Indian Astronomical Ephemeris
The Indian Astronomical Ephemeris is the annual official astronomical ephemeris of the Government of India, published by PAC, IMD Kolkata since 1957. It contains daily planetary positions, eclipse predictions, equinox and solstice times — used by all professional astronomers, astrologers, and panchang makers in India.
Key Facts
| Region | India |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Positional Astronomy Centre (PAC), IMD, Kolkata |
| Founder | PAC; first issue prepared for 1958 |
| Founded | First issue 1957 (for year 1958) |
| Calculation | Modern positional astronomy with Drik Ganita |
| Website | packolkata.imd.gov.in |
| Where to Get | Controller of Publications Delhi, PAC Kolkata, IMD official sales |
About Indian Astronomical Ephemeris
The Indian Astronomical Ephemeris is the annual official astronomical ephemeris of the Government of India, published by PAC, IMD Kolkata since 1957. It contains daily planetary positions, eclipse predictions, equinox and solstice times — used by all professional astronomers, astrologers, and panchang makers in India.
Publisher & Tradition
Indian Astronomical Ephemeris is published by Positional Astronomy Centre (PAC), IMD, Kolkata (founded First issue 1957 (for year 1958)). The publication is part of the Government & National Panchangs tradition — Official panchangs published by Government of India agencies — Positional Astronomy Centre (Kolkata), India Meteorological Department, and the Calendar Reform Committee.
Founder / Compiler: PAC; first issue prepared for 1958.
Calculation System
This panchangam uses Drik Ganita (modern observational astronomy) with the Lahiri Ayanamsa standard adopted by the Government of India. Drik calculations give astronomically precise tithi junctions, nakshatra changes, and sunrise / sunset timings.
Standard Panchanga Contents
A typical edition of Indian Astronomical Ephemeris includes:
- Daily panchanga — tithi, nakshatra, yoga, karana, vara
- Sunrise / sunset / moonrise / moonset for principal cities
- Rahu Kalam, Yamagandam, Gulikai, Varjyam, Durmuhurtam windows
- Annual festival calendar (Hindu, regional, sect-specific)
- Eclipse predictions with regional visibility
- Muhurtam tables — marriage, gruhapravesam, business, travel
- 12-rasi annual phalalu / rasi-bhavishya (yearly predictions)
- Sade Sati, Guru Peyarchi, Shani transit data
Where to Obtain
Controller of Publications Delhi, PAC Kolkata, IMD official sales.
Official website: packolkata.imd.gov.in
Language & Region
Published primarily in English for the audience of India. Annual editions are typically released ahead of the relevant New Year — Ugadi (Telugu / Kannada), Puthandu (Tamil), Vishu (Kerala), Vikram Samvat Pratipada (North India), Poila Boishakh (Bengali), Vishuva Sankranti (Odia), or Bikram Sambat (Nepal).