Astrool
Glossary
Paksha (Shukla and Krishna)
The lunar month's two halves: the bright, waxing Shukla paksha and the dark, waning Krishna paksha.
Definition
| Paksha | From – to | Traditionally favours |
|---|---|---|
| Shukla (bright) | New Moon to full Moon | Growth, beginnings, ceremonies |
| Krishna (dark) | Full Moon to new Moon | Completion, release, inner work |
Each paksha holds 15 tithis. Calendars differ on whether the month starts after the new Moon (amanta, common in South and West India) or after the full Moon (purnimanta, common in the North). The current paksha is shown in the Panchang.
See it in your own chart
Astrool calculates your full birth chart, not just your sun sign, and writes your daily, weekly and monthly readings against it.
Common questions
Is Krishna paksha unlucky?
No. It is considered better for completion than for starting, and several major festivals fall in it.
How long is a paksha?
About 14 to 15 days.