Panchang
The week from August 9-15, 2024, is an especially auspicious period in the Hindu calendar, highlighted by significant observances such as Nag Panchami and the Fourth Shravan Somwar. This week falls within the sacred month of Shravan, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, making it a spiritually potent time for devotees. The Panchang, or Hindu almanac, provides detailed guidance on the auspicious muhurats (timings) for various activities, ensuring that devotees can align their actions with cosmic rhythms for optimal results.
Nag Panchami – August 9, 2024 Panchang
Nag Panchami is one of the most significant festivals during the Shravan month, observed on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha). On this day, devotees across India worship Nagas (serpents), who are revered as powerful deities in Hindu tradition. The serpent, or Nag, holds a symbolic place in Hindu mythology, often associated with Lord Shiva, who is depicted with a snake coiled around his neck.
Rituals and Significance Panchang
On Nag Panchami, devotees offer milk, flowers, sweets, and prayers to serpent idols or live snakes. In many regions, it is customary to visit temples dedicated to Nagas or to worship anthills, which are believed to be the dwelling places of snakes. Women often observe fasts and perform rituals to seek protection for their families from snake bites and to ensure the well-being of their households.
Special prayers and offerings are made, and many also perform the Nag Puja at home, using images of Nagas made from clay or metal. Reciting the Nagashtakam and other mantras dedicated to Nagas is considered highly auspicious.
Fourth Shravan Somwar – August 12, 2024 Panchang
Shravan Somwar, the Mondays of the Shravan month, are highly revered for the worship of Lord Shiva. The Fourth Shravan Somwar marks the culmination of this series of holy Mondays, and devotees observe it with heightened devotion and reverence.
Observances and Rituals Panchang
On this day, devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and visit Shiva temples to perform the ritualistic abhishekam (bathing of the Shiva Linga) with sacred substances like milk, honey, ghee, curd, and holy water. Offerings of bel leaves, flowers, fruits, and special dishes are made to the deity. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and the Panchakshari Mantra (“Om Namah Shivaya”) are chanted with devotion, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva for health, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Panchang
Fasting is a common practice on Shravan Somwar, with many devotees observing a full-day fast or a partial fast, consuming only fruits, milk, and water. The day is also considered auspicious for performing Rudrabhishek, a special form of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva. Panchang
Auspicious Muhurats for the Week
The Panchang provides specific muhurats, or auspicious timings, for various activities throughout the week. These muhurats are based on the alignment of the planets and other astrological factors, ensuring that any significant actions taken during these times are blessed with success and prosperity.
Marriage Muhurats:
- August 10, 2024: 06:15 AM – 11:30 AM
- August 13, 2024: 08:10 AM – 12:45 PM
Griha Pravesh (Housewarming) Muhurats:
- August 11, 2024: 07:30 AM – 10:00 AM
- August 15, 2024: 09:20 AM – 01:05 PM
Vehicle Purchase Muhurats:
- August 9, 2024: 02:15 PM – 04:45 PM
- August 14, 2024: 10:05 AM – 12:40 PM
Property Purchase Muhurats:
- August 12, 2024: 01:15 PM – 03:30 PM
- August 15, 2024: 11:10 AM – 02:20 PM
These muhurats are ideal for those planning to undertake significant life events such as marriages, housewarming ceremonies, or the purchase of new property or vehicles. Aligning such activities with these auspicious timings is believed to bring long-lasting success, happiness, and prosperity.
Daily Panchang Overview
Table of Contents
August 9, 2024 (Friday):
- Tithi: Panchami (Fifth day of Shukla Paksha)
- Nakshatra: Ashlesha
- Yoga: Vyatipata
- Karana: Kaulava
- Sunrise: 05:45 AM
- Sunset: 07:10 PM
- Rahu Kaal: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM (Avoid starting any new ventures)
Significance: Nag Panchami is observed, and devotees offer prayers to Nagas for protection and blessings.
August 10, 2024 (Saturday):
- Tithi: Shashthi
- Nakshatra: Magha
- Yoga: Vajra
- Karana: Taitila
- Sunrise: 05:46 AM
- Sunset: 07:09 PM
- Rahu Kaal: 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Significance: Auspicious day for marriage ceremonies and initiating new ventures.
August 11, 2024 (Sunday):
- Tithi: Saptami
- Nakshatra: Purva Phalguni
- Yoga: Siddhi
- Karana: Garaja
- Sunrise: 05:47 AM
- Sunset: 07:08 PM
- Rahu Kaal: 05:00 PM – 06:30 PM
Significance: Ideal day for Griha Pravesh (housewarming) ceremonies.
August 12, 2024 (Monday):
- Tithi: Ashtami
- Nakshatra: Uttara Phalguni
- Yoga: Vyatipata
- Karana: Vishti
- Sunrise: 05:48 AM
- Sunset: 07:07 PM
- Rahu Kaal: 07:30 AM – 09:00 AM
Significance: Fourth Shravan Somwar; devotees fast and perform special rituals in honor of Lord Shiva.
August 13, 2024 (Tuesday):
- Tithi: Navami
- Nakshatra: Hasta
- Yoga: Variyan
- Karana: Bava
- Sunrise: 05:49 AM
- Sunset: 07:06 PM
- Rahu Kaal: 03:00 PM – 04:30 PM
Significance: Auspicious day for marriage ceremonies.
August 14, 2024 (Wednesday):
- Tithi: Dashami
- Nakshatra: Chitra
- Yoga: Parigha
- Karana: Balava
- Sunrise: 05:50 AM
- Sunset: 07:05 PM
- Rahu Kaal: 12:00 PM – 01:30 PM
Significance: Good day for purchasing vehicles and starting new business ventures.
August 15, 2024 (Thursday):
- Tithi: Ekadashi
- Nakshatra: Swati
- Yoga: Shiva
- Karana: Kaulava
- Sunrise: 05:51 AM
- Sunset: 07:04 PM
- Rahu Kaal: 01:30 PM – 03:00 PM
Significance: Auspicious for Griha Pravesh and property purchases.
