Samvatsara: Vedic Yearly Calendar

The word Samvatsara means "year" in Sanskrit. In the Vedic calendar system, there are 60 distinct Samvatsaras, each carrying a unique energy and significance. This cyclical calendar system has been followed since the time of the sages and continues uninterrupted to this day. Once the 60 Samvatsara cycle is complete, it begins again from the first year, denoting the concept that history repeats itself every 60 years.

The Vedic calendar follows either a luni-solar or a solar based system. The luni-solar calendar is based on the Moon’s cycles (Purnima and Amavasya) and consists of 336 days (28 days × 12 months). The solar calendar, on the other hand, follows the Sun’s journey through the zodiac signs from Aries to Pisces (with 365 days). Despite these differences, both calendars begin with the month of Chaitra (Chitra). Different regions and traditions within Hindu culture follow either the luni-solar or solar calendar based on their customs.

The Gregorian calendar we use daily, is also a solar-based system with 365 days in a year. Like the Vedic solar calendar, it follows the Sun’s movement, but instead of aligning with the zodiac, it is structured around fixed months and the Earth's revolution around the Sun.

Each Samvatsara carries distinct characteristics and influences that shape the events and energies of that year. Each and every Samvatsara (given below) is named based on the combined movements of Jupiter and Saturn through the zodiac. Every Samvatsara is further divided into twelve months with each of them named after the prominent nakshatras of the month. This system reflects the cosmic rhythm by aligning human life with planetary cycles and natural timekeeping.

Lunar or Luni-Solar Calendar

In the luni-solar calendar, different communities mark the New Year based on either the Amanta or Purnimanta tradition.

• Amanta New Year: Begins with the New Moon (Amavasya) in March.

• Purnimanta New Year: Begins with the Full Moon (Purnima) in March.

Since the luni-solar calendar has only 336 days (28 days × 12 months), it falls short of the solar year. To ensure the balance between lunar and solar timekeeping, an extra month (Adhik Masa) is added approximately every 32.5 months (2.5 to 3 years), so that we won't end up celebrating spring in the middle of winter.

Solar Calendar

The solar calendar begins each year when the Sun enters Aries (Mesha Rashi), marking the start of a new cycle. With a duration of approximately 365 days, it is more consistent and easier to track than the luni-solar calendar. This transition typically occurs on April 14th or 15th when the Sun reaches 0° Aries.

Tracking both the Calendars

The Sun typically enters each zodiac sign around the middle of the Gregorian month. For example, it always moves into Aries on April 14th or 15th, followed by Taurus on May 14th or 15th, and so on for the remaining signs. In contrast, lunar months are based on the Moon's cycle, either from new Moon to new Moon (Amanta) or full Moon to full Moon (Purnimanta).

The term Sankranti comes from the combination of "Sankar", meaning Sun, and "Anti", meaning entry. Each time the Sun enters a new zodiac, it is marked by a specific Sankranti, such as Mesha Sankranti for Aries, Rishabha Sankranti for Taurus, Makara Sankranti for Capricorn, and so on.

Why 60 Samvatsaras?

Jupiter and Saturn are the slowest-moving planets among the seven physical planets. Jupiter takes around 12 years to complete one full cycle through all 12 zodiac signs, while Saturn takes about 30 years for the same. As a result, the zodiac signs where Jupiter and Saturn are transiting in a given year hold greater significance than the rest of the signs.

Jupiter and Saturn meet each other in the same zodiac every 60 years. This means that if they start their journey together in Aries today, they will meet again in Aries around the same date 60 years later. This celestial reunion marks the beginning of a new cycle. Our sages recognized this pattern and devised an extraordinary calendar system with different names for each Samvatsara, assigned based on the themes determined by the position of Jupiter in relation to the position of Saturn. The names are as follows:

1.Prabhava	13.Pramathi	25.Khara	37.Sobhakrutu	49.Rakshasa
2.Vibhava	14.Vikrama	26.Nandana	38.Krodhi	50.Nala/Anala
3.Sukla	15.Vishu	27.Vijaya	39.Visvavasu	51.Pingala
4.Pramodhuta	16.Chitrabhanu	28.Jaya	40.Parabhava	52.Kalayukti
5.Prachorpati	17.Subhanu	29.Manmadha	41.Plavanga	53.Siddharti
6.Aangirasa	18.Tarana	30.Durmukha	42.Keelaka	54.Raudra
7.Srimukha	19.Parthiba	31.Hevilambi	43.Saumya	55.Durmathi
8.Bhava	20.Vyaya	32.Vilambi	44.Sadharana	56.Dundhubi
9.Yuva	21.Sarvajita	33.Vikari	45.Virodhakrutu	57.Rudhrodhgari
10.Dhata	22.Sarvadhari	34.Sarvari	46.Paridhabi	58.Raktakshi
11.Eswara	23.Virodhi	35.Plava	47.Pramadhisa	59.Krodhana
12.Bahudhanya	24.Vikruti	36.Subhakrutu	48.Ananda	60.Akshaya

Visvavasu Samvatsara 2025-2026

As we enter the 39th Samvatsara, Visvavasu, the astrological and puranic significance of this year suggests a time of universal wealth, generosity, and refined artistic expression. The term Visvavasu translates to "universal abundance," hinting at a period where both material and spiritual prosperity are emphasized.

Astrological Significance of Visvavasu

According to Jataka Parijata, those born in Visvavasu will be blessed with a virtuous spouse and children, will possess a generous and compassionate nature, will be known for their excellent conduct and patient demeanour.

This indicates that themes of family harmony, kindness, and ethical living will be prominent during this year. The collective consciousness may gravitate toward stability in relationships, generosity in actions, and a deeper appreciation for moral values.

Puranic Significance of Visvavasu

According to the Puranas, Visvavasu was the king of Gandharvas, who are known for their expertise in music, dance, and artistic mastery. Visvavasu had multiple roles, including being a sage transformed into a Rakshasa due to mishaps in sacrificial actions. This suggests that:

• Music, cinema, fine arts, and performing arts may witness remarkable innovations in the entertainment and creative industries.

• More people will feel inspired to express themselves creatively or explore artistic skills.

• Wrong intentions in rites or rituals can lead to unintended consequences, a warning against misusing spiritual or religious practices.

• Economic stability through generosity, philanthropy, and social welfare initiatives.

• Increased public interest in sustainable wealth-building strategies.

• Greater public interest in spirituality, meditation and moral philosophy.

However, abundance does not mean excess. It encourages mindful prosperity, in other words, prosperity must be balanced with responsibility, where wealth is used wisely and shared for the greater good. In conclusion, those who embrace humility, generosity, and creativity will thrive in this year of universal abundance.