Understanding the panchang is not very tough when it comes to basic knowledge but learned astrologers can definitely suggest many detailed points to adhere to. Discussed below are the five elements of panchang –

1. Vaar (Day)
Each day of the week is ruled by a planet. For instance, Sunday is ruled by Sun, Monday is ruled by Moon, Tuesday by Mars and so on. The connection of the ruling planet and the deity associated with it has been referred to for centuries to pray, fast and perform other rituals.

2. Tithi
Hindu calendar or panchang divides the month into two phases namely krishna paksha and shukla paksh. Krishna Paksh as the name suggests is when the nights are dark i.e. the moon is decreasing in size and contrary to it is the Shukla Paksha i.e. the moon is getting stronger. A 12 degree change in the position of the moon represents one tithi. There are 30 tithi in one month. It can also be called a lunar day. However, the tithi does not start with the sunrise or end with sunset. It can start at any point of time in the day. Most festivals fall on the purnima (full moon) or amavasya (no moon) tithis of the month. These tithis are further classified into 5 categories – Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya, Rikta and Poorna. Nanda is for joy and happiness, Bhadra is good to start new work, Jaya represents auspicious time for victory, Rikta is not a favourable one and Poona is considered good to do any kind of work.

3. Nakshatra
There are 27 nakshatra (constellations) as per hindu panchang and each is governed by a specific Lord. In Vedic astrology, for the better understanding of the 12 zodiac signs, they were further divided into 27 parts. Each nakshatra contains thirteen degrees and twenty minutes of the zodiac. Further, there are three categories of Nakshatra – Dev, Manushya and Rakshas.

4. Yoga
Yoga means addition and represents the addition of the position of Sun and Moon. There are 27 yogas in total and represent some characteristics of personality as follows
● Vishakumbha – Triumph – (The native conquers adversaries, acquires wealth and property.)
● Preeti – Joyful – (The native is popular and alluring to the opposite gender.)
● Aayushman – Enduring – (The native Enjoys longevity and enthusiasm for life.)
● Saubhagya – Prosperity – (Native leads a fulfilled life with abundant opportunities and happiness.)
● Shobhana – Allure – (Person is sensual and passionate about intimate relationships.)
● Atiganda – Peril – (Native faces life challenges and potential accidents.)
● Sukarma – Abundance – (Engages in honorable endeavors, achieves generosity and success.)
● Dhriti – Enjoyment – (Finds pleasure in life, cherishes time with partners, and indulges in pampering.)
● Shoola – Contentious – (Prone to arguments and anger.)
● Ganda – Concern – (Slightly flawed in principles)
● Vriddhi – Insight – (Intellectual, progresses with age.)
● Dhruva – Steadfast – (Possesses a stable personality and unwavering focus.)
● Vyaghaata – Intense – (Unkind and may inflict harm on others.)
● Harshana – Delight – (Intellectual and finds pleasure in cheerfulness and humor.)
● Vajra – Authority – (Tends towards wealth, sensuality, and forcefulness.)
● Siddhi – Achievement – (Multi-talented, supportive of others’ endeavors.)
● Vyatipaata – Adversity – (Faces unexpected setbacks and instability.)
● Variyaana – Opulence – (Favors comfort and luxury, passionate yet lazy.)
● Parigha – Obstacle – (Encounters numerous challenges, short-tempered)
● Shiva – Benevolence – (Earns favor from elders and authorities, calm and knowledgeable.)
● Siddha – Accomplished – (Generous, righteous, and interested in traditions.)
● Saaddhya – Mediation – (Exhibits manners and politeness.)
● Shubha – Auspicious – (Possesses a radiant body but faces health challenges)
● Shukla – Radiant – (Talkative and unreliable, with a fickle mind.)
● Brahma – Trustworthy – (Truthful, ambitious, and possessing good judgment.)
● Indra – Leadership – (Curious about learning, helpful, and prosperous.)
● Vaidhriti – Divisive – (Dangerous, influential and irresistible in both mind and body.)

5. Karan
Each tithi is divided into two parts known as karans. In total, there are 11 karans. The four fixed karans occur only once a month. These are – Kintughna, Chatushpada, Sakuni and Naga. Rest seven (Bava, Balava, Kaulava, Taitila, Gara, Vanija and Vishti) are not fixed and called movable. Out of all these Vishtiis considered the most inauspicious. The impact of different karan is different on individuals and only learned astrologers can help understand its impact on your life in detail.

The above 5 elements combined with the positioning of planets in your horoscope can help make accurate predictions about the events in your life. In general as well, keeping in mind the shubh and ashubh times of the day can save you from a lot of trouble. Hence it is important to refer to panchang on an everyday basis.