Question

How many 'Ānandādi Yōgas' (a specific group of daily yogas based on the combination of weekdays and Nakshatras) are traditionally recognized in the Pañcāṅga?

• A. 28
• B. 12
• C. 56
• D. 109

Hint:

The number 28 is the key. Whenever you see "Anandadi", think of the 28 Nakshatras (including Abhijit). If the yoga is named after a positive deity or state (Ananda, Prajapati), it's good!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In the 'Yōga' limb of the Pañcāṅga, there are several types of yogas. While the 27 'Nitya Yogas' (like Viṣkumbha, Prīti, etc.) are based on the sum of Sun and Moon longitudes, the 'Ānandādi Yōgas' are a separate set of 28 yogas. These are determined by the specific combination of the Day of the week (Vāra) and the Nakṣatra of the Moon. They are primarily used for selecting the quality of a day for specific actions.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Ānandādi Yōgas begin with 'Ānanda' and end with 'Bhaya'. Because there are 28 Nakshatras considered in this system (including the intercalary Nakshatra, 'Abhijit'), there are exactly 28 such yogas.

The sequence is:
1. Ānanda (Blissful)
2. Kāladanda (Punishment)
3. Dhūmra (Smoky/Unclear)
4. Prajāpati (Prosperous)
5. Saumya (Gentle)
6. Dhvānkṣa (Inauspicious like a crow)
7. Dhvaja (Victorious)
8. Śrīvatsa (Prosperous)
9. Vajra (Hard/Difficult)
10. Mudgara (Harsh) ... and so on, up to 28.

The calculation starts from a specific Nakshatra on a specific day. For example, on a Sunday, if the Moon is in Aśvinī, the first yoga (Ānanda) prevails. If on a Sunday the Moon is in Bharaṇī, the second yoga (Kāladanda) prevails.

- Auspicious Yogas: Ānanda, Prajāpati, Saumya, Dhvaja, Śrīvatsa, Amṛta, Siddha, etc. are considered excellent for most activities.
- Inauspicious Yogas: Kāladanda, Dhūmra, Vajra, Mudgara, Yama, Utpāta, Mr̥tyu, and Bhaya are avoided.

These 28 yogas provide a quick "health-check" of the day's energy. Even if the Tithi and Nakshatra are good, an inauspicious Ānandādi yoga (like Mrityu Yoga) can act as a red flag for important ceremonies. The inclusion of Abhijit is what differentiates this list from the standard 27-fold systems, making the total 28.

Step 3: Final Answer:
There are 28 Ānandādi Yōgas.