Calendar

Tithi

तिथि · tithi

Definition

Lunar day; one of 30 in the lunar month (15 in shukla-paksha + 15 in krishna-paksha). Determined by 12-degree elongation of moon from sun. Each tithi has a ruling deity and suitable activities. Tithi is a lunar day measured by the angular distance between Sun and Moon. It is one of the five limbs of the panchang. Tithi determines many vrats and festivals, including Ekadashi, Pradosh, Purnima, Amavasya, Chaturthi, Ashtami, and Navami observances. Related terms include panchanga, shukla-paksha, krishna-paksha, amavasya, purnima, which give the word its surrounding vocabulary. References for this entry include Surya Siddhanta, Muhurta Chintamani, Panchang tradition, Surya Siddhanta tradition; exact usage can vary by sampradaya, text, and family practice.

हिन्दी अर्थ

तिथि; चन्द्र-दिन।

Sources Cited

· Surya Siddhanta
· Muhurta Chintamani
· Panchang tradition
· Surya Siddhanta tradition

How Tithi Fits into Sanātana Dharma

Hindu thought is built from a vocabulary of carefully-distinguished terms. Words like tithi are not loose translations — each has a precise scriptural genealogy, a specific role in ritual or philosophy, and often a counterpart that completes its meaning. Many of the major Hindu darśanas (Sāṅkhya, Yoga, Vedānta, Mīmāṃsā, Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika) refined their vocabulary over centuries; the same Sanskrit term can carry different shades in different schools.

Tithi sits within a cluster of related concepts — panchanga, shukla-paksha, krishna-paksha, amavasya, and others. Reading these together gives you the actual texture of the idea, rather than treating it as an isolated definition. Each Sanskrit term in this glossary is cross-linked to the others it presupposes.

Where useful we cite the primary scriptural source — the Upaniṣad, sūtra, or smṛti passage where the term is given its classical sense — alongside trusted modern dictionaries (Monier-Williams, V.S. Apte, Sanskrit Heritage). For practical questions about usage in pūjā or daily life, ask a paṇḍita in your tradition.

Concept Context

Tithi is a lunar day measured by the angular distance between Sun and Moon. It is one of the five limbs of the panchang.

Tithi determines many vrats and festivals, including Ekadashi, Pradosh, Purnima, Amavasya, Chaturthi, Ashtami, and Navami observances.

FAQs

What does Tithi mean?

Lunar day; one of 30 in the lunar month (15 in shukla-paksha + 15 in krishna-paksha). Determined by 12-degree elongation of moon from sun. Each tithi has a ruling deity and suitable activities.

How is Tithi used in Hindu practice or study?

Tithi determines many vrats and festivals, including Ekadashi, Pradosh, Purnima, Amavasya, Chaturthi, Ashtami, and Navami observances.

More from Calendar

Ekadashiएकादशी

The 11th tithi of each paksha (i.e., 24/year). Most important Vaishnava vrat day — fast from grains, beans, certain vegetables. Each ekadashi has a name and katha. Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar tithi of each paksha and a major Vishnu-focused fasting day. Devotees observe Ekadashi through grain-free or stricter fasting, Vishnu puja, Tulasi offering, japa, katha, and Dwadashi parana. Related terms include vrat, tithi, vaishnava, which give the word its surrounding vocabulary. References for this entry include Padma Purana — Ekadashi Mahatmya, Purana vrata traditions, Vaishnava practice traditions; exact usage can vary by sampradaya, text, and family practice.

Nakshatraनक्षत्र

Lunar mansion; one of 27 (or 28 with Abhijit) constellations through which the moon passes in a lunar month. Each nakshatra is 13°20', has a ruling deity, gana, yoni, and pada (4 quarters of 3°20' each). Nakshatra is a lunar mansion used in Jyotisha, panchang, birth charts, naming, muhurta, and dasha calculations. Families consult nakshatra for naming syllables, marriage matching, auspicious timing, and interpreting the Moon in a birth chart. Related terms include panchanga, rashi, pada, which give the word its surrounding vocabulary. References for this entry include Brihat Samhita, Atharva Veda 19.7, Jyotisha tradition, Brihat Samhita tradition; exact usage can vary by sampradaya, text, and family practice.

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