Astrology Glossary
What is Karana?
करण - Karana (Half Tithi)
The Fifth Element of Panchang
Karana Definition
Karana (Sanskrit: करण) is half of a Tithi in the Hindu Panchang, spanning 6 degrees of Moon-Sun separation. There are 11 Karanas in total: 7 repeating (Chara) Karanas that occur 8 times each in a lunar month, and 4 fixed (Sthira) Karanas that occur only once. Karanas are used in Muhurta selection.
The 11 Karanas
7 Repeating (Chara) Karanas:
- 1. Bava - Auspicious
- 2. Balava - Auspicious
- 3. Kaulava - Auspicious
- 4. Taitila - Auspicious
- 5. Gara - Mixed
- 6. Vanija - Good for trade
- 7. Vishti (Bhadra) - Inauspicious
4 Fixed (Sthira) Karanas:
- 8. Shakuni - 2nd half of Krishna 14
- 9. Chatushpada - 1st half of Amavasya
- 10. Naga - 2nd half of Amavasya
- 11. Kimstughna - 1st half of Shukla 1