Each day’s entry provides:
In 2001, a notable controversy erupted when the Raghunatha Iyer Panchangam placed Vinayaka Chaturthi on a different day than the Drik-based Thiruppugazh Panchangam . Both sides presented scriptural evidence. Ultimately, the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham ruled that for personal worship, both are acceptable, but for temple Kumbhabhishekam , the Vakya method should prevail given its unbroken lineage. Raghunatha Iyer Vakya Panchangam
: Uses modern astronomical observations and formulas to account for planetary changes over time, such as the precession of the equinoxes. Usage and Significance Religious Rituals Each day’s entry provides: In 2001, a notable
: Indicates the phase of the moon. Common tithis include Pratipada (1st day) through Chaturdashi (14th day), followed by Purnima (Full Moon) or Amavasya (New Moon). Vara (Day of the Week) : The standard seven-day week. : Uses modern astronomical observations and formulas to
So, who was Raghunatha Iyer?
While most modern calendars follow the Nirayana system, the Raghunatha Iyer Vakya Panchangam provides precise entry times for the Sun into each rashi (solar transit). This is critical for Tamil festivals like Pongal , Thai Velli (Fridays of Thai), and the famous Kumbakonam Mahamaham festival once every 12 years.