Question

Arrange the following 'Cara' (Movable) Karaṇas in their correct traditional order of occurrence:
A. Bava
B. Gara
C. Kaulava
D. Bālava
E. Taitila

• A. A, D, C, E, B
• B. D, C, A, B, E
• C. C, D, E, A, B
• D. E, D, C, B, A

Hint:

Remember the first letters: Ba-Ba-Ka-Ta-Ga-Va-Vi. This "song" will help you remember the sequence of all 7 Movable Karanas instantly!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A 'Karaṇa' is one half of a 'Tithi' (lunar day). Since there are 30 Tithis in a month, there are 60 Karaṇas. These are divided into two types: 7 'Cara' (Movable) Karaṇas and 4 'Sthira' (Fixed) Karaṇas. The Movable Karaṇas recur 8 times during the lunar month in a fixed sequence, covering 56 of the 60 total slots.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The correct sequence of the seven Movable Karaṇas as per classical texts like Muhūrta Cintāmaṇi is:
1. Bava (Labeled A)
2. Bālava (Labeled D)
3. Kaulava (Labeled C)
4. Taitila (Labeled E)
5. Gara (Labeled B)
6. Vaṇija (Not listed in the options)
7. Viṣṭi (Not listed in the options)

The first half of the first Tithi of the month (Śukla Pratipadā) is always the Fixed Karaṇa 'Kiṃstughna'. From the second half of the first Tithi, the Movable sequence begins with Bava. This sequence (A, D, C, E, B, etc.) repeats systematically until the very end of the month, where the other three Fixed Karaṇas (Śakuni, Catuṣpāda, and Nāga) conclude the cycle.

The meaning and importance of these Karaṇas:
- Bava (A): Symbolized by a Lion; good for activities requiring strength.
- Bālava (D): Symbolized by a Tiger; good for adventurous tasks.
- Kaulava (C): Symbolized by a Boar; good for social and family matters.
- Taitila (E): Symbolized by an Ass; good for steadfast work.
- Gara (B): Symbolized by an Elephant; good for agriculture and heavy labor.

Arranging the given options (A to E) according to the standard Vedic order gives the sequence: A, D, C, E, B.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct sequence of the given Movable Karaṇas is A, D, C, E, B.