Choghadiya (चौघड़िया) — Complete Guide to Auspicious Time Slots
चौघड़िया — शुभ मुहूर्त समय की पूरी जानकारी
Choghadiya (also spelled Chaughadia or Choghadiya) is a quick-reference Vedic time system that divides each day and night into 8 periods of approximately 1.5 hours each. It provides an instant way to check whether the current time is auspicious or inauspicious for starting an activity — without needing to consult a full Panchang or astrologer. This makes Choghadiya especially popular among business people, travelers, and anyone needing to make quick timing decisions.
📖 Explore More Topics →The word 'Choghadiya' comes from 'Chaar Ghadiya' meaning 'four ghatikas' — a ghatika being an ancient Indian time unit of approximately 24 minutes. Four ghatikas equal roughly 96 minutes, which is the approximate duration of each Choghadiya slot.
The Seven Types of Choghadiya
Each Choghadiya period is ruled by a planet and carries a specific quality. Amrit (ruled by Moon) is the best period — literally meaning 'nectar.' Starting any activity during Amrit Choghadiya is considered highly auspicious. It favors all positive endeavors including business, travel, ceremonies, and important meetings.
Shubh (ruled by Jupiter) is the second most auspicious period. It is excellent for religious ceremonies, education, starting new studies, meeting important people, and any activity requiring wisdom and good judgment.
Labh (ruled by Mercury) means 'profit' and is favorable for financial transactions, business dealings, starting new projects, communication, and any activity where gains are desired. Particularly good for starting trade or signing contracts.
Char (ruled by Venus) means 'movement' and is specifically good for travel and journey-related activities. While generally neutral for other activities, it is the recommended time for beginning any journey.
Rog (ruled by Mars) means 'disease' and is considered inauspicious. Avoid starting new ventures, medical procedures (unless emergency), and important meetings during this period. However, it can be used for activities requiring aggression or competition.
Kaal (ruled by Saturn) means 'time' in its destructive aspect and is the most inauspicious period. Avoid all positive activities. It is suitable only for activities related to iron, oil, or Saturn-related industries. The name itself suggests the destructive power of time.
Udveg (ruled by Sun) means 'anxiety' and is generally considered inauspicious for starting new activities. However, it is suitable for government-related work, meeting authority figures, and activities involving fire or heat.
How Choghadiya Changes
Unlike fixed clock hours, Choghadiya periods change daily because they are calculated based on actual sunrise and sunset times, which vary by location and season. The duration of each daytime slot equals one-eighth of the total daylight hours, and each nighttime slot equals one-eighth of the total night hours. In summer, when days are longer, daytime Choghadiya slots are longer than nighttime slots, and vice versa in winter.
The sequence of Choghadiya also differs by weekday. Each day starts with a specific Choghadiya determined by the day's ruling planet. Sunday starts with Udveg, Monday with Amrit, Tuesday with Rog, Wednesday with Labh, Thursday with Shubh, Friday with Char, and Saturday with Kaal.
Practical Usage Tips
For business decisions, Amrit, Shubh, and Labh are ideal. For travel, Char and Amrit are best. For important meetings, avoid Rog, Kaal, and Udveg. If you must act during an inauspicious Choghadiya, chanting a brief prayer or mantra before starting can help mitigate negative effects. Check your city's specific Choghadiya on AstroMangal for accurate, location-based timings that account for your actual sunrise and sunset.