Yoga in Panchang: 27 Types and Significance

What is Yoga in Panchang?

Yoga, the fourth element of the Panchang, should not be confused with the physical practice of yoga or with planetary Yogas in Kundali analysis. In the context of the Panchang, Yoga refers to a specific astronomical calculation derived from the combined longitudes of the Sun and Moon. There are 27 Yogas in total, each spanning 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the combined Sun-Moon arc, and each carrying a unique influence on the activities performed during its duration.

How is Panchang Yoga Calculated?

The Yoga is calculated by adding the sidereal longitude of the Sun and the sidereal longitude of the Moon. The sum is then divided by 13 degrees 20 minutes (or 800 minutes of arc) to determine which of the 27 Yogas is in effect. As the Moon moves relatively quickly, the Yoga changes approximately once a day, though the exact timing varies.

The 27 Yogas and Their Qualities

The Yogas are broadly classified as auspicious, mixed, or inauspicious:

• Highly Auspicious Yogas:
  • Siddhi: Success in all undertakings; excellent for starting new ventures
  • Amrita: The "nectar" Yoga; everything initiated prospers
  • Saubhagya: Good fortune; favorable for ceremonies and celebrations
  • Shobhana: Beauty and splendor; good for artistic and social activities
  • Sukarma: Good deeds bear fruit; favorable for charitable activities
  • Priti: Love and affection; excellent for relationships and partnerships
• Generally Favorable Yogas:
  • Ayushman: Long life; good for health-related activities
  • Dhriti: Steadfastness; supports determination and commitment
  • Shiva: Auspiciousness; favorable for spiritual practices
  • Sadhya: Achievable; tasks started tend to reach completion
  • Shubha: Purity; excellent for religious rituals
  • Brahma: Knowledge; good for learning and education
• Mixed or Neutral Yogas:
  • Variyan: Best; but results depend on the activity type
  • Dhruva: Fixed; good for permanent investments but not for travel
  • Harshana: Joy; favorable for entertainment and celebrations
  • Vajra: Diamond-hard; good for tough decisions and defense
  • Vriddhi: Growth; supports expansion activities
  • Ganda: Obstacles; may bring complications
• Inauspicious Yogas:
  • Vyatipata: Calamity; avoid starting important activities
  • Vaidhriti: Contrary; may produce unexpected negative results
  • Parigha: Obstruction; delays and blockages likely
  • Atiganda: Great obstacles; particularly unfavorable
  • Vishkumbha: Poison pot; considered harmful for new beginnings
  • Shoola: Pain; avoid medical procedures and travel if possible
  • Vyaghata: Slaughter; particularly negative for important decisions

Using Yoga for Daily Planning

When checking the daily Panchang at Purohit.app, note the current Yoga alongside the Tithi and Nakshatra. For important events, seek alignment of a favorable Yoga with a good Tithi and Nakshatra for optimal results. Even on days with inauspicious Yogas, routine activities can proceed normally — the caution applies primarily to initiating significant new ventures.