Difference Between Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha

Do you have confusion between Shukla paksha and Krishna paksha? The difference between these two is significant from a religious and astrological point of view.

Also, as per our Hindu traditions, we fix certain specific dates-Tithi as an auspicious time to perform various religious acts. Shukla Paksha tithi and Krishna paksha tithi means a lot in the context of Shubha Muhurta.

Understanding the difference between these two confusing heavenly events may help to know various aspects of the celestial calendar and its impact on our life!

READ: Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha in Hindi.

What Is The Meaning Of Paksha?

As per our astrological calendar, every Lunar month is separated into two Pakshas. The Paksha is a lunar fortnight. It is a period of around 14 days. The literal meaning of the word Paksha in the Hindi language is" the side."

Moreover, the Paksha, in the context of astrological events, means a side of a month. It may be the side of the Shukla or the side of the Krishna. It is the phase of the Moon. Each Moon phase lasts for 15 days. So generally, we have two Moon phases every month!

As per the calculations, the Moon traverses 12 degrees in a single day. In thirty days, Moon completes its one revolution around the Earth. This once every two weeks, Moon-phase helps a lot in various religious acts.

What Is Krishna Paksha Tithi?

Krishna Paksha starts from the full Moon (Poonam) and lasts until the new Moon (Amavasya). It is a time wherein, Moon Starts fading its form. 

Moreover, it is known as the Krishna Paksha because of Lord Krishna. The skin complexion of Krishna was Shyam(Dull and faded), so the faded form of Moon is termed as Krishna Paksha.

Dates and timings which fall under the waning Moon are known as Krishna paksha Tithi. An astrologer marks such tithi from Hindu Panchang for various religious acts.

What Is Shukla Paksha Tithi

Shukla paksha is the period between the New Moon (Amavasya) to the Full Moon (Poornima). In brief, Shukla paksha is the time of the bright or waxing moon, 

As the Shukla Paksha ends on the full moon day, we see a bright-full illuminating Moon disc in the sky! Shukla means bright as per the Sanskrit language, and these days are the days of the shiny moon.

Dates and timings which fall under the waxing Moon are known as Shukla paksha Tithi. An astrologer note downs such tithi from Hindu Panchang for various religious acts. Generally, these days are astrologically promising!

So, in general, to understand it easily, you can sum it up as the first fortnight between New Moon to Full Moon is Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon), and the Second fortnight during the Full Moon and New Moon is called Krishna Paksha of the month.

Difference Between Krishna Paksha And Shukla Paksha

When we understand the meaning of the Sanskrit terms Shukla and Krishna, we can clearly distinguish among the two pakshas. Shukla expresses bright, whereas Krishna means the dark.

As we already saw, Shukla paksha is from the new moon to the full moon, and the Krishna paksha, contrary to the Shukla paksha, begins from the full moon to the new moon.

Also See: Ekadashi Dates Calendar

Which Paksha Is Auspicious?

As per the religious belief, people consider Shukla paksha as promising, and Krishna paksha as unfavourable. This consideration is with regards to the vitality and illumination of the Moon.

According to Astrology, the period from the tenth day of Shukla paksha to the fifth day of Krishna paksha is considered as astrologically auspicious. During this time, Moon's energy is maximum or approximately maximum – which is considered pivotal in Astrology to decide auspicious and inauspicious timings.

Must See: Shadi Muhurat in 2024

Shukla Paksha And Krishna Paksha Calendar 2024

Knowing the exact dates of Krishna Paksha 2024 and Shukla paksha 2024 can be beneficial to know the auspicious and non-favourable days of the month.

Note down the following dates for your 2024 astrological calendar!

Month	Shukla Paksha Dates 2024	Krishna paksha Dates 2024
January	12-24 /25-Purnima	1-10 / 11-Amavasya
	-	26-31-Krishna paksha
February	10-23/24-Purnima	1-8/9-Amavasya
	-	25-29-Krishna paksha
March	11-24/25-Purnima	1-9/10-Amavasya
	-	26-31-Krishna paksha
April	9-22/23-Purnima	1-7/8-Amavasya
	-	24-3-Krishna paksha
May	9-22/23-Purnima	1-7/8-Amavasya
	-	24-30-Krishna paksha
June	7-21/22-Purnima	1-6/6-Amavsaya
	-	23-30-Krishna paksha
July	6-20/21-Purnima	1-4/5-Amavasya
	-	22-31-Krishna paksha
August	5-18/19-Purnima	1-3/4-Amavasya
	-	20-31-Krishna paksha
September	3-17/18-Purnima	1/2-Amavasya
	-	18-30-Krishna paksha
October	3-15/16-Purnima	1/2-Amavasya
	-	17-31-Krishna paksha
November	2-14/15-Purnima	1-Amavasya
	-	16-29-Krishna paksha/30 Amavasya
December	2-13/14-Purnima	1-Amavasya
	31/12/2024-Shukla paksha	15-29 Krishna paksh/30 Amavasya

Let's Sum Up!

Our Hindu Panchang is like a mirror to gain insight into the various celestial events. Based on these guidelines, we can plan our life events to get promising results.

Now you know, Shukla paksha is the astrologically fruitful period. So next time, when you start a new project or plan a house-warming party, get accurate Panchang, and find the auspicious timings by yourself!