Choghadiya Explained

Choghadiya refers to an auspicious period of twenty-four minutes in Indian astrology.[1]

Etymology

Ghadi (now used for a clock in Hindi) is an ancient measure for calculations of time in India roughly equivalent to 24 minutes. Cho-ghadiya means four ghadi which totals to 96 minutes. Most of choghadiya are of a figure around 96 minutes.

About

it is advisable to perform necessary prayers, on a particular time phase of the day to get maximum benefits of health, wealth and prosperity. One can get the appropriate time of Muhurta (Auspicious Occasion) from the Panchang.

Types of Choghadiya

There are totally seven types of Choghdiya.

Method of calculation

Each day is divided into two time periods: Daytime - the period from sunrise to sunset Nighttime - the period from sunset to sunrise.

Each period contains eight Choghadiya's. The daytime difference is arrived at by calculating the difference between Sunrise and Sunset and dividing the same by 8.

Example

Day 1: Sunrise at 6:00 AM and Sunset at 6:01 pmDay 2: Sunrise at 6:00 am

based on the above The daytime period is 12 hours and 01 minutes (721 minutes).The nighttime period is 11 hours and 59 minutes (719 minutes).

Therefore, each daytime Choghadiya lasts 721/8 = 90.125 minutes = 1 hour 30 minutes 7.5 secondsAnd each night-time Choghadiya last 719/8 = 89.89 minutes = 1 hour 29 minutes 52.5 second

Notes and References

  1. Book: Chitkara, Madan G. . Encyclopaedia of Buddhism: Glossary of Buddhism Terms V. 21: A World Faith: Glossary of Buddhism Terms V. 21 . 2005 . APH Publishing Corporation . 978-81-7648-314-8 . 87 . en.