30 Tithis Explained: Shukla & Krishna Paksha Meaning

The Vedic Panchang divides the lunar month into 30 tithis — 15 in the waxing (Shukla) fortnight and 15 in the waning (Krishna) fortnight. Each tithi is a distinct energetic unit with its own ruling deity, quality classification, and prescribed or prohibited activities. As of 2026, this system remains the primary reference for auspicious timing (muhurta) decisions across Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions in India. The Muhurta Chintamani, authored by Rama Daivagna, is the definitive classical text governing tithi-based timing and forms the basis of this reference guide.

> Quick Answer: There are 30 tithis in a lunar month — 15 in Shukla Paksha (waxing Moon) and 15 in Krishna Paksha (waning Moon). Shukla Paksha runs from Pratipada after Amavasya to Purnima (full moon). Krishna Paksha runs from Pratipada after Purnima to Amavasya (new moon). Each tithi has a ruling deity, a quality (Nanda/Bhadra/Jaya/Rikta/Purna), and specific activity guidance.

Reviewed by Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, M.A. Sanskrit & Vedic Studies, Varanasi — as of May 2026.

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Shukla Paksha (Sanskrit: bright fortnight) begins the day after Amavasya (new moon) and culminates at Purnima (full moon). The Moon's light grows progressively from a sliver to full luminosity. This fortnight is associated with growth, expansion, new beginnings, and increasing energy. The Shukla Paksha tithis carry a generally positive charge for most activities.

Krishna Paksha (Sanskrit: dark fortnight) begins the day after Purnima and culminates at Amavasya (new moon). The Moon's light diminishes progressively. This fortnight is associated with completion, dissolution, inward reflection, and ancestral connection. Krishna Paksha tithis are not generally inauspicious — they are appropriate for different types of activities than Shukla Paksha.

The same numbered tithi (e.g., Navami = 9th) exists in both fortnights but carries a contextually different energy. A ritual text will typically specify whether a particular observance falls in Shukla or Krishna Paksha.

> Quick Answer: Shukla Paksha (tithis 1–15) is the waxing fortnight — energy builds toward Purnima. Krishna Paksha (tithis 1–14 plus Amavasya) is the waning fortnight — energy moves toward completion. Shukla Paksha is generally preferred for new beginnings; Krishna Paksha is powerful for completion, dissolution, and ancestral work.

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The Muhurta Chintamani assigns each of the 15 tithis to a repeating five-part cycle of quality categories:

Quality | Meaning | Tithis | Character

• Nanda — Joy — 1, 6, 11 — Celebratory, auspicious for worship and new beginnings
• Bhadra — Auspicious — 2, 7, 12 — Broadly favourable for most activities
• Jaya — Victory — 3, 8, 13 — Excellent for competitive and forward-moving endeavours
• Rikta — Empty/Diminished — 4, 9, 14 — Avoided for general auspicious activities; specific deity worship
• Purna — Complete — 5, 10, 15 — Associated with fullness, abundance, and completion

This pattern repeats identically in both Shukla and Krishna Paksha. The 15th tithi is always Purna — whether it is the glorious Purnima of Shukla Paksha or the introspective Amavasya of Krishna Paksha.

> Quick Answer: The five tithi qualities cycle through tithis 1–15: Nanda (1,6,11), Bhadra (2,7,12), Jaya (3,8,13), Rikta (4,9,14), Purna (5,10,15). This pattern is identical in both Shukla and Krishna Paksha. Rikta tithis are not malefic — they are inappropriate for general social ceremonies but specifically powerful for deity worship aligned with those tithis.

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Quality: Nanda | Ruling Deity: Agni (Fire)

Pratipada is the first tithi of both fortnights — the day after Amavasya (beginning of Shukla Paksha) or after Purnima (beginning of Krishna Paksha). As a Nanda tithi ruled by Agni, it carries the energy of fresh starts, purification, and dynamic initiation.

Recommended: New ventures, travel, worship, beginning journeys, fire rituals (homa/yagna).

Avoid: Pratipada is generally weak for major commitments like weddings or long-term contracts �� let the energy build through the early tithis before making lasting decisions.

Notable observances: Chaitra Shukla Pratipada is the Hindu New Year in many traditions (Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Yugadi). Kartik Shukla Pratipada is Govardhan Puja (the day after Diwali).

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Quality: Bhadra | Ruling Deity: Brahma (Creator)

Dwitiya, the second tithi, is ruled by Brahma — the creator of the universe. As a Bhadra (auspicious) tithi, it is broadly favourable and one of the most widely recommended tithis for construction, travel, and educational activities.

Recommended: Construction work, travel, trade, learning new subjects, naming ceremonies.

Avoid: No major prohibitions in standard muhurta texts.

Notable observances: Bhai Dooj (Yama Dwitiya) falls on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya — the celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. Chandra Darshanam (sighting the new crescent Moon) occurs on Shukla Dwitiya.

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Quality: Jaya | Ruling Deity: Gauri (Parvati)

Tritiya, the third tithi, is ruled by Gauri and classified as a Jaya (victory) tithi. The Muhurta Chintamani identifies Tritiya as one of the most reliable auspicious tithis for a wide range of activities.

Recommended: Weddings (particularly Shukla Tritiya), new ventures, gold purchases, vehicle purchases, agricultural activities.

Avoid: No significant prohibitions. Tritiya is one of the safest tithis for any auspicious activity.

Notable observances: Akshaya Tritiya (Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya) is considered the most self-evidently auspicious day of the Hindu year — a day when any auspicious activity begun carries the quality of Akshaya (inexhaustibility). Hartalika Teej falls on Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya.

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Quality: Rikta | Ruling Deity: Ganesha, Yama

Chaturthi, the fourth tithi, is a Rikta (diminished) tithi in general classification. For this reason, it is avoided for weddings, housewarming ceremonies, and new business launches. However, Chaturthi is the premier tithi for Ganesha worship.

Recommended: Ganesha puja, removing obstacles, obstacle-related prayers, beginning work that requires divine clearance of obstructions.

Avoid: Weddings, griha pravesh, new business launches, auspicious social ceremonies.

Notable observances: Ganesh Chaturthi (Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi) — the great 10-day festival of Ganesha. Sankashti Chaturthi (Krishna Paksha Chaturthi, monthly) — the most widely observed monthly Ganesha vrat.

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Quality: Purna | Ruling Deity: Sarpa (Naga Devatas)

Panchami is a Purna tithi — associated with completeness and abundance. Ruled by the Naga Devatas (serpent deities), it is specifically auspicious for medicine, learning, artistic creation, and Naga-related worship.

Recommended: Medical treatments, beginning studies, creative arts, music, Naga Puja.

Avoid: No major general prohibitions. Some texts caution against starting long journeys when the Moon is in a nakshatra unfriendly to serpents, but the tithi itself is broadly positive.

Notable observances: Vasant Panchami (Magha Shukla Panchami) — the day dedicated to Saraswati, goddess of learning and arts, celebrating the arrival of spring. Naga Panchami (Shravana Shukla Panchami) — worship of serpent deities.

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Quality: Nanda | Ruling Deity: Kartika (Skanda/Murugan)

Shashthi is a Nanda tithi — joyful and celebratory. Ruled by Kartika (Skanda/Murugan), the divine commander of the celestial army, it is auspicious for worship, celebration, and activities requiring courage and strategic thinking.

Recommended: Worship, celebrations, competitive activities, military or strategic planning.

Avoid: No major prohibitions in standard muhurta texts.

Notable observances: Skanda Shashthi — the six-day fast dedicated to Lord Murugan, concluding on Shukla Shashthi in Aippasi (October-November). Chhath Puja extends through Kartik Shukla Shashthi. Dwitiya after Diwali is Bhai Dooj; Shashti after that is associated with Surya Shashthi (Chhath).

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Quality: Bhadra | Ruling Deity: Surya (Sun)

Saptami is a Bhadra tithi ruled by Surya — the Sun god. It is auspicious for all solar-related activities and for travel, vehicles, and government or authority-related matters.

Recommended: Travel, vehicle purchases, solar worship, government-related business, agricultural work.

Avoid: No major prohibitions.

Notable observances: Ratha Saptami (Magha Shukla Saptami) marks the Sun's chariot turning northward and is the primary Solar festival of the year. Surya Puja on every Saptami honours the Sun's governance of the tithi.

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Quality: Jaya | Ruling Deity: Rudra (fierce form of Shiva)

Ashtami is a Jaya tithi — powerful and victory-oriented. Ruled by Rudra, it carries intense transformative energy. It is one of the most important tithis for Durga and Shiva worship.

Recommended: Durga puja, Shiva worship, protective rituals, spiritual practices involving transformation.

Avoid: Social ceremonies, weddings, griha pravesh. The Rudra energy is powerful but not suited to auspicious domestic occasions.

Notable observances: Krishna Janmashtami (Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami) — the birth of Lord Krishna. Durga Ashtami is observed in both Navratris (Chaitra and Sharad). Radha Ashtami (Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami) — Radha's birth anniversary.

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Quality: Rikta | Ruling Deity: Durga (Shakti)

Navami is a Rikta tithi by general classification but the supreme tithi for Shakti worship. The Devi Bhagavata Purana identifies Navami as Durga's own tithi — the day on which her power is most directly accessible.

Recommended: Durga puja, Shakti sadhana, worship of the divine feminine, spiritual practices involving transformation and power.

Avoid: Weddings, new business ventures, auspicious social ceremonies.

Notable observances: Rama Navami (Chaitra Shukla Navami) — the birth of Lord Rama. Maha Navami (the 9th day of Navratri) — the most intense day of Durga worship in both Chaitra and Sharad Navratris.

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Quality: Purna | Ruling Deity: Dharmaraja (Yama as righteous king)

Dashami is a Purna tithi — associated with completion, fulfilment, and the righteous ordering of society. Ruled by Dharmaraja, it is auspicious for activities connected to law, justice, social harmony, and completion of projects.

Recommended: Legal matters, social ceremonies, completion of long-term projects, trade and commerce.

Avoid: No major prohibitions.

Notable observances: Vijayadashami (Dussehra) — Ashvina Shukla Dashami — the day Rama defeated Ravana and Durga destroyed Mahishasura. Considered the most auspicious day for new beginnings of all types.

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Quality: Nanda | Ruling Deity: Vishnu (Hari)

Ekadashi is the most sacred fasting tithi in Hinduism. As a Nanda tithi ruled by Vishnu, it combines joyfulness with the supreme deity of preservation. The Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, and Vishnu Purana all extensively praise the merit of Ekadashi observance.

Recommended: Vishnu worship, fasting, mantra japa, reading Vishnu-related texts, charity.

Avoid: Eating grains (rice, wheat) — the Padma Purana specifically prohibits grain consumption on Ekadashi. Heavy physical work and social entertainment are also traditionally avoided.

Notable observances: 24 named Ekadashis per year, each with its own story and specific merit. Key ones: Devutthana Ekadashi (Vishnu's awakening), Nirjala Ekadashi (waterless fast, most austere), Vaikuntha Ekadashi (gateway to Vishnu's abode opens), Papamochani Ekadashi (destruction of sins).

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Quality: Bhadra | Ruling Deity: Vishnu (as Hari, the remover of sins)

Dwadashi follows Ekadashi and shares its Vaishnava sanctity. The Panchang considers Dwadashi especially powerful because the merit of the Ekadashi fast flows directly into it. The Dharmasindhu notes that the paran (breaking of the Ekadashi fast) must occur on Dwadashi morning within a prescribed time window.

Recommended: Almost all auspicious activities — Dwadashi is one of the broadest positive tithis. Excellent for charitable acts, beginning education, trade.

Avoid: No major prohibitions.

Notable observances: Dwadashi is the day for breaking the Ekadashi fast. Govatsa Dwadashi (Bagh Baras) — Kartik Krishna Dwadashi — worship of cows, observed two days before Diwali.

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Quality: Jaya | Ruling Deity: Kama (deity of desire and intention)

Trayodashi is a Jaya tithi ruled by Kama — the deity who governs purposeful desire and creative intention. It is excellent for new ventures and victory-oriented activities. More significantly, both Shukla and Krishna Trayodashi are Pradosh Vrat days — the supreme bi-monthly Shiva vrat.

Recommended: New ventures, worship (especially Shiva), Pradosh Vrat, activities requiring purposeful intention.

Avoid: No major prohibitions.

Notable observances: Pradosh Vrat (monthly, both fortnights) — the evening worship of Shiva on Trayodashi, said to fulfil all desires and grant liberation. Dhanteras falls on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi — the most auspicious day for purchasing gold, silver, and new items.

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Quality: Rikta | Ruling Deity: Shiva (specifically Mahakala)

Chaturdashi is a Rikta tithi by general classification but the most powerful tithi for Shiva worship. The combination of Rudra's transformative energy at a Rikta moment creates an intense, concentrated spiritual force that is specifically appropriate for confronting death, time, and liberation.

Recommended: Shiva worship, Rudra Abhisheka, ancestral rites, practices involving transformation and dissolution.

Avoid: Weddings, new business launches, auspicious social ceremonies.

Notable observances: Maha Shivratri (Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi) — the most sacred night of the year for Shiva worship. Narak Chaturdashi (Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi) — the day before Diwali, celebrating Krishna's defeat of Narakasura.

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Quality: Purna | Ruling Deity: Chandra (Moon)

Purnima is the 15th tithi of Shukla Paksha — the full moon. As the supreme Purna tithi, it carries the energy of complete manifestation, luminosity, and abundant grace. The Moon at Purnima directly reflects the full light of the Sun without obstruction.

Recommended: All auspicious activities. Purnima is ideal for worship, meditation, charity, spiritual practices, and social ceremonies. Fasting on Purnima and breaking the fast at moonrise is a widely practised vrat.

Avoid: No prohibitions. Purnima is universally auspicious.

Notable Purnimas: 1. Magha Purnima — bathing in the Ganga is supremely meritorious 2. Phalguna Purnima — Holi 3. Chaitra Purnima — Hanuman Jayanti 4. Vaishakha Purnima — Buddha Purnima 5. Ashadha Purnima — Guru Purnima 6. Shravana Purnima — Raksha Bandhan 7. Ashvina Purnima — Sharad Purnima (most sacred, Moon at maximum luminosity) 8. Kartik Purnima — Dev Deepawali (gods celebrate on the Ganga ghats)

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Quality: Purna | Ruling Deity: Pitru Devatas (Ancestral Deities)

Amavasya is the 15th tithi of Krishna Paksha — the new moon. It is a Purna tithi representing complete withdrawal — the Moon is entirely dark, fully absorbed into the solar light. Amavasya is not inauspicious. It is the most powerful day in the month for tarpan (water offerings to ancestors), Pitru puja, and the ancestral connection that sustains living descendants.

Recommended: Ancestral worship, tarpan, Pitru rites, Kali worship, meditation on ancestors, charitable acts in memory of departed family members.

Avoid: Weddings, new business launches, social auspicious ceremonies.

Notable AmavasyAs: 1. Mahalaya Amavasya (Ashvina) — the most sacred day for ancestral worship, concluding Pitru Paksha 2. Diwali Amavasya (Kartik) — the night of Lakshmi Puja 3. Somvati Amavasya — Amavasya on a Monday, extremely rare and auspicious for Shiva worship and bathing in sacred rivers

> Quick Answer: Purnima (full moon) is universally auspicious — ideal for all ceremonies, worship, and meditation. Amavasya (new moon) is specifically auspicious for ancestral rites, Pitru worship, and Kali sadhana. Both are Purna tithis — the 15th of their respective fortnights — representing the two poles of lunar completeness.

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The tithi at sunrise governs the day for most purposes. For ritual planning, check the precise tithi window — if performing a puja at 6 PM, verify the tithi is still active at that hour. For muhurta selection (auspicious timing), the tithi is the first of five Panchang parameters to check. A tithi that is positive but paired with an unfavourable Nakshatra or Yoga creates a mixed result; the complete Panchang assessment weighs all five elements.

Check today's live tithi on our Panchang page. For birth-chart timing and to understand your own Janma Tithi (birth tithi), use our birth chart calculator.

> Quick Answer: Use this reference by first checking the current tithi on the Panchang, then identifying its quality (Nanda/Bhadra/Jaya/Rikta/Purna), ruling deity, and recommended activities. Cross-reference with Nakshatra, Vara, Yoga, and Karana for complete muhurta assessment. The Muhurta Chintamani and Dharmasindhu are the authoritative classical texts governing these decisions.

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The Muhurta Chintamani (Muhurtacintamani) by Rama Daivagna is the most widely cited muhurta text among practising Jyotisha pandits. It systematically covers every tithi, giving:

1. The ruling deity and their specific qualities 2. The activity classification (recommended or prohibited activities) 3. Rules for mixed tithis (vriddhi/kshaya) 4. Interaction with other Panchang elements 5. Special festival-specific rules

The text draws on the Brihat Samhita (Varahamihira, 6th century CE), the Jyotish sections of the Narada Purana, and earlier muhurta shastras now only partially extant. For serious practitioners, the Muhurta Chintamani alongside the Dharmasindhu (18th century) provides the complete classical framework for tithi-based timing decisions.

> Quick Answer: The Muhurta Chintamani by Rama Daivagna is the definitive classical text for tithi-based timing. It classifies each tithi, prescribes activities, and gives interaction rules. The Brihat Samhita (Varahamihira) is its foundational precursor. Practising Jyotisha pandits reference both texts for muhurta decisions.

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1. What are the 30 tithis in order? Shukla Paksha: Pratipada, Dwitiya, Tritiya, Chaturthi, Panchami, Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, Dashami, Ekadashi, Dwadashi, Trayodashi, Chaturdashi, Purnima. Krishna Paksha: the same sequence from Pratipada to Chaturdashi, then Amavasya.

2. Which tithi is best for starting a new business? Tritiya, Panchami, Saptami, Dashami, and Dwadashi are the most recommended tithis for new business launches. Avoid Rikta tithis (Chaturthi, Navami, Chaturdashi) and Amavasya.

3. Which tithis are Rikta tithis and why are they avoided? Rikta tithis are the 4th (Chaturthi), 9th (Navami), and 14th (Chaturdashi). They are classified as "diminished" for general activities but are specifically powerful for deity worship — Ganesha (4th), Durga (9th), and Shiva (14th). The classification is about appropriate use, not inherent negativity.

4. What is the most auspicious tithi of the year? Akshaya Tritiya (Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya) is widely regarded as the most self-evidently auspicious single tithi. Vijayadashami and the Purnima of Ashadha (Guru Purnima) are also among the most celebrated.

5. Are Krishna Paksha tithis less auspicious than Shukla Paksha? Krishna Paksha tithis carry different energy — not less auspicious, but appropriate for different activities. Waning Moon tithis suit completion, ancestral work, and introspection. For new beginnings, Shukla Paksha is preferred. For dissolution, conclusion, and ancestral connection, Krishna Paksha is preferred.

6. What is the ruling deity of each tithi? Each tithi has its deity: Pratipada (Agni), Dwitiya (Brahma), Tritiya (Gauri), Chaturthi (Ganesha/Yama), Panchami (Naga), Shashthi (Kartika), Saptami (Surya), Ashtami (Rudra), Navami (Durga), Dashami (Dharmaraja), Ekadashi (Vishnu), Dwadashi (Vishnu/Hari), Trayodashi (Kama), Chaturdashi (Shiva/Mahakala), Purnima (Chandra), Amavasya (Pitru Devatas).

7. How is a tithi different from a weekday (vara)? A vara is a solar day governed by a planet — Sunday (Sun), Monday (Moon), Tuesday (Mars), Wednesday (Mercury), Thursday (Jupiter), Friday (Venus), Saturday (Saturn). A tithi is a lunar day governed by the Sun-Moon angle. Both are elements of the Panchang, and both matter for muhurta selection.

8. What does Purna tithi mean? Purna means "complete" or "full." The Purna tithis — 5th (Panchami), 10th (Dashami), and 15th (Purnima/Amavasya) — carry the energy of fullness, completeness, and abundance. They are broadly favourable for activities involving culmination and fruition.

9. Is Amavasya considered inauspicious? Amavasya is not inauspicious — it is specifically auspicious for ancestral worship, tarpan, and Kali sadhana. It is avoided for weddings and new beginnings because its energy is oriented toward completion and ancestral connection, not new initiation.

10. What classical text should I consult for tithi-based timing? The Muhurta Chintamani by Rama Daivagna is the primary reference. The Dharmasindhu and Nirnayasindhu are also authoritative. For a broader cosmological context, the Brihat Samhita (Varahamihira) is foundational.