✦ What is Choghadiya? ✦
Choghadiyais an ancient Vedic time-selection system that divides the day and night into eight parts each. The word "Choghadiya" comes from the Sanskrit "Chaturghatika" meaning four ghatis (approximately 96 minutes). Each Choghadiya is ruled by a specific planet and is classified as auspicious (shubh) or inauspicious (ashubh).
The time from sunrise to sunset is divided into eight equal parts called "Day Choghadiya", and the time from sunset to next sunrise is divided into eight parts called "Night Choghadiya". The duration of each Choghadiya varies by location and date because sunrise and sunset times change.
The Seven Types of Choghadiya
- Amrit — Ruled by Moon — The most auspicious of all. Best for any important activity, travel, worship, weddings.
- Shubh — Ruled by Jupiter — Excellent for marriage, housewarming, beginning new projects, and auspicious work.
- Labh — Ruled by Mercury — Best for business, investments, and financial matters.
- Char — Ruled by Venus — Movable nature, favorable for travel, journeys, and movement.
- Rog — Ruled by Mars — Generally inauspicious, but favorable for defeating opponents and competitive tasks.
- Kaal — Ruled by Saturn — Avoid new auspicious work, but favorable for wealth accumulation.
- Udveg — Ruled by Sun — Suitable for government work and meeting officials.
How to Use Choghadiya
Before starting any new activity, check the Choghadiya for that time. If it falls in Amrit, Shubh, Labh, or Char Choghadiya, the activity is more likely to succeed. Avoid starting new ventures during Rog, Kaal, or Udveg Choghadiya. There are exceptions — Rog can be used for competition, Kaal for wealth-building, and Udveg for dealings with government and authorities.
Our Choghadiya calculator shows all 16 Choghadiya periods (8 day + 8 night) for your city based on accurate sunrise and sunset times. We use Lahiri Ayanamsa-based Vedic astronomical calculations giving accuracy within ±2 minutes.
The Daily Sequence of Choghadiya
The first Choghadiya of the day is determined by that day's ruling planet. For example, on Sunday the day starts with Udveg (Sun), Monday with Amrit (Moon), Tuesday with Rog (Mars), and so on. The eight-Choghadiya sequence follows the order: ruler → Saturn → Jupiter → Mars → Sun → Venus → Mercury → Moon (cycling back).
Choghadiya vs Other Muhurat Systems
Choghadiya is a quick and simple muhurat-selection system. For more detailed muhurat calculation, the five limbs of Panchang — Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, and Vaara — are studied. Important ceremonies like marriage, housewarming, and naming require complete Panchang and horoscope analysis. Choghadiya is best suited for everyday tasks, travel, business decisions, interviews, and similar activities.
Difference from Rahu Kaal
Rahu Kaal is a specific inauspicious period of the day lasting about 90 minutes — no auspicious work should begin during this time. Choghadiya is a complete division of the day (16 parts), while Rahu Kaal is just one 90-minute inauspicious window. The two complement each other — when choosing a Choghadiya, also avoid Rahu Kaal.