Masa (Lunar Month)
మాసం
Sanskrit: मास · Category: Calendar
Quick Definition
Lunar month — 12 in the Hindu calendar: Chaitra, Vaishakha, Jyeshtha, Ashada, Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashwija, Karthika, Margashira, Pushya, Magha, Phalguna.
Detailed Explanation
In the Amanta tradition (South India), the month begins after Amavasya. In the Purnimanta tradition (North India), the month begins after Purnima. So Karthika Masam in the South starts ~15 days later than in the North. Each masa has its own deity and special vratas.
See Also
Related Terms
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.