Gowri panchangam: the eight windows

Gowri panchangam divides daylight into eight named periods, with the starting point in the sequence determined by the weekday.

Gowri panchangam is used in Tamil calendars to identify periods considered suitable for different activities. The names belong to a traditional schedule; the clock times depend on local sunrise and sunset.

The sequence

The eight names used here are:

uthi · amirtham · rogam · labam · dhanam · sugam · soram · visham

Daylight is divided into eight equal periods. The names follow a repeating sequence, with each weekday beginning at its assigned position.

Reading the periods

Amirtham and labam are traditionally favoured for beginnings; rogam and soram are generally avoided. Follow the practice of your household when using the schedule.

Where the schedule comes from

The sequence comes from Tamil calendar tables and household practice. It is separate from the astronomical calculation of tithi, nakshatra, yoga and karana.