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.
Where Paksha Fits
This term belongs to the Vedic Calendar system — the family of luni-solar reckonings used across India and Nepal (Vikram Samvat, Shalivahana Shaka, Kollam Era, Bengali Samvat, Tamil calendar). Each calendar handles adhikamasa (intercalary months) and ayanamsa (sidereal correction) differently, but all share a common base of tithi-nakshatra-vara. See the full Telugu calendar for current-year dates or the festivals guide for how calendar events map to observance dates.
Common Questions About Vedic Terminology
Why do Vedic terms have Sanskrit, Telugu, and English forms — which one should I use?
All three are legitimate. Sanskrit (पक्ष) is the original scriptural form found in the Vedas, Puranas, and Sutras. Telugu (పక్షం) is the regional adaptation used in daily practice across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. English transliteration (Paksha) is a modern convenience for cross-cultural communication. For ritual accuracy and mantra chanting, Sanskrit pronunciation matters. For everyday discussion — including with a purohit — Telugu is perfectly fine. In writing (blogs, calendars, apps), English transliteration is the practical choice for reach.
Where can I verify this term in the classical texts?
The definitions on this site are cross-referenced against the primary Vedic sources — Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (astrology), Muhurta Chintamani (electional), Surya Siddhanta (astronomy), Gṛhya Sūtras (household ritual), and the Rig/Yajur/Sama/Atharva Veda (foundational). Modern reference works include Panchanga Ganitam by K. S. Krishnamurti and the Rashtriya Panchang (Government of India). For deeper study, consult a qualified acharya or the glossary editorial team.
How is Paksha used differently in North India vs South India?
Regional variations exist for almost every Vedic term. North Indian traditions (Vikram Samvat calendar, Purnimanta month convention) may compute or observe the same concept slightly differently from South Indian traditions (Shalivahana Shaka calendar, Amanta month convention). The underlying scriptural definition is the same; the applied practice varies. Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam traditions typically follow Amanta reckoning; Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati traditions typically follow Purnimanta. For this term, both systems produce equivalent results when interpreted correctly — differences are in nomenclature, not substance.
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.