Today's Karana Calculator

Each Karana lasts for half a Tithi - which means it covers 6° of the Moon's motion relative to the Sun. In actual clock time, this typically translates to about 10–12 hours, though it varies depending on the Moon's speed at that moment. When the Moon is moving faster than average (near perigee, closest to Earth), Karanas are shorter; when the Moon is slower (near apogee), Karanas last longer. A Karana can sometimes be as short as 8 hours or as long as 14+ hours.

Yes - Bhadra and Vishti are two names for the same Karana. Vishti is the formal Panchang name; Bhadra is the personified deity form. Bhadra is described in Puranic texts as a ferocious woman - the daughter of the Sun god (Surya) and the sister of Saturn (Shani). She is said to occupy different parts of the universe during different phases: during Shukla (waxing) Vishti she inhabits Svarga (heaven), during Krishna (waning) Vishti she is on Earth, and at certain other times she is in Patal (the underworld). Muhurta texts are particularly concerned with Bhadra on Earth - when she faces Earth, her influence is most harmful for auspicious activities.

Strictly speaking, classical muhurta texts prohibit all auspicious ceremonies, new ventures, travel for good purposes, weddings, naming ceremonies, and similar events during Vishti. However, not every activity is forbidden: destructive or forceful tasks are permitted. In modern practice, routine daily activities (work, cooking, normal business operations) are generally not considered affected by Vishti - the prohibition is specifically for important, intentional auspicious beginnings. If you must start something important during Vishti, scholars recommend completing it before Vishti ends rather than beginning mid-Vishti.

For business starts, the most favorable Karanas are: Vanija (ruled by Venus, presided by Vayu - specifically signifies trade and commerce, making it the single best Karana for commercial ventures), Bava (government and authority dealings), Balava (general good fortune), Sukarma, Priti, and Saubhagya Yogas pairing with any of the first six Moving Karanas are highly recommended. Avoid Vishti, Shakuni, and Naga Karanas for business inauguration.

For weddings, the ideal Karanas are Bava, Balava, Kaulava, and Vanija from the Moving category. Taitila (travel) is acceptable. Garija is neutral. Vishti is strictly prohibited. The Fixed Karanas (Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga, Kimstughna) are all avoided for marriages. Since Vishti recurs eight times per month and lasts 10-12 hours each time, muhurta astrologers carefully schedule wedding ceremonies to be completed well before a Vishti Karana begins - or wait until it ends before the most critical ritual portions.

Chatushpada literally means 'four-footed' - it is associated with four-legged animals, cattle, and the earth. Its deity is Brahma and its lord is Jupiter, giving it a moderately positive quality despite being a Fixed Karana near the new moon. It is considered suitable for agriculture, caring for cattle and animals, earth-related work, and moderate tasks. It is not recommended for weddings or high ceremonies but is not considered as dangerous as Shakuni or Naga.

Karana is primarily a Panchang (transit) factor rather than a natal chart factor. However, the Karana active at the time of your birth is recorded in some traditional Panchang-based analyses. Some Jyotish schools attribute personality traits based on birth Karana - Bava births are said to have natural authority, Vanija births are gifted merchants, Vishti births are considered to have intense, forceful energy. These natal Karana interpretations are considered secondary compared to the main horoscope factors (Lagna, Moon, Sun, planetary yogas).

This calculator uses a precise Swiss Ephemeris-based computation of the sidereal longitudes of the Sun and Moon for your input date, time, and location. The IST to UTC conversion is applied automatically (subtracting 5h 30m). The Moon–Sun arc is then divided by 6° per Karana to determine the active Karana. The accuracy is as high as the planetary position algorithm used - typically within a few arc-minutes, giving you the correct Karana at any given moment. For critical muhurta decisions, we recommend cross-checking with a traditional Panchang from a reputable publisher.