ASTROLOGy - THE VEdIC TIME SYSTEM: AN EXPLANAToRY STUdY

Oct 12, 2026

The study explains the Vedic time system using Vedic references and contrasts it with modern time calculation. It describes how Vedic wisdom presents time as a multi-dimensional concept beyond gross numerical methods, defining both formless and embodied time. The paper discusses classifications of Kāla for human use versus calculation, links Kāla with concepts in Vedic literature and astronomy, and details major divisions such as past, present, and future alongside larger cycles.

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Abstract

Introduction

Kāla as described in Vedic literature

Time divisions and practical vs subtle concepts

Kāla in relation to astronomy and astronomy-time cycles

Solar year, seasons, and Yuga cycles

Journal of Indian Research (ISSN: 2321-4155) Vol.9, No.3&4, July-December-2021, 25-31 ASTROLOGy THE VEdIC TIME SYSTEM: AN EXPLANAToRY STUdY Dr. Chander Kant Sharma* Dr. SushilAgarwal** ABStRACt The Vedas are ‘Apaurusheya’ i.e., ‘not authored by humans’. The wisdom and various principles mentioned therein are laid down directly by the Supreme for the welfare of mankind. This knowledge is then handed over by the Supreme to the Sun and then to the Manu and so on1. The concept of time, as mentioned in the Vedas, is a unique phenomenon and it surpasses the modern way of calculation. The Vedic concept of time was then further explained by many sages in subsequent Vedic literature. In modern times, we are more focused on gross numbers which are usedfor practical purposes. However, according to the Vedic time system, the time has a multi-dimensional concept. Hence, both formless and gross concepts of time are defined. This paper explains the Vedic time system with various Vedic references and compares it with the modern time system. Keywords: Kāla (Time), Vedic time system, astrological & astronomical time calculation, Kalpa, Manu, Mahāyuga, Yuga, Varsha (Year), Māsa (Month), Paksha, Ahorātra (Day-Night), Ghati, Pala, Vipal, Prāṇa, Truti etc. INtRODUCtION The Vedic Time System is regarded as a multi-dimensional category. There are various inferences and references of ‘Kāla’(time) in the Vedic literature. The word ‘Kāla’ is most generally referred a synonym of‘time’. There are two major types of‘Kāla’in Surya Siddhanta. लोकानामन्तकतकालःकालोऽन्ःकलनातमकः। ृ सद्विधास्सथूक्मत्ातमथू्त्तश्ामथू्त्तरुच््ते।।2 lokānāmantakṛtkālaḥkālo’nyaḥkalanātmakaḥ । sadvidhāsthūlasūkṣmatvātmūrtaścāmūrtarucyate ।। *Dr. Chander Kant Sharma is working as a Head & Assistant Professor in the Astrology Department, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittoragarh (Rajasthan) [India. Email: hodastrology@mewaruniversity.co.in](India. Email: hodastrology@mewaruniversity.co.in). **Dr. Sushil Agarwal is working as a Guest Faculty member in the Astrology Department, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittoragarh (Rajasthan) India. Email: [agarwal.india@gmail.com](agarwal.india@gmail.com) Journal of Indian Research Vol.9, No.3&4, July-December-2021 It means that there is one ‘Kāla’(time) which is used for mankind and another one is used for calculation. The ‘Kāla’which is used for calculation is also of two types, namely ‘Murta’ or‘Sthula’(embodied or gross) which is used for practical purposes and ‘Amurta’ or ‘Sukshma’(formless or subtle) . The word ‘Kāla’is also connected to the Lord Shiva as he is referred to as ‘Mahākāla’. To understand the formless or subtitle Kāla, Atharva Veda3 says कालो अशो ो्॑हद््त सप्तरो॑द््मः सहसाक्ो अजरो भररो॑रे्ताः। ा ा ा ा ा थू ्तमा रो ो॑हद्न्त क््ो ो॑द््पद्श््तस्तस्ो॑चक्ा भ्ो॑नाद्न द््शाो॑ ॥ ा ा ा ा ु ा kālo aśvo vahati saptaraśmiḥ sahasrākṣo ajaro bhūriretāḥ। tamā rohanti kavayo vipaścitastasya cakrā bhuvanāni viśvā ॥ ‘Kāla’(time) refers to a horse (aśva, aśva = without future, i.e., continuous flowing energy) flowing continuously with seven types ofrays and thousands of axes and who is always young and extremely powerful. The wise men understand the nature of this horse (time).In other verses of 53rd Sukta, the Kāla has also been referred to as the creator, the preserver and the destroyer. The word ‘Kāla’(time) has also been frequently used in the Brāhmanas4. In Satpatha Brahmana, it is referred to as the sense of the moment. The more general division of the time (Kāla) is done into three major parts, namely past (Bhuta), present (Bhavatah) and future (Bhavisyatah) . The other division of the time is done into Ahan (day), Paksha (a lunar fortnight), Māsa (a month), Samvatsara (a year or a period that the Sun takes to reenter the sign of Aries in the zodiac), muhurta (48 minutes) and a larger time interval of Yuga(epoch) etc. The concept of space and time is very important in astronomy and astrology. T

FAQs

What core idea does the paper present about Vedic time (Kāla)?

Kāla in the Vedas is treated as a unique, multi-dimensional phenomenon that goes beyond modern gross numerical calculation. Both formless and embodied notions of time are discussed.

How does the paper describe different types of Kāla used in Vedic understanding?

It distinguishes Kāla used for mankind from Kāla used for calculation. The calculational Kāla is further described as embodied/gross and formless/subtle.

Which major time divisions are mentioned in the study?

The paper presents divisions into past, present, and future, and also breaks time into day (Ahan), lunar fortnight (Paksha), month (Māsa), year (Samvatsara), and further intervals such as Muhurta and Yuga.

Oct 12, 2026

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