What is a Tithi?
A Tithi is an exact lunar day, approximately one-thirtieth of the time it takes for the moon to orbit the earth. Each Tithi is dedicated to a specific deity (Devathai), and each lunar phase has a unique name in Tamil.
What are the Tamil names for Tithis?
The Tamil names for each Tithi are: Pirathamai, Thuvithiyai, Thiruthiyai, Chathurthi, Panjchami, Sashdi, Sapthami, Ashdami, Navami, Thasami, Eagaathasi, Thuvaathasi, Thirayoathasi, Chathurthasi, and Paurnami / Amaavaasai.
How is Tithi calculated?
Tithi is calculated based on the moon's movement eastward from the sun. The first phase, when the moon moves 12 degrees, is known as Prathamai Tithi during Sukla Paksham (waxing moon). When the moon moves 180 degrees, it's Paurnami (full moon), and at 360 degrees, it's Amaavaasai (new moon).
Significance of Tithi
What role does Tithi play in Tamil astrology
Tithi plays an important role along with Varam, Nakshatram, Yogam, and Karanam in daily life and for special occasions. It is used in selecting auspicious times (Nalla Neram, Muhurtham) and for performing ancestral offerings (Pithur Karmam).
Are there auspicious and inauspicious Tithis?
Yes, certain Tithis are considered auspicious or inauspicious depending on the day of the week:
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Auspicious: Sunday - Ashdami, Monday - Navami, Tuesday - Shasdi, Wednesday - Thirurhiyai, Thursday - Ekadasi, Friday - Thirayodasi, Saturday - Chathurdasi.
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Inauspicious: Sunday - Chathurdasi, Monday - Shasdi, Tuesday - Sapthami, Wednesday - Thuvithiyai, Thursday - Ashdami, Friday - Navami, Saturday - Sapthami.
How is Tithi related to worship?
The Tithi on which you were born is considered the most favorable day for your personal worship. You can find out your birth Tithi and its corresponding deity (Thithi Devathai or Thithi Deivam) using this online tool.
What is the significance of Tithi for offerings to the deceased?
Tithi is considered a very important day to pay homage to deceased parents and ancestors. Special offerings, known as Pithur Karmam, are made on their annual Tithi, often including the deceased person's favorite food.
How do I find the Tithi for ancestral offerings?
You can enter the date, time, and place of death into the Tithi Calculator to find out the prevailing Tithi at that time. The annual Thithi for offerings is then performed on the same Tamil calendar date every year.