Concept of Muhurta
The word Muhurta has two references. One as a measurement of time, which is a period of two ghatis or forty-eight minutes. Another refers to the astrological principle in determining favorable and unfavorable moments created by positions of various planets and stars containing certain vibrations.
Muhurta as a measurement of time
Muhurta is a division of time along with nimesha, kastha and kala. Muhurta refers to forty-eight minutes or one-thirtieth of a day. Thirty muhurtas will make up for a day. Further, each muhurta can again be divided into kala, kastha, nimesha, tatpara etc.
Muhurta in the application of time selection
Time is the creator of destiny. Every object in this universe is created, developed and destroyed in time. We can use this time to create, to develop or to destroy anything. Therefore, it is in a way science of the time. There is tremendous information hidden within time. Time is also the carrier of karmic effects.
The cosmic energy or electromagnetic energy emitted from outer space from the planets and the stars, affect individual brain cells. This energy varies from moment to moment. Hindu sages and rishis recognized this phenomenon and its effect on living beings.
Generally, the vibrations or energy in the air varies from time to time. At certain times, positive energies vibrate in nature and at other times negative energies. It doesn’t mean negative energies will harm us. Every activity needs different kinds of energies. It is in our prerogative to select the right activity with the right energy. Certain timings are beneficial for spiritual activities, which will help to elevate the soul. And certain timings may be good for materialistic activities. For example, it is said that Brahma muhurta is a very auspicious time. It is suitable for meditation, yoga, self-study, introspection. However, it is not suitable for certain activities, like eating, heavy mental work etc
Every living creature in this world except human beings lives completely in accordance with nature. There is an instinctive intelligence within them, which makes them aware of the positive and negative vibrations of nature. Unfortunately, the human being has lost that intuitive decision-making process. However, sages and maharshis have discovered the tool or scientific method to find out manually. This tool is called as Muhurta.
Human birth also happens on a particular muhurta. Based on our karmic backlog, the commencement of present life starts. In this case, nature itself will select a muhurta based on past karma. Likewise, the commencement of activity also results in favorable or unfavorable results based on the resulting forces of nature. Fortunately, God has made some arrangement, wherein we can exercise the free will to select a suitable time for the commencement of any activity.
The technique of muhurta selection is simply creating a positive link between the cosmic energies of the moment (electional chart) to the birth chart. Therefore, every moment may not be suitable for everyone. The energies operating at the time of the event should positively influence the birth chart.
Even according to sages, if we follow every dictum of muhurta, it will be very difficult to find the perfect time. We may have to wait for years to find that timing. But we have to select a muhurat time which is least corrupt and gives maximum benefit.
Relevance of Muhurta
When cosmic energies are favorable, then only the intended result can be obtained. Otherwise, you will be going against natural forces. It is like swimming with the tide or against it. To swim against the tide naturally needs more effort and struggle.
By performing events at an auspicious time, one can ward off the evil energies. Through Muhurta, we can minimize the negativity, which is otherwise present in the birth horoscope. For example, there may be some problems indicated in the birth chart with respect to education. However, one can select an auspicious time for the commencement of education, which will reduce the negativity of the birth chart.
The art of selecting proper muhurta lies with astrologers. One should select a suitable time, where planets should lift the birth chart. Each planet has been assigned a particular task and it has a greater say in that sector. So, one should use planetary energies intelligently. For example, Jupiter should be given more prominence in educational muhurtas, mercury in intelligence, mars in aggressive works, and so on.
Can Muhurta time alter everything?
If there is a severe affliction in the horoscope, muhurta chart cannot ensure the complete reversal of fortune. It is like sowing a seed. One should plant a seed at the right time. But sowing at the right time does not guarantee a rich harvest. It needs sufficient water, fertilizers etc to grow. Likewise, selecting the right time is one important factor but not the end of it.
What if one doesn’t know the birth time?
When there is no birth chart available, then the best solution would be to follow the name constellation. Another way of selecting a suitable time is ‘Abhijit muhurta’, which will be operated every day at noon, which is mostly auspicious.
Concept of Daily Muhurta and Special Muhurta
As said earlier, a day is divided into thirty muhurtas. Not all the thirty muhurtas carry the same kind of energy. Roughly there are auspicious and inauspicious moments occur during a day (chart is given below). These are daily muhurtas. However, these muhurtas cannot be taken blindly to perform special activities. Because based on individual horoscopes and moon sign, the auspiciousness of the moment has to be calculated. Basic components for finding out muhurta are Tithi, Nakshatra (star), Vaara (day), Yoga, Karna, Ascendant etc.
Daily Muhurat Timings
A day is divided into thirty muhurtas. Not all the thirty muhurtas carry the same kind of energy. Certain timings are suitable for spiritual activities and others are good for material activities. Therefore, the word ‘auspicious’ below refers to the timings suitable for the activities which enhance or nourish the soul, like increasing knowledge, meditation etc. These muhurtas are calculated assuming sunrise at 6 AM. So, based on the actual sunrise, every muhurta changes for 48 minutes.
No. | Muhurta Period | Name | Meaning | Auspicious/Inauspicious |
1 | 6:00 - 6:48 (Sunrise + 48 min) | Rudra | Howler | Inauspicious |
2 | 6:48 - 7:36 | Ahi | Serpent | Inauspicious |
3 | 7:36 - 8:24 | Mitra | Friend | Auspicious |
4 | 8:24 - 9:12 | Pitr | Father | Inauspicious |
5 | 9:12 - 10:00 | Vasu | Bright | Auspicious |
6 | 10:00 - 10:48 | Varaha | Boar | Auspicious |
7 | 10:48 - 11:36 | Vishwadeva | Heavenly Lights | Auspicious |
8 | 11:36 - 12:24 | Vidhi | Insight | Auspicious (Except Mondays & Fridays) |
9 | 12:24 - 13:12 | Satamukhi | Goat/Charioteer face | Auspicious |
10 | 13:12 - 14:00 | Puruhuta | Many Offerings | Inauspicious |
11 | 14:00 - 14:48 | Vahini | Possessed of Chariot | Inauspicious |
12 | 14:48 - 15:36 | Naktanakara | Night Maker | Inauspicious |
13 | 15:36 - 16:24 | Varuna | All enveloping night sky | Auspicious |
14 | 16:24 - 17:12 | Aryaman | Possessed of Nobility | Auspicious (Except Sundays) |
15 | 17:12 - 18:00 | Bhaga | Share | Inauspicious |
16 | 18:00 - 18:48 (Sunset+48 min) | Girisha | Lord of the Mount | Inauspicious |
17 | 18:48 - 19:36 | Ajapada | Goat Foot | Inauspicious |
18 | 19:36 - 20:24 | Ahir-Budhnya | Serpent at the Bottom | Auspicious |
19 | 20:24 - 21:12 | Pusya | Nourishment/Blossom | Auspicious |
20 | 21:12 - 22:00 | Ashvini | Horsemen | Auspicious |
21 | 22:00 - 22:48 | Yama | Restrainer | Inauspicious |
22 | 22:48 - 23:36 | Agni | Fire | Auspicious |
23 | 23:36 - 00:24 | Vidhatr | Distributor | Auspicious |
24 | 00:24 - 1:12 | Kanda | Ornament | Auspicious |
25 | 1:12 - 2:00 | Aditi | Boundless | Auspicious |
26 | 2:00 - 2:48 | Jiva/Amrita | Life/Immortal | Very Auspicious |
27 | 2:48 - 3:36 | Visnu | All Pervading | Auspicious |
28 | 3:36 - 4:24 | Dyumadgadyuti | Resounding Light | Auspicious |
29 | 4:24 - 5:12 | Brahma | Universe | Very Auspicious |
30 | 5:12 - 6:00 | Samudram | Ocean | Auspicious |