Rahu Kalam, Yamagandam and Gulika Kalam: Timings and Calculation
Rahu Kalam (เฒฐเฒพเฒนเณ เฒเฒพเฒฒ) is a period of about 90 minutes each day that South Indian tradition considers unsuitable for starting new work. Two similar periods, Yamagandam and Gulika Kalam, are also checked in the Panchang. Here is how they are worked out and the standard timings.
How it is calculated
- Take the length of the day from sunrise to sunset.
- Divide it into 8 equal parts. On a 12-hour day each part is 1ยฝ hours.
- Each weekday gives one fixed part to Rahu, one to Yama and one to Gulika.
Sunrise changes through the year and from city to city, so the real timings shift too. Printed tables assume a 6:00 am sunrise and 6:00 pm sunset. The Panchang on this site calculates them from the actual sunrise and sunset for your location.
Standard timings (6 am sunrise)
| Day | Rahu Kalam | Yamagandam | Gulika Kalam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 4:30 โ 6:00 pm | 12:00 โ 1:30 pm | 3:00 โ 4:30 pm |
| Monday | 7:30 โ 9:00 am | 10:30 am โ 12:00 pm | 1:30 โ 3:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 3:00 โ 4:30 pm | 9:00 โ 10:30 am | 12:00 โ 1:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12:00 โ 1:30 pm | 7:30 โ 9:00 am | 10:30 am โ 12:00 pm |
| Thursday | 1:30 โ 3:00 pm | 6:00 โ 7:30 am | 9:00 โ 10:30 am |
| Friday | 10:30 am โ 12:00 pm | 3:00 โ 4:30 pm | 7:30 โ 9:00 am |
| Saturday | 9:00 โ 10:30 am | 1:30 โ 3:00 pm | 6:00 โ 7:30 am |
A popular memory aid for the order of Rahu Kalam through the week is "Mother Saw Father Wearing The Turban Suddenly": Monday (2nd part), Saturday (3rd), Friday (4th), Wednesday (5th), Thursday (6th), Tuesday (7th), Sunday (8th).
Worked example
Suppose sunrise in Bengaluru is 6:12 am and sunset 6:00 pm on a Wednesday. The day lasts 11 hours 48 minutes, so each part is 88.5 minutes. Wednesday's Rahu Kalam is the 5th part, which starts after four parts (354 minutes) from sunrise: 12:06 pm to 1:34 pm, not the printed 12:00โ1:30.
What to avoid, and what is fine
- Traditionally avoided: starting a new business, signing agreements, house-warming, engagements, starting a journey and major purchases.
- Not affected: routine work you have already started, daily prayers, and work that cannot wait. Many people pray to Durga or Rahu during Rahu Kalam itself.
- Gulika Kalam is said to make things repeat. It is avoided for funerals but considered fine for things you want repeated, such as buying gold or starting savings.
- Yamagandam is avoided for travel and new beginnings.
Night-time Rahu Kalam
Some Panchangs also give night periods, worked out the same way from sunset to the next sunrise. Most people only follow the daytime periods.
See today's exact timings in the Panchang โ
Frequently asked questions
Why is today's Rahu Kalam different from the calendar?
Printed calendars assume a 6 am sunrise. The real period depends on your city's sunrise and sunset, which change every day.
Is Rahu Kalam observed in North India?
It is mainly a South Indian custom. North Indian Panchangs focus more on Choghadiya and Rahu Kaal is printed but less strictly followed.
Can I travel during Rahu Kalam?
Tradition advises not to start a journey during Rahu Kalam or Yamagandam. A journey already under way is not affected.
More guides
This guide explains traditional Jyotisha practice for information and spiritual interest. It is not medical, legal or financial advice. See our disclaimer.