Question

In the context of 'Karaṇa' (half of a Tithi) in the Pañcāṅga, which specific Karaṇa is also known by the name 'Bhadrā'?

• A. Viṣṭi
• B. Bālava
• C. Gara
• D. Vaṇija

Hint:

Always check for "Bhadra" in the calendar. If the current Karana is "Vishti", it is Bhadra time. Wait for it to end before starting anything auspicious!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A 'Karaṇa' is half of a lunar day (Tithi). There are 11 Karaṇas in total: 7 are 'Caras' (movable) and 4 are 'Sthiras' (fixed). Among these, the 7th movable Karaṇa, named 'Viṣṭi', is universally known in Jyotish as 'Bhadrā'. This 'Bhadrā' is considered a highly inauspicious time period during which most auspicious activities must be strictly avoided.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The 11 Karaṇas are:
- Movable: Bava, Bālava, Kaulava, Taitila, Gara, Vaṇija, and Viṣṭi.
- Fixed: Śakuni, Catuṣpāda, Nāga, and Kiṃstughna.

The Viṣṭi Karaṇa occurs twice in each Tithi of its occurrence. Specifically, it occurs during:
- The second half of Caturthī.
- The first half of Aṣṭamī.
- The second half of Ekādaśī.
- The first half of Pūrṇimā.
(And similarly in the Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa on the 3rd, 7th, 10th, and 14th).

The name 'Bhadrā' in this context refers to the daughter of the Sun and the sister of Yama (the God of Death). She is depicted as a fierce goddess. Mythology says that because she was disrupting the world, Lord Brahma placed her in the second half of certain Tithis as 'Viṣṭi', declaring that any good work started during her stay would be destroyed.

In practical astrology, one must check the 'Bhadrā Vāsa' (residence of Bhadra). If Bhadra is in the 'Mr̥tyu Lōka' (Earth), it is most dangerous. If she is in 'Svarga' (Heaven) or 'Pātāla' (Underworld), the negative effects are mitigated. However, as a general rule for 'Muhurta', 'Bhadrā' (Viṣṭi Karaṇa) is the primary time-block to avoid for ceremonies like marriage, travel, or shifting to a new house. In contrast, it is considered beneficial for activities involving fire, poison, weapons, or surgical procedures.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Viṣṭi Karaṇa is called Bhadrā.