Shukla Paksha & Krishna Paksha

Krishna Paksha = We call the period from the Full Moon (Poornima) to the New
Moon (Amavasya). Krishna Paksha lasts for a period of 15 days beginning with
Poornima, Pratipada, up to Chaturdashi.
Shukla Paksha = We call the period from the New Moon (Amavasya) to the Full
Moon (Poornima). The Shukla Paksha lasts for 15 days with every single day
commemorating a festival or event. These 15 days are called Amavasya,
Pratipada, Dwitiya, Tritiya, Chaturthi, Panchami, Shashti, Saptami, Ashtami,
Navami, Dashami, Ekadashi, Dwadashi, Trayodashi, and Chaturdashi.
Pitru Paksha or shradh Paksha or Mahalaya Amavasya = Pitru Paksha,
meaning "ancestor's fortnight", is a 16-day period dedicated to honouring
ancestors, observed during the Krishna Paksha of the Ashvin month. The new
moon day known as the Pitru Paksha is the beginning of Dussehra. It is a special
day dedicated to making an offering to express our gratitude to all the previous
generations of people who have contributed to our life. People used give
Tarpana to their ancestors
Paksha = 14 days
Time period is 15 days/ Tithi and these are:
• (1, 16) - Pratipada
• (2, 17) - Dwitiya
• (3, 18) - Tritiya
• (4, 19) - Chaturthi
• (5, 20) - Panchami
• (6, 21) - Shashti
• (7, 22) - Saptami
• (8, 23) - Ashtami (Half-moon)
• (9, 24) - Navami
• (10, 25) - Dashami
• (11, 26) - Ekadashi
• (12, 27) - Dwadashi

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• (13, 28) - Trayodashi
• (14, 29) - Chaturdashi
• (15, 30) - Purnima (Full moon) / Amavasya (New moon)

The table lists the following categories of thithi:

• Nanda Tithi:
These thithi are considered good for auspicious activities and bring joy and
happiness. They include Pratipada (1st), Shashti (6th), and Ekadashi (11th).
• Bhadra Tithi:
These thithi are considered good for work that requires strength and courage,
but not for travel or new beginnings. They include Dvitiya (2nd), Saptami (7th),
and Dwadashi (12th).
• Jaya Tithi:
These thithi are considered good for victory and success in competitions and
overcoming enemies. They include Tritiya (3rd), Ashtami (8th), and Trayodashi
(13th).
• Rikta Tithi:
These thithi are considered inauspicious for any new beginnings or important
work. They include Chaturthi (4th), Navami (9th), and Chaturdashi (14th).
• Purna Tithi:

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These thithi are considered good for completing tasks and for spiritual
activities. They include Panchami (5th), Dashami (10th), and
Amavasya/Purnima (New Moon/Full Moon).
Regarding which thithi is good, it depends on the activity being
performed. Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya, and Purna tithis are generally considered
auspicious for various activities, while Rikta tithi should be avoided for
important work.
The story behind Krishna Paksha
There are several stories associated with Krishna Paksha. One such legend
mentioned in the scriptures indicates the story of Daksha Prajapati and the
Moon. Daksha Prajapati had twenty-seven daughters who were all married to
the Moon. These twenty-seven daughters were in fact the twenty-seven
nakshatras, and among these Nakshatra, it was Rohini who was loved the most
by Moon. The Moon was indifferent towards the rest of his wives which
annoyed them. They complained to their father regarding Moon’s indifference
towards them. Daksha then reprimanded Moon and asked him to change his
attitude towards others. Despite this, Moon’s attitude towards his other wives
did not change and he began ignoring them. Seeing Moon’s obstinance in
obeying Daksha’s request, Daksha then cursed Moon that he would decrease in
size and brightness and would slowly lead to his end. Thus began the phase of
Krishna Paksha.
The story behind Shukla Paksha
After Daksha Prajapati cursed Moon, he began to fade and was near his end. To
seek a release from the curse, Moon worshipped Lord Shiva and performed
strict penance for a long time. Pleased with Moon’s penance, Lord Shiva placed
him on his hair. With the blessings of Lord Shiva, the moon started regaining its
brightness; however, the curse of Daksha could not be stopped and hence the
cycle of waxing and waning of the moon was divided into 15 days each. Thus,
the Moon began its phases from Shukla Paksha to Krishna Paksha and vice
versa.

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Hindu Months (Lunar) and equivalent Gregorian months)

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Tithis and presiding deities
The deities rule the various Tithis. The energy and vibrations of the Tithis are encoded into the
lordship of the Deities. For instance, Purnima is governed by Naaga, indicating some secretive side of
this Tithi.

As per Narada Purana (56.133-135), the presiding deities of each tithis are –

S. No. Tithī Shukla Paksha – Deity Krishna Paksha – Deity

1 Pratipadā Brahma Durgā

2 Dvitiyā Fire Dandadhārā (Yama)

3 Tritiyā Virinchi Śivā

4 Chaturthī Viṣṇu Viṣṇu

5 Panchamī Gaurī Hari

6 Śaśtī Ganeśa Ravi.

7 Saptamī Yama Kāma

8 Aṣtmī Naga Śañkara

9 Navamī Chandra Kālādhara

10 Daṣmī Kārtikēya Yama

11 Ekādaśī Sūryā Chandra

12 Dvādaśī Indra Viṣṇu

13 Trayodaśī Mahendra (Indira) Kāma

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14 Chaturdaśī Vāsva Śivā

15 Pūrṇimā Nāga

16 Amāvasya Pitrs

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