May 20, 2025, holds significant religious and astrological importance. This day marks the end of the Shukla Shashthi Tithi and the beginning of the Saptami Tithi in the Jyeshtha month, with the auspicious festival of Kala Ashtami being observed throughout the day. Kala Ashtami is dedicated to the special worship of Lord Bhairava, considered highly auspicious for devotees. A unique planetary alignment is predicted, including the Indra Yoga, Dwipushkar Yoga, and the influence of the Dhanishtha Nakshatra. Let's delve into the detailed Panchang for this day, understanding the auspicious and inauspicious timings, and its religious significance.
Panchang for May 20, 2025: Tithi, Day, Nakshatra, and Yoga
- Tithi: Saptami, commencing at 6:11 AM and lasting until 5:11 AM the following day. Ashtami Tithi will begin thereafter.
- Day: Tuesday
- Nakshatra: Dhanishtha
- Yoga: Indra Yoga and Dwipushkar Yoga
- Sunrise: 5:28 AM
- Sunset: 7:08 PM
- Moonrise: 1:19 AM
- Moonset: 11:24 AM
- Moon Sign: Capricorn
- Rahukal: 3:43 PM to 5:45 PM
- Yamaganda Kal: 8:53 AM to 10:35 AM
- Gulik Kal: 12:18 PM to 2:00 PM
- Aadal Yoga: 7:32 PM to 5:27 AM the next day.
Panchak Begins: Caution Regarding Auspicious Activities
Panchak commences on May 20th and lasts for five days. It is considered inauspicious to undertake auspicious activities during Panchak, as this period is believed to be prone to obstacles, hindrances, and reduced chances of success. Therefore, important events like weddings, house construction, starting a new business, or real estate transactions should be postponed during this time.
Religious Significance and Puja of Kala Ashtami
Kala Ashtami is an important festival dedicated to Lord Kala Bhairava. Bhairava is considered the fearsome form of Shiva, who destroys negative forces and protects devotees. On Kala Ashtami, special worship of Kala Bhairava is performed, including the donation of whole urad dal (black lentils), black clothes, and other black items.
- Puja Vidhi: Offer 125 grams of whole urad dal to Lord Kala Bhairava at the temple. Then, tie 11 urad dal grains in a black cloth and keep it in your safe or workplace. This is believed to enhance business and career prospects.
- Charity: Donating jalebi (a sweet) to the needy and donating black items is considered auspicious. However, since Kala Ashtami falls on a Tuesday this year, exercise caution while donating black items due to the potentially inauspicious influence of Mars.
Do's and Don'ts
Do's
- Practice brahmacharya (celibacy) and restraint on Kala Ashtami.
- Donate to the needy, especially distributing urad dal and jalebi.
- Worship Lord Kala Bhairava, chant mantras, and meditate for peace.
- Avoid tamasic and non-vegetarian food on this day.
Don'ts
- Refrain from non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tamasic behavior.
- Avoid insulting or disrespecting anyone.
- Refrain from lying.
- Avoid undertaking important tasks during Panchak.
Planetary Positions and Their Influence
The planetary positions on this day are as follows:
- Sun: Taurus
- Moon: Capricorn
- Mars: Cancer
- Mercury: Aries
- Jupiter: Gemini
- Venus: Pisces
- Saturn: Pisces
- Rahu: Aquarius
- Ketu: Leo
The combination of Dhanishtha Nakshatra with Indra and Dwipushkar Yogas makes this day exceptionally auspicious. Indra Yoga generally promotes knowledge, intellect, and effectiveness, while Dwipushkar Yoga is considered a yoga that strengthens financial status.
Rahukal and Other Auspicious Timings
Rahukal, considered inauspicious for any auspicious work, will prevail from 3:43 PM to 5:45 PM. Avoid starting new tasks or making crucial decisions during this time. Also, be mindful of Yamaganda and Gulik Kal.
Special Remedies for Kala Ashtami
- Keep water in a copper or black metal vessel, add Ganga Jal (Ganges water), and offer it to Lord Bhairava.
- Light an oil lamp at the temple of Lord Kala Bhairava.
- Chant the Panchakshara Mantra of Lord Shiva, "Om Namah Shivaya," more frequently on this day.
- Install a picture or statue of Kala Bhairava at your workplace or main entrance and worship him.
May 20, 2025, is a highly auspicious day from religious and astrological perspectives. The festival of Kala Ashtami encourages us to eliminate negativity from our lives and progress towards self-restraint and spirituality. The worship and rituals performed on this day are believed to fulfill wishes and maintain peace and happiness in life. Given the commencement of Panchak, exercise caution with auspicious activities and utilize this sacred day to your advantage by observing all religious practices.
