When to do? Muhurta - the Hindu concept of auspicious time

Anna Leutgeb
The University of Vienna


In Hindu culture, time is understood as a power of its own. A whole system of knowledge
(astronomy/astrology) helps to define the different qualities of time and its relation to human
being and action. In this regard I particular focus on the concept of muhurta, the auspicious time.
It implies the idea that selecting an auspicious time for initiating an important
activity is to ensure the fulfilment of the activity.
The paper is divided into three parts: Firstly, the Indian almanac which provides the basis for all
calculations. Secondly, who are the experts of the time-management? Finally, to explore the
importance of muhurta for the daily life of people in today's modern world. (All these issues will
be discussed in the light of extensive ethnographic material from Maharashtra, India.)