Paksha
పక్షం
Sanskrit: पक्ष · Category: Calendar
Quick Definition
Lunar fortnight — Shukla Paksha (bright/waxing) or Krishna Paksha (dark/waning).
Detailed Explanation
Each lunar month has 2 pakshas of 15 tithis each. Shukla Paksha runs from Pratipada to Purnima. Krishna Paksha (also called Bahula in South India) runs from Pratipada to Amavasya. Most festivals are placed in Shukla Paksha; pitru rituals in Krishna Paksha.
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.