Karana
కరణం
Sanskrit: करण · Category: Panchanga
Quick Definition
Half of a tithi — there are 11 karanas, of which 4 are fixed (Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga, Kintughna) and 7 are repeating (Bava, Balava, Kaulava, ...).
Detailed Explanation
Each tithi has 2 karanas. Karanas are used in muhurtam selection — for instance, Bava and Balava are auspicious for new ventures, while Vishti (also called Bhadra) is inauspicious and should be avoided.
See Also
Related Terms
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తిథి
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యోగం
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పంచాంగం
Hindu almanac — "pancha-anga" = five limbs (Tithi + Nakshatra + Yoga + Karana + …
Author & Sources
Compiled by Pandit Ramachandra Sharma, Vedic Astrologer & Panchangam Scholar. Definitions cross-referenced against classical texts: Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Muhurta Chintamani, Surya Siddhanta, Gṛhya Sūtras. See the full Vedic Glossary for 58 terms across Panchanga, Astrology, Calendar, Dosha, Ritual, and Sanskara categories.