Bhadra (Vishti)
March 2026 — 9 periods
Bhadra (also called Vishti) is the 7th Karana and is considered inauspicious. It occurs 8 times in each lunar month. During Bhadra, it is advised to avoid starting new activities, important ceremonies, and travel. However, activities already in progress can continue. Bhadra's impact depends on its Loka: when in Bhu Loka (Earth), it is most harmful; in Swarga or Patala, effects are diminished. Bhadra Puchha (tail, second half) is less inauspicious than Bhadra Mukha (face, first half).
Activities to Avoid
Bhadra Periods This Month
Bhadra on Earth — most inauspicious, avoid all important activities
Bhadra in Patala — effects are diminished
Bhadra on Earth — most inauspicious, avoid all important activities
Bhadra in Patala — effects are diminished
Bhadra on Earth — most inauspicious, avoid all important activities
Bhadra in Swarga — effects are diminished
Bhadra in Patala — effects are diminished
Bhadra in Swarga — effects are diminished
Bhadra in Patala — effects are diminished
What is Bhadra (Vishti Karana)?
Bhadra, also known as Vishti Karana, is one of the eleven Karanas in Vedic astrology. A Karana is a half-Tithi — the time it takes for the angular distance between the Sun and Moon to change by 6 degrees. Of the eleven Karanas, four are fixed (Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga, Kimstughna) and seven are movable, repeating eight times each in a lunar month. Vishti (Bhadra) is the eighth of the seven movable Karanas and is considered the most inauspicious of all.
The name 'Vishti' means 'forced labor' in Sanskrit, reflecting its traditional association with obstacles, delays, and compelled action rather than free will. Bhadra is personified as a fierce daughter of the Sun god (Surya), assigned to patrol the Earth, sky, and the netherworld in rotation. Activities initiated during a Bhadra period are believed to face significant hurdles or yield unwanted results.
Not all activities are prohibited during Bhadra. Certain actions that require force, aggression, or conflict — such as dealing with enemies, filing legal disputes, using weapons, or performing protective rituals — are actually considered appropriate during this period. The key is to avoid auspicious beginnings and instead channel Bhadra's intense energy purposefully.
How is Bhadra Calculated?
Bhadra occurs when the Sun-Moon angular gap falls within the range corresponding to the Vishti Karana. In each lunar month (29.5 days), the Moon passes through all Tithis twice — Shukla Paksha (waxing) and Krishna Paksha (waning). Since each Tithi has two Karanas, and Vishti is the 8th movable Karana, it falls on a predictable schedule: in Shukla Paksha it falls during specific Tithis, and in Krishna Paksha during others.
The duration of each Bhadra period is half a Tithi, which varies from approximately 4.5 to 13 hours depending on the Moon's speed. Each month has 8 Bhadra periods (8 repetitions of Vishti Karana). The timing is location-dependent because it tracks the Moon's actual position, and the exact start/end times are computed for your specific timezone and location.
Key Concepts in Bhadra
The technical name for Bhadra. It is the 8th of the 7 movable Karanas, occurring twice each in Shukla and Krishna Pakshas. Each occurrence lasts roughly half a Tithi.
Traditional texts describe Bhadra as moving between three realms: the sky (Swarga), Earth (Prithvi), and the underworld (Patala). Bhadra on Earth is the most inauspicious; in the sky and underworld her effects are somewhat reduced.
Starting journeys, entering a new home, performing marriages, signing contracts, beginning medical treatments, starting businesses, and other auspicious activities should be avoided during Bhadra.
Certain activities are actually suitable during Bhadra: fighting enemies, legal battles, demolition work, handling weapons, aggressive negotiations, and protective or tantric rituals that channel intense energy.
Bhadra is one of the Panchang's Karana elements. Complete Muhurat analysis considers Bhadra as a key contraindication, and many Panchang software and almanacs prominently mark Bhadra periods as times to avoid for auspicious activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Historical and Mythological Origins
The Vishti Karana and its association with inauspiciousness is documented in classical Jyotish texts including the Brihat Samhita, Muhurta Chintamani, and various Panchang traditions. The mythological narrative describes Bhadra as a fierce form taken by Surya's daughter, assigned to roam the three worlds and test the resilience of those who begin activities without careful timing. The story serves as a traditional mnemonic for why astronomical timing matters — actions begun without regard to cosmic conditions may face 'forced' obstacles.
The Vishti Karana's calculation system is one of the earliest examples of using sub-Tithi divisions for practical timing in Indian astronomy. The concept appears in Vedic Jyotish texts that date to at least 1000 BCE, demonstrating the long tradition of using lunar phase subdivisions for practical life decisions. Modern digital Panchang tools have made Bhadra tracking accessible to anyone, whereas historically it required expertise in Vedic astronomical calculations.
