Karana Calculator
Calculate your Karana (half-tithi) for precise timing of rituals and muhurta selection in Vedic astrology. Discover which of the 11 karanas influences your birth time and important life events.
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What is a Karana?
A Karana is a half-tithi (lunar day) in Vedic astrology. Since each tithi is divided into two equal parts, there are 60 karanas in a lunar month (30 tithis × 2). Karanas are crucial for determining auspicious timing for rituals, ceremonies, and important life events in muhurta (electional astrology).
Half-Tithi Periods
A Karana is the time taken for the Moon to move 6° away from the Sun. Each karana lasts approximately 6 hours, making it ideal for timing daily activities and short-term events.
11 Karanas
There are 11 types of karanas: 7 movable (Chara) karanas that repeat 8 times each, and 4 fixed (Sthira) karanas that occur once per lunar month at specific times.
Did You Know?
In ancient Vedic traditions, karanas were considered more precise than tithis for timing short-duration rituals and activities. The karana at the time of beginning an activity determines its success or failure according to its nature.
Why Karana Matters in Muhurta
Karanas play a vital role in Vedic muhurta (electional astrology), helping determine the most auspicious moments for various activities:
Ceremonies
Karanas are essential for timing wedding ceremonies, sacred thread ceremonies, naming rituals, and other sacraments.
Business
Starting a business, signing contracts, opening shops, or launching ventures during favorable karanas ensures success.
Travel
Choosing the right karana for journey commencement ensures safe and successful travels, especially long-distance trips.
Practical Applications
- Selecting auspicious time for religious ceremonies and rituals
- Planning important meetings, interviews, and business transactions
- Timing medical procedures and surgeries for better outcomes
- Choosing moments for property purchases and investments
- Determining favorable periods for education and learning activities
The 11 Types of Karanas
The 11 karanas are divided into two categories: 7 Movable (Chara) karanas and 4 Fixed (Sthira) karanas. Each has unique characteristics and influences.
Movable (Chara) Karanas - Repeat 8 times each
Good for: Learning, education, starting new projects
Good for: Physical activities, sports, construction work
Good for: Social events, friendships, partnerships
Good for: Difficult tasks, dealing with enemies
Good for: Agriculture, routine work, stability
Good for: Business, trade, commerce, buying/selling
Avoid: All auspicious activities, ceremonies, new beginnings
Fixed (Sthira) Karanas - Occur once per lunar month
Nature: Inauspicious for most activities
Nature: Mixed, suitable for routine work
Nature: Inauspicious for new ventures
Nature: Inauspicious for most activities
Auspicious vs Inauspicious Karanas
Understanding which karanas are favorable or unfavorable for specific activities is essential for successful muhurta selection:
Special Note on Vishti (Bhadra)
Vishti Karana, also known as Bhadra, is considered the most inauspicious karana. It occurs 8 times in a lunar month and should be strictly avoided for:
- Weddings and engagement ceremonies
- Starting new businesses or ventures
- Important purchases (property, vehicles)
- Religious ceremonies and rituals
- Travel (especially journey commencement)
Exception: Vishti is acceptable for challenging activities like confronting enemies, legal battles, or demolition work.
How Karanas Are Calculated
Karanas are calculated based on the angular distance between the Sun and Moon at any given moment:
Calculation Steps:
- Find Lunar Angle: Calculate the Moon's sidereal longitude minus the Sun's sidereal longitude
- Determine Tithi: Divide the lunar angle by 12° to get the tithi number (1-30)
- Find Half Position: Determine which half of the tithi (first 6° or second 6°) the moment falls in
- Apply Sequence: Map to the karana sequence considering movable and fixed karanas
- Account for Fixed Karanas: The 4 fixed karanas appear at specific positions (57th, 58th, 59th, 60th)
Angular Measurement
Each karana spans exactly 6° of the Moon's orbit relative to the Sun. When the Moon moves 6° away from the Sun, one karana ends and the next begins.
Cyclic Pattern
The 7 movable karanas repeat in sequence 8 times (56 karanas), followed by 4 fixed karanas, completing the 60 karana cycle per lunar month.
Precision Matters
Since each karana lasts only about 6 hours, precise birth time is crucial for accurate calculation. Even a few hours of difference can change your karana. Always use the most accurate birth time available from your birth certificate or hospital records.
Using Karanas in Daily Life
Karanas can be applied practically in everyday decision-making and planning:
Daily Planning
Check the current karana before scheduling important meetings, interviews, or presentations. Avoid Vishti for crucial activities.
Business Decisions
Use Vanija karana for signing contracts, closing deals, and making investments. Avoid fixed karanas for major financial decisions.
Property Matters
Choose Bava or Balava karanas for property purchases, house warming, or starting construction work.
Education
Bava karana is especially favorable for starting education, enrolling in courses, or beginning studies in a new subject.
Monthly Karana Tracking
- Track favorable karanas for scheduling important events throughout the month
- Mark Vishti (Bhadra) periods in your calendar to avoid them for auspicious work
- Use Vanija karanas specifically for business negotiations and sales activities
- Plan ceremonies and celebrations during Bava, Balava, or Kaulava karanas
- Reserve Taitila karana for handling difficult situations or confrontations
Remedies for Inauspicious Karanas
If you must perform activities during inauspicious karanas, or if you were born during Vishti karana, Vedic tradition offers remedies to mitigate negative effects:
Mantras
- • Chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times
- • Recite Vishnu Sahasranama on Thursdays
- • Practice Gayatri Mantra at sunrise
- • Chant Navagraha Mantras on Sundays
Worship & Rituals
- • Light a ghee lamp before beginning work
- • Offer prayers to Lord Ganesha first
- • Perform Satyanarayan Puja monthly
- • Visit temple during auspicious karanas
Charitable Acts
- • Donate food on Saturdays to the needy
- • Feed birds and animals regularly
- • Contribute to educational institutions
- • Help the elderly and underprivileged
Lifestyle Practices
- • Observe fasting on specific days
- • Practice daily meditation and yoga
- • Maintain cleanliness and purity
- • Cultivate positive thoughts and actions
Important Reminder
While remedies can help mitigate negative influences, the best approach is to plan activities during favorable karanas whenever possible. Prevention through proper timing is always more effective than remediation. Consult with a qualified Vedic astrologer for personalized guidance.