|
Origin
Thousands of years before the birth of Christ, or even the
introduction of the Gregorian Calendar, ancient Hindu scholars devised a
comprehensive calendar by systematically studying the Vedas and the movement
and positions of planetary bodies and stars. This calendar was prepared in
the form of an almanac called the
Panchang.
Apart
from measuring time in its simplest, most mechanical sense, it was
extensively used to determine dates, activities and personal goals, so as to
achieve and attain the highest good within the divine order. Even when the
there is a prolific use of the western calendar, the Hindu calendar is still
widely used in various versions and Hindus all over the country.
For
Hindus, time has always been measured in a spiritual and scientific calendar
called the Panchang. Chronicling five thousand years of Indian civilisation,
the Panchang lists festivals that honour and celebrate the gods and legends
of Hinduism. It evokes the universe through mathematical calculations that
predict weather, events, epidemics and personal fortune.
For
Hindus, while the Gregorian calendar is used for everyday purpose, the
Panchang has always been the spiritual expression of time, and a guide to a
life close to God and religion.
The
panchang measures time in lunar months whose names reveal the secret path of
stars and constellations. The face of the new moon (Aamvasya) ushers in a
new month.
The
first fortnight of the full moon is known as Shuklapaksha, ' the bright half
', as the moon waxes. Full moon, Poornima marks the end of Shuklapaksha.
Krishnapaksha is the dark half fortnight of the month during which the moon
wanes.
The
Panchang lists four weeks of seven days, identified with planets and gods.
Encompassing the evolution of the universe, the Panchang is much more than
the meaning of time in India. For Hindus, it is the essence of religion and
living, which predicts the spiritual path of people on a journey towards
god. |
