Our Calculation Methodology

What is a Panchang?

A Panchang (Sanskrit: पञ्चाङ्ग, "five limbs") is the traditional Hindu almanac that describes the quality of each day according to five elements derived from planetary and lunar positions. The five elements — Tithi (lunar day), Nakshatra (lunar mansion), Yoga (luni-solar combination), Karana (half lunar day), and Vara (weekday) — together determine auspicious timings for festivals, Vrats, and important life events such as marriages and griha-pravesh.

Our Calculation Method: Drik Ganit (दृक् गणित)

Shubh Panchang uses the Drik Ganit (observational) method, which calculates Panchang elements from the true positions of celestial bodies as they actually appear in the sky. This is in contrast to older Vakya or Siddhantic methods that use mean-motion approximations accumulated over centuries.

Planetary Positions

Planetary longitudes are computed using Swiss Ephemeris — a high-precision astronomical library based on JPL ephemeris data. These positions are then used to derive all five Panchang elements.

Location-Based Sunrise and Sunset

Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, and Karana are all measured relative to local sunrise. Shubh Panchang computes sunrise and sunset for the user's exact geographic coordinates, ensuring that Panchang timings — including Rahu Kaal, Choghadiya, and Abhijit Muhurat — are correct for your city, not for a distant reference city.

Our Approach & Standards

Our panchang calculations use Drik Ganit (observational astronomy) — the same method used by modern Indian almanacs and the Government of India calendar. Planetary positions of the Sun and Moon are computed in real-time using astronomical algorithms, giving precise tithi, nakshatra, yoga, and karana timings for any date and location.

We use the Lahiri Ayanamsa (Chitrapaksha), the official ayanamsa adopted by the Government of India in 1955, for all sidereal calculations.

Festival and vrat dates follow traditional Vikram Samvat lunar calendar conventions observed in Gujarat and across India.

Publisher and Accuracy

Shubh Panchang is an independent digital platform committed to providing accurate, tradition-based Panchang data. Our data is updated daily. While we strive for the highest accuracy, users performing critical religious observances are advised to verify timings with a local pandit for their specific tradition and location.