14/04/2025
The Hindu Lunisolar New Year began yesternight. As per the ancient tradition, we study the entire Panchanga for the year today, reading it out aloud in the presence of our Aradhya Devata. The day itself used to be the Spring equinox in ancient times.
Srirangam follows the ancient Vedic Mathematical system of Vakya to prepare its Panchangam.
There are other Vakya Panchangams, and other Panchangams that are not Vakya Panchangams.
But Srirangam has the continuous tradition of meticulous and accurate preparation, including intense Vidwat Sadas to decide the interpretations of planetary positions.
This Panchangam contains lots of information that cannot be found in modern, more popular versions of Panchangas - for intstance, it talks about the dates of appearances of various Manus. Additional information pertaining to some Vaishnavacharya paramparas of Srirangam, as well as festivities at important Vishnu temples, are also provided.
Despite being prepared by Shuddha Vaishnavas, in alignment with Sanatani principles, it contains the festivals celebrated by Shaiva temples, dates of Tamil Shaiva saints attaining the holy feet of Lord Shiva, and special Abhishekas performed to Lord Shiva by Shaiva brothers.
Apart from giving predictions for the year by region, time of the year, Rashi, etc., it also provides basic education of relevant Shastras pertaining to these predictions. It additionally teaches about marriage compatibility and predictions.
The best part, perhaps, is that the Srirangam Vakya Panchangam gives a guide to understand and interpret its contents to make sure that even the first-time reader is able to use it without fear.
Let us thank the astrologers Somaiyaji Andan Swami and Kutti Sastry Swami for preparing this year’s Panchangam, and also pray to Bhagavan for the well-being of all.
