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Lunar Month or Chandra maas in Astrology

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Lunar Month or Chandra Maas in Indian Vedic Astrology

In Indian Vedic Astrology or Jyotish and the Hindu calendar system, a Lunar Month, also known as Chandra Maas (चन्द्र मास), is based on the cycle of the Moon or Chandra . A lunar month begins either from the new moon (Amavasya) or from the full moon (Purnima), depending on the tradition followed.

Duration and Phases

A lunar month is approximately 29.5 days long and comprises two main phases:

Shukla Paksh – The waxing phase of the Moon (from new moon to full moon)
Krishna Paksh – The waning phase of the Moon (from full moon to new moon)

Types of Lunar Months

There are two types of lunar months observed in India:

Amanta Maas – The month begins from Amavasya (new moon) and ends on the next Amavasya. This is commonly followed in South India.
Purnimanta Maas – The month begins from Purnima (full moon) and ends on the next Purnima. This is generally followed in North India.

Names of Lunar Months

The names of the lunar months are based on the nakshatra (lunar mansion) in which the Moon is located on the full moon day:

Chaitra
Vaishakha
Jyeshtha
Ashadha
Shravana
Bhadrapada
Ashwin
Kartika
Margashirsha
Paush
Magha
Phalguna

Significance of Chandra Maas

Lunar months play a crucial role in determining the timing of Indian Hindu festivals , fasts (vrats), and religious rituals. Major festivals like Diwali, Holi, Maha Shivratri, and Navratri are celebrated according to the lunar calendar.

Each tithi (lunar day) in the lunar month has specific spiritual importance, and astrology uses these tithis to calculate muhurat (auspicious timing), birth charts , and more.

Conclusion

Understanding the concept of Chandra Maas is fundamental in Indian Vedic Astrology and Panchang calculations. It forms the basis of Hindu timekeeping and continues to guide religious and spiritual life in India.

By: -

Dr.A.S.Kalra - One of the best astrologers in India

India's Best Astrologer: - Dr.A.S.Kalra

Recipient of 1st prize from IIT- Roorkee for developing a software on Astrology
Ex-Columnist "The Times of India" (Dehradun Edition)
Visiting Astrologer "Ananda in the Himalayas"
Written articles on Astrology for "Amar Ujala" newspaper (leading North Indian Hindi daily)
Full time professional astrologer since year 2003
Experience of 23+ years in providing astrological consultation
Dealt with thousands of clients at national + international level
Honoured by several social welfare organisations & temple committees