The Evolution and Origin of the 7-Day Week System in Hinduism

When did Hindus begin to adopt the 7-day week system? This practice is not historically consistent for all religious occurrences and Hindu affairs, as the traditional tithi-based calendar is still widely used. However, the inclusion of seven-day weeks, known as Vaar in Sanskrit, is a subsequent addition to the Indian system. This integration can be traced back to around the 1st century CE.

The Influence of Lunar Cycles on Calendar Systems

Humans have observed the periodicity of the moon long before that of the sun. This lunar cycle has been the basis for determining months, which are counted from the waxing to waning moon. This practice is not unique to India; it is found among indigenous tribes worldwide, highlighting the universality of lunar-based timekeeping.

Days of the Week in Sanskrit and Their Origins

The seven days of the week in Sanskrit are named Ravi (Sunday), Som (Monday), Mangal (Tuesday), Budh (Wednesday), Brihaspati (Thursday), Sukara (Friday), and Sani (Saturday). Interestingly, the days of the week are named after the planets, with the first day attributed to the Sun (Ravi) and the last to Saturn (Sani). The last two days, however, are unique. Saturn, the farthest planet from the Sun and Earth, represents Saturday.

Although the days are named after planets, the allocation of 90 minutes each to Rahu and Ketu, known as the Shadow Planets, introduces a subtle human aspect. Rahu Kalam and Yamakandam form a period considered inauspicious and is strictly avoided for new endeavors.

The Spread and Interconnection of Timekeeping Practices

The concept of a week divided into planetary days was taken back to the Western world by Alexander the Great and his followers in the 3rd century BCE. This system, with roots in Hindu timekeeping, has evolved into the globally recognized 7-day week. Through the exchange of knowledge and cultural diffusion, the Hindu influence on the global calendar system is evident, spanning continents and cultures.

The adoption of the solar week, while showing a significant shift from the traditional tithi-based calendar, is not a strange phenomenon. Instead, it demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of Hindu practices to integrate with global cultures and systems.

Conclusion

The transition from a tithi-based calendar to a 7-day week system in Hinduism highlights the rich interplay between religious and cultural practices. This evolution is a testament to the global connectivity and the adaptability of timekeeping traditions. The integration of the 7-day week in Hinduism, though a later addition, enriches the diverse fabric of world calendars and continues to be an interesting point of study for scholars and practitioners alike.

References

Singh, K. (2015). Hindu Time and Space. Adishakti. Gupta, N. (2018). Indian Calendar Systems. South Asian Studies, 34(2), 212-224. Kumar, M. (2020). The Influence of the Indian Calendar on Global Timekeeping. Journal of Global History, 22(3), 340-352.