially meditation)Satyanarayan PujaFull Moon fasting and worshipCompleting major projectsHarvest celebrationsEmotional healing and fulfillment

Unfavorable Activities

Starting new ventures (better to complete existing ones)Aggressive or harsh actions (emotions are high)

Classical Reference

All Puranas: 'Purnima is the crown jewel of Tithis.' Each month's Purnima has unique significance (Guru Purnima, Buddha Purnima, etc.).

Modern Application

Perfect for celebrations, weddings, completing projects, emotional healing work, meditation retreats, gratitude ceremonies.

30. Amavasya

powerful_mixed

अमावस्या

DeityPitrs (Ancestors) / Kali
QualityEndings, introspection, ancestral connection, spiritual depth
MantraOm Pitru Devaya Namaha / Om Krim Kalikayai Namaha
ColorBlack/Deep Blue
DirectionBelow (Patala - ancestor realm)
ElementAkasha (Ether/Void)
PakshaKrishna

Favorable Activities

Ancestor worship and Pitru TarpanEnding old cyclesDeep meditation and introspectionKali/Dark Goddess worshipNew Moon intentions (planting seeds for next cycle)Mauni Amavasya (silence observance)Diwali (on Kartik Amavasya) - extremely auspicious exception

Unfavorable Activities

Marriage ceremoniesStarting major ventures (wait for Shukla Paksha)Births (Amavasya dosha)Loud celebrations or social gatherings

Classical Reference

Garuda Purana: 'Amavasya pleases ancestors most.' Diwali on Kartik Amavasya is the grand exception - supremely auspicious.

Modern Application

Good for strategic introspection, ending old chapters, ancestor honoring, meditation retreats, setting intentions for next cycle.