Tithi Meaning: The Lunar Day in Vedic Astrology
One of the five core elements of Panchang, the Tithi tracks the Moon's daily relationship with the Sun — the foundation of the Hindu lunar calendar.
Quick Answer
A Tithi is a lunar day in Vedic astrology, defined as the time it takes for the angular distance between the Moon and Sun to increase by 12 degrees. There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, split into a waxing (Shukla) and waning (Krishna) fortnight, and each has its own traditional significance.
In This Guide
What Is a Tithi?
A Tithi is a lunar day, one of the five core elements of Panchang, the traditional Vedic almanac. Unlike a solar day, which is a fixed 24-hour period, a Tithi's length varies slightly depending on the Moon and Sun's relative speed on a given day.
How a Tithi Is Calculated
A Tithi is defined by the angular distance between the Moon and Sun as measured from Earth. Each Tithi represents this angle increasing by exactly 12 degrees — since a full circle is 360 degrees, this gives 30 Tithis in a complete lunar month (one full cycle of the Moon relative to the Sun).
Because the Moon and Sun's speeds vary slightly day to day, a Tithi can last anywhere from about 19 to 26 hours — which is why a Tithi doesn't always align neatly with a calendar day, and can occasionally be skipped or repeated across two calendar days.
The 30 Tithis
The lunar month splits into two fortnights (Paksha): Shukla Paksha, the waxing fortnight from New Moon to Full Moon, and Krishna Paksha, the waning fortnight from Full Moon back to New Moon. Each fortnight has 15 Tithis, each with its own traditional name and associated qualities.
Traditional Significance
Certain Tithis are traditionally considered especially significant for specific activities — some favorable for beginnings and celebrations, others considered better suited for rest or introspection. Tithi is one of the factors traditionally examined when determining Shubh Muhurat, auspicious timing windows for important events.
Summary: Key Takeaways
- A Tithi is a lunar day, defined by a 12-degree increase in Moon-Sun angular distance.
- There are 30 Tithis per lunar month, split across two fortnights.
- Tithi length varies and doesn't always align neatly with calendar days.
How PalmGuru Calculates Today's Tithi
PalmGuru's Panchang feature calculates the exact current Tithi using a deterministic astronomical engine, updated daily.
This guide reflects traditional interpretations, provided for entertainment and self-reflection purposes only and not as medical, legal, financial, or psychological advice. See our Terms of Service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tithi?
A lunar day in Vedic astrology, defined by the Moon-Sun angular distance increasing by 12 degrees.
How many Tithis are in a lunar month?
30, split into a 15-Tithi waxing fortnight and a 15-Tithi waning fortnight.
How long does a Tithi last?
It varies, roughly 19 to 26 hours, depending on the Moon and Sun's relative speed that day.
What are the two Paksha (fortnights)?
Shukla Paksha, the waxing fortnight, and Krishna Paksha, the waning fortnight.
Why does Tithi matter for Muhurat?
It's one of the traditional factors examined when determining auspicious timing windows for important events.
How does PalmGuru calculate today's Tithi?
PalmGuru's Panchang feature calculates the exact current Tithi using a deterministic astronomical engine.
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