How Were the Days Remembered in Satyug, Tretayug, and Dwaparyuga?

In the ancient times of Satyug, Tretayug, and Dwaparyuga, the concept of days was quite different from what we remember today. Instead of the modern Western system that derives names from the planets or a simple Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc., the ancients followed a complex system that was deeply imbued with astronomical and astrological significance. This article explores how the days were named and remembered during these epochs, with a focus on the roots of our current modern system.

Planets as a Basis for Days

In the ancient Vedic calendar, each day of the week was named after a planet, providing a celestial reference for everyday life. This practice was deeply rooted in the belief that the planets had significant influences on human activities and endeavors. The following table illustrates how these planetary names were used to designate the days of the week:

Modern NameOld NamePlanet MondayInduvaar / ChandravaarMoon (Chandrama) TuesdayBhoumvaarMars (Mangala) WednesdaySoumyavaarMercury (Budha) ThursdayBruhaspatvaarJupiter (Guru / Brihaspati) FridayBhruguvaarVenus (Shukra) SaturdayMandavaar / SthirvaasarSaturn (Shani) SundayAdityavaar / RaviVaarSun (Surya / Bhaanu)

Tithi: The Dharma of Days

In this ancient system, the days were not solely named after planets. Each planetary day was further subdivided into smaller units called tithi. Tithi, based on the position of the moon relative to the sun, was a way to identify and remember the exact date within a month. This system was incredibly precise and was used to mark significant events, festivals, and religious observances.

Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksh

The lunar cycle was divided into two halves: Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. Each half contained 15 tithis:

Shukla Paksha: Represents the waxing moon, starting from Pratipada (1st day) until Full Moon (Purnima). Krishna Paksha: Represents the waning moon, starting from Amavasya (New Moon) until the 15th day.

Each tithi had a name and significance, such as:

Pratipada: The 1st day of Shukla Paksha Ashtami: The 8th day Navami: The 9th day Dashmi: The 10th day Sukla Paksha: Full Moon Amavasya: New Moon

The concept of tithi was not only used for timekeeping but also played a crucial role in religious rituals and festivals. For example, the birth of Lord Krishna on the Ashtami Tithi of Bhadrapada was celebrated with great reverence.

Context and Evolution

The ancient system of naming days after planets and using tithi for precision in dates reflects the deep connection between astronomy, religion, and daily life in these epochs. Despite the passage of time, many of these practices have been passed down and continue to influence modern day practices. This connection is still evident in modern times, as we reference planetary days and tithi in our calendars and religious observances.

Conclusion

Understanding the ancient way of remembering the days provides a fascinating insight into the history and evolution of calendars. The utilization of planets and tithi not only offered a precise method of timekeeping but also integrated religious and astrological significance into everyday life. While the modern system of naming days may differ, the roots of these practices can still be traced back to the wisdom and beliefs of Satyug, Tretayug, and Dwaparyuga.

For more information on this topic, including the full list of tithis and their significance, you can refer to the provided examples and resources. This exploration of ancient calendrical systems not only enriches our understanding of history but also highlights the enduring relevance of celestial beliefs in our daily lives.