Use in the almanac

Each karana has a name and a character, favouring or disfavouring certain kinds of action, and the karana of a given moment is read alongside the tithi, nakshatra, yoga and weekday in choosing an auspicious time (muhurta). The fixed karanas around the new moon carry special significance.

The atlas gives each karana its place in the cycle and its traditional associations. The tithis the karanas divide, and the nitya yogas they accompany in the panchanga, are treated in their own categories.