In most Hindu homes, whenever there is a major event or celebration in the family, it is the custom to go through the Hindu almanac calendar and find auspicious dates and times to schedule the event. Some also ask expert astrologers to help them choose a Shubh Muhurat or auspicious date and time. At such times, we examine factors like Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha.
Celestial events like Shukla Paksha Tithi and Krishna Paksha Tithi can have significant impacts on our lives. Both in religious and astrological terms, the difference between Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha has significance.
This blog explores the concepts of Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha, their meaning, differences, and other details.
What is Paksha?
In the astrological calendar, every Lunar month has 2 Pakshas. A Paksha stands for a lunar fortnight, and its duration is 14 days. In Hindi, Paksha means 'the side.' When speaking of astrological events, Paksha denotes a side of a month. Shukla and Krishna are actually the two sides or phases of the Moon.
Each Moon phase lasts 15 days, so there are two Moon phases every month. As per the calculations, the Moon traverses 12 degrees in a single day. It completes its revolution around the Earth in thirty days.
Krishna Paksha Tithi
Krishna Paksha commences from Pournami/Purnima or the Full Moon and continues until the New Moon (Amavasya). During this time, the Moon begins to wane. The dates and timings that come under the waning Moon comprise Krishna Paksha Tithi. These Tithis are marked in the Hindu almanac or Panchang. They are often linked to spiritual practices and certain religious acts. They are also conducive to self-reflection and introspection.
Krishna Paksha relates to Lord Krishna. Krishna’s complexion is dull or Shyam; hence, the waning Moon is termed Krishna Paksha.
Shukla Paksha Tithi
Shukla Paksha is the period between Amavasya or New Moon and the Full Moon (Poornima). Shukla denotes ‘bright’ in the Sanskrit language. Shukla Paksha refers to the phase of the bright or waxing Moon. Shukla Paksha ends on Purnima or Full Moon day. On this day, we see a bright and radiant Moon in the sky.
Dates and timings that come under the waxing MoonMoon comprise Shukla Paksha Tithi. These Tithis are marked in the Hindu Panchang. They are very auspicious for new beginnings, religious ceremonies, and other major life events.
Thus, the fortnight between the New Moon and Full Moon is Shukla Paksha (waxing Moon phase), and the fortnight that follows Shukla Paksha, or the fortnight between the Full Moon and New Moon, is Krishna Paksha.
Difference Between Krishna Paksha And Shukla Paksha
The difference between Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha has to do with the phases of the MoonMoon and their symbolic meaning. Shukla Paksha begins from the day after Amavasya (New Moon) and concludes on Purnima (Full Moon). During Shukla Paksha, the MoonMoon becomes brighter gradually. It represents growth, positivity, and prosperity.
Krishna Paksha begins the day after Purnima (Full Moon) and ends on Amavasya (New Moon). During Krishna Paksha, the Moon’sMoon’s brightness fades slowly. This signifies withdrawal, introspection, and endings. Thus, Shukla Paksha is linked to the growing radiance of the Moon, while Krishna Paksha relates to the fading light of the Moon.
Which Paksha is Auspicious?
According to religious beliefs, Shukla Paksha is auspicious, while Krishna Paksha is less promising. This belief has to do with the Moon’s vitality and brightness, with increasing illumination signifying growth and prosperity.
However, in Astrology, the auspiciousness of a Paksha is determined with more accuracy. Accordingly, it is the time from Dashami (the 10th day of Shukla Paksha) to Panchami (the 5th day of Krishna Paksha) that is auspicious in astrology. This is the period when the Moon’s energy is at its peak, meaning it has maximum illumination.
The Moon's energy during this period is very important for determining Muhurats (auspicious timings) and other major activities. This phase is believed to bring a balance of illumination and energy. Hence, it is a good time for starting new ventures, spiritual practices, or rituals.
Shukla Paksha And Krishna Paksha Calendar 2025
Given below are the dates of Krishna Paksha 2025 and Shukla Paksha 2025. They will help you find out which days are auspicious and inauspicious in all the months:
Month | Shukla Paksha Tithi 2025 | Krishna Paksha Tithi 2025 |
January | Jan 29, 6:06 pm - Jan 30, 4:11 pm | Jan 14, 3:56 am - Jan 15, 3:21 am |
February | Feb 28, 6:14 am - Mar 01, 3:16 am | Feb 12, 7:23 pm - Feb 13, 8:22 pm |
March | Mar 29, 4:27 pm - Mar 30, 12:49 pm | Mar 14, 12:24 pm - Mar 15, 2:33 pm |
April | Apr 28, 1:01 am - Apr 28, 9:11 pm | Apr 13, 5:52 am - Apr 14, 8:25 am |
May | May 27, 8:32 am - May 28, 5:02 am | May 12, 10:25 pm - May 14, 12:36 am |
June | Jun 25, 4:01 pm - Jun 26, 1:25 pm | Jun 11, 1:13 pm - Jun 12, 2:28 pm |
July | Jul 25, 12:41 am - Jul 25, 11:23 pm | Jul 11, 2:06 am - Jul 12, 2:09 am |
August | Aug 23, 11:36 am - Aug 24, 11:48 am | Aug 09, 1:25 pm - Aug 10, 12:10 pm |
September | Sep 22, 1:24 am - Sep 23, 2:56 am | Sep 07, 11:38 pm - Sep 08, 9:12 pm (Pratipada Shraddha) |
October | Oct 21, 5:55 pm - Oct 22, 8:17 pm | Oct 07, 9:17 am - Oct 08, 5:53 am |
November | Nov 20, 12:17 pm - Nov 21, 2:47 pm | Nov 05, 6:49 pm - Nov 06, 2:55 pm |
December | Dec 31, 3:56 am - Jan 01, 3:22 am Dec 20, 7:13 am - Dec 21, 9:11 am | Dec 05, 4:44 am - Dec 06, 12:56 am |
Conclusion
The Hindu almanac is an invaluable guide that throws light on various celestial events and their impact on our lives. By adhering to the guidelines, we can time major life events to achieve success and favorable outcomes. As Shukla Paksha is an astrologically auspicious period, one can schedule important activities during this lunar phase. Whether you are launching a new venture, holding a Griha Pravesh (housewarming ceremony), or other key events, it is a wise idea to consult a Hindu Panchang and find out the most auspicious timings. This can ensure success, prosperity, and good outcomes.
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