Auspicious periods
- Brahma Muhurat — about 96 to 48 minutes before sunrise; the best time for prayer, meditation and study
- Abhijit Muhurat — about 48 minutes around local midday; considered auspicious for beginning work (traditionally avoided on Wednesdays)
Rahu Kaal
The time from sunrise to sunset is divided into eight equal parts. Rahu Kaal is one of them, different for each weekday; new ventures, journeys and purchases are traditionally not begun in it. With a day of 6 am to 6 pm, it falls roughly:
- Monday 7:30–9:00
- Tuesday 3:00–4:30
- Wednesday 12:00–1:30
- Thursday 1:30–3:00
- Friday 10:30–12:00
- Saturday 9:00–10:30
- Sunday 4:30–6:00
Exact times shift with your city's sunrise and sunset; see the daily Panchang on the home page.
Muhurat for big occasions
For weddings, griha pravesh, mundan and other sanskaras, families consult a priest who considers the tithi, nakshatra, yoga, the lagna (rising sign) and the individuals' horoscopes. Some days are swayam siddha — auspicious in themselves — such as Akshaya Tritiya, Vijayadashami and Gudi Padwa.
The Panchang on The Hindu Book is calculated for daily reference (Lahiri ayanamsa). For muhurats for weddings, griha pravesh and other major events, consult a learned priest or jyotishi.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rahu Kaal?
One-eighth of the daytime, different for each weekday, traditionally avoided for starting new work.
What is Abhijit Muhurat?
About 48 minutes around local midday, considered auspicious for beginnings.
Can prayer be done during Rahu Kaal?
Yes. Rahu Kaal concerns starting worldly ventures; prayer and worship can be done at any time.