Bauddhik Plan for Age Group 9-12 for - Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh ...

Hindu Dharma April
The Hindu Calendar (Panchang)
The Calendar (Panchang or Kalaganana) is a system of timekeeping that
defines the beginning, length and divisions of the year. In other words, it is
a table showing the beginning and length of the years, months, weeks, and
days. Though the time is immeasurable, efforts were made to measure time
and design a perfect calendar in different parts of world. Most of the calendars
are influenced by the motion of Sun, Moon and other planets.
The Hindus, Our seers (rishis), also have had a comprehensive study
of time. They had a correct knowledge of the motion of planets and their
paths. They developed the necessary tools like Mathematics and calculated
the time with utmost accuracy. The minute details covered by those fantastic
minds in reckoning time is outstanding. The calendars designed by them are
lunar calendars, based on the natural cycles of the moon. They are practical
to use because they follow the phases of the moon which can be visually
be seen. Those calendars are widely being used for the religious customs
and ceremonies. Following passage explains few characteristics of the Hindu
Calendar.
Diwas or Din (Day)
According to the Hindu Calendar, the smallest unit of time is called
Nimesha, the duration taken to bat an eyelid, which is equal to 0.1778 seconds.
One day including night is a practical unit of time. Following chart describes
different units of time and their equivalent seconds or minutes.
1 Nimesha Smallest Unit 0.1778 seconds
1 Kashta 18 Nimeshas 3.2 seconds
1 Kala 30 Kashtas 96 seconds
1 Muhurta 30 Kalas 48 minutes
2 Ghatikas 1 Muhurta 48 minutes
1 Diwas (Day) 60 Ghatikas 24 hours
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS)
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