Lamp of the Determination of Lunar Days

Fortune! It should be known that there are six ways [to classify time], but five types of years Vatsara: A generic term for a year, here specifically referring to the five-year cycle known as a Yuga. have been declared. Om! Saṃvatsara is the first, followed by Parivatsara, Idāvatsara, Anuvatsara, and Vatsara. These are the names of the years remembered in their proper order. || 8 || original: "saṃpūrvaḥ... vatsara". This refers to the five-year Yuga cycle used in early Vedic astronomy (Vedanga Jyotisha) to synchronize lunar and solar calendars.

The Lunar Year Cāndra-vatsara: A year based on the phases of the moon, typically consisting of 12 lunar months (approx. 354 days). begins with the first lunar day of the bright fortnight original: "śukla pratipad". The first day after the new moon.. It is appointed for rituals such as the application of the sectarian mark Tilaka: A sacred mark worn on the forehead, used here to signify the start of specific religious observances., and it concludes at the end of the new moon in the month of Phālguna. || 9 ||

The Civil Year Sāvana-vatsara: A "terrestrial" year defined simply as 360 days, used for administrative and certain ritual purposes. consists of three hundred and sixty days and nights. Its application is taught in the Vedas for the performance of sacrificial sessions Satra: A long-duration soma sacrifice that can last from 12 days to many years. and other rites. || 10 ||

The Solar Year Saura-vatsara: A year based on the sun's passage through the twelve signs of the zodiac. begins with the sun's entry into Aries original: "meṣa-saṃkramaṇa". This is the spring equinox in the sidereal zodiac. and ends with its departure from Pisces. It is known as the standard for determining birth anniversaries and the performance of religious vows. || 11 ||

The Jovian Year Bārhaspatya-vatsara: A year based on the movement of the planet Jupiter (Brihaspati) through the zodiac. consists of three hundred and seventy-nine days and nights. This year is prescribed for activities such as ritual bathing in the waters of the Godavari River. || 12 || original: "gautamī-jale". The Godavari is often called the Gautami. Major festivals like the Pushkaram are calculated based on Jupiter's position.

The Sidereal Year Nākṣatra-vatsara: A year based on the moon's completion of 12 circuits through the 27 lunar mansions (nakshatras), totaling 324 days. consists of three hundred and twenty-four days. This is the year utilized in the science of astronomy. || 13 ||