తిథి
Tithi (Lunar Day)
A lunar day based on the 12° angular distance between Sun and Moon.
Tithi is one of the five elements (pancha-anga) of the Hindu panchangam. It represents the angular relationship between the Sun and Moon — each tithi covers 12° of separation. There are 30 tithis in a lunar month: 15 in Shukla Paksha (waxing moon, from Pratipada to Pournami) and 15 in Krishna Paksha (waning moon, from Pratipada to Amavasya).
Tithis are critical for determining auspicious times. Some tithis like Panchami, Dashami, and Ekadashi are generally auspicious, while Ashtami and Chaturdashi require caution. Amavasya (new moon) and Pournami (full moon) have special spiritual significance.
In Telugu households, tithi determines which festivals to observe, when to perform rituals, and which days are suitable for important activities. Tithis are not the same length as solar days — a tithi can span 19 to 26 hours, which is why the panchangam must be consulted daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between tithi and date?
A tithi is a lunar day based on the Moon-Sun angle, while a date (tarikh) is a solar day. Tithis vary in length (19-26 hours) and can start/end at any time, unlike calendar dates that start at midnight.
ఏ తిథులు శుభం?
పంచమి (5వ), సప్తమి (7వ), దశమి (10వ), ఏకాదశి (11వ), ద్వాదశి (12వ), త్రయోదశి (13వ) సాధారణంగా శుభం. అష్టమి (8వ), చతుర్దశి (14వ) జాగ్రత్త అవసరం.