In the realm of timekeeping, the Vikram Samvat calendar stands as a fascinating departure from the commonly known Gregorian calendar.
As the adage goes, ‘Every day brings a new opportunity’, and indeed, the weekdays in Vikram Samvat offer a unique perspective on the passage of time.
This article delves into the origins, differences, and significance of the weekdays in Vikram Samvat, shedding light on their distinctions from the Gregorian calendar and providing valuable insights for those seeking a deeper understanding of cultural timekeeping traditions.
Key Takeaways
- Vikram Samvat weekdays are based on the movements of the moon and influenced by Hindu mythology and cultural beliefs.
- Vikram Samvat has six weekdays named after celestial bodies or deities, while the Gregorian calendar has seven weekdays with different names.
- Sunday is not considered a separate weekday in Vikram Samvat, and the number of weekdays remains constant without leap years.
- Each Vikram Samvat weekday is associated with a specific deity or planet and holds cultural significance in Indian society.
The Origin of Vikram Samvat Weekdays
The origin of Vikram Samvat weekdays can be traced back to ancient Hindu mythology and cultural beliefs. Vikram Samvat is a traditional Hindu calendar system that is widely used in Nepal and India. It was established by the legendary emperor Vikramaditya of Ujjain in 57 BCE. The calendar is based on the movements of the moon and is a lunisolar calendar, meaning it takes into account both lunar and solar cycles.
Influenced by Hinduism, the weekdays in Vikram Samvat are named after different celestial bodies and deities. Each day of the week is associated with a specific god or planet and has its own significance. The weekdays in Vikram Samvat are as follows:
- Ravivar (Sunday): Named after the sun god, Surya.
- Somvar (Monday): Named after the moon god, Chandra.
- Mangalvar (Tuesday): Named after the planet Mars, Mangal.
- Budhvar (Wednesday): Named after the planet Mercury, Budh.
- Guruvar (Thursday): Named after the planet Jupiter, Guru.
- Shukravar (Friday): Named after the planet Venus, Shukra.
- Shanivar (Saturday): Named after the planet Saturn, Shani.
These weekdays hold great significance in Hindu culture and are associated with various rituals, festivals, and auspicious events. The naming of the weekdays in Vikram Samvat reflects the deep-rooted influence of Hinduism on the calendar system.
Differences in the Number of Weekdays
One of the major differences between the Vikram Samvat and the Gregorian calendar is the number of weekdays.
While the Gregorian calendar follows a seven-day week with names like Monday, Tuesday, etc., the Vikram Samvat has a different week count.
It consists of only six weekdays, with each day named after a celestial body or deity.
Vikram Samvat Week Count
An article on Vikram Samvat Week Count explores the differences in the number of weekdays between the Vikram Samvat and the Gregorian calendar.
In the Gregorian calendar, there are seven weekdays – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
However, in the Vikram Samvat calendar, there are only six weekdays. The names of these weekdays are influenced by Hindu mythology and have cultural significance. The Vikram Samvat weekdays are Somvar (Monday), Mangalvar (Tuesday), Budhvar (Wednesday), Guruvar (Thursday), Shukravar (Friday), and Shanivar (Saturday). Sunday is not considered a separate weekday in the Vikram Samvat calendar.
This difference in the number of weekdays between the two calendars showcases the unique cultural and religious influences on the Vikram Samvat calendar.
Gregorian Weekday Variations
In the Gregorian calendar, there are variations in the number of weekdays due to the inclusion of leap years. This means that some years have 52 weeks, while others have 53 weeks. This can lead to differences in the number of weekdays between consecutive years.
On the other hand, the Vikram Samvat calendar, used in India, follows a different system of weekday names and does not have leap years. As a result, the number of weekdays remains constant throughout the years.
The variations in the number of weekdays in the Gregorian calendar can have an impact on our perception of time and our weekly routines. Our cultural differences also play a role in how we perceive weekdays. For example, in many Western cultures, Monday is often seen as the start of the workweek, while in some Eastern cultures, Sunday holds that position.
These cultural differences can influence our attitudes and behaviors towards weekdays, shaping our work-life balance and leisure activities.
The Unique Names of Vikram Samvat Weekdays
The unique names of the weekdays in the Vikram Samvat calendar carry deep meanings and are influenced by Hinduism.
Each day is associated with a specific deity or planet, reflecting the cultural significance of the weekdays in Indian society.
Exploring the meanings behind these names and understanding their religious and cultural connections provides valuable insights into the Vikram Samvat calendar and its importance in the lives of its followers.
Meaning Behind Names
Since the Vikram Samvat week has unique names for its weekdays, it is important to understand the meaning behind these names. The names of the Vikram Samvat weekdays have their origin in ancient Hindu mythology and carry deep cultural symbolism. Here are some fascinating insights into the meaning behind the names:
- Somvar (Monday): Named after the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, who is also known as Someshwar, this day represents devotion and spiritual awakening.
- Mangalvar (Tuesday): Named after the planet Mars, this day is associated with energy, courage, and strength.
- Budhvar (Wednesday): Named after the planet Mercury, this day is believed to bring intelligence, communication skills, and success in business.
These unique names not only provide a connection to Hindu mythology but also reflect the cultural significance and values associated with each day of the Vikram Samvat week.
Influences From Hinduism
With their deep roots in Hindu mythology, the unique names of the Vikram Samvat weekdays offer a fascinating glimpse into the influences of Hinduism on this calendar.
Each weekday is named after a specific deity or celestial body, reflecting the significance of these entities in Hindu rituals and festivals.
For example, Somvar is named after the moon god, Chandra, and is considered auspicious for worshiping Lord Shiva.
Mangalvar is named after the planet Mars, and is associated with the worship of Hanuman, the monkey god.
Similarly, Budhvar is named after the planet Mercury and is associated with the worship of Lord Vishnu.
These distinct names not only add spiritual significance to the days of the week, but also influence the rituals and observances that take place on these days during Hindu festivals.
Cultural Significance of Weekdays
The unique names of Vikram Samvat weekdays, along with their cultural significance, provide a fascinating insight into the traditions and beliefs of Hinduism. In Hindu culture, each day of the week holds importance and is associated with specific deities and planetary influences. Here are some examples of the cultural significance of weekdays in Vikram Samvat:
- Somvar (Monday): Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer in Hindu mythology. It is believed that worshiping Lord Shiva on this day brings peace and prosperity.
- Mangalvar (Tuesday): Tuesday is associated with Lord Hanuman, the monkey god and devotee of Lord Rama. This day is considered auspicious for invoking strength, courage, and protection.
- Guruvar (Thursday): Thursday is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in Hindu mythology. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu on this day to seek his blessings for knowledge, wisdom, and prosperity.
These cultural practices and religious beliefs surrounding Vikram Samvat weekdays highlight the deep-rooted spirituality and devotion in Hinduism.
Significance of Sunday in Vikram Samvat
An important aspect of the Vikram Samvat calendar is the significance of Sunday. Sunday, known as Raviwar in Hindi, holds a significant place in Hindu traditions and religious rituals in Vikram Samvat. In Hinduism, Sunday is dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya, the Sun God. It is believed that worshipping Lord Surya on Sundays brings prosperity, good health, and success in life.
On Sundays in Vikram Samvat, devotees wake up early and take a bath before sunrise. They offer prayers to the Sun God, either in temples or at home. Some people also observe fasting on Sundays and consume only vegetarian food. The rituals performed on Sundays include chanting mantras, offering water, flowers, and sweets to the Sun God, and performing aarti (a ritual of waving a lamp in front of the deity).
Sunday is also considered an auspicious day for starting new ventures, such as business or construction projects. People believe that initiating such endeavors on Sundays brings positive energy and ensures success.
In addition to religious significance, Sunday is also a day of rest and relaxation for many. It is a time to spend with family and engage in recreational activities. People often visit parks, go for outings, or indulge in hobbies and leisure activities on Sundays.
Comparing Monday in Vikram Samvat and the Gregorian Calendar
One notable difference between Monday in Vikram Samvat and the Gregorian Calendar is the placement of Monday as the first day of the week in Vikram Samvat, while it is typically considered the second day of the week in the Gregorian Calendar. This variation in the positioning of Monday holds cultural practices and historical significance in both calendars.
- In Vikram Samvat, Monday is considered an auspicious day, associated with Lord Shiva, the Hindu deity of destruction and transformation. Devotees often observe fasts and perform rituals on Mondays to seek blessings and protection from Lord Shiva. This cultural practice highlights the deep-rooted religious beliefs and reverence towards deities in Indian culture.
- On the other hand, in the Gregorian Calendar, Monday is commonly regarded as the start of the workweek and the end of the weekend. It holds historical significance as it is named after the Moon, derived from the Old English word ‘Monandæg,’ meaning ‘Moon’s day.’ This naming convention reflects the influence of ancient Germanic and Norse cultures, where Monday was associated with the Moon goddess.
- Additionally, Monday is often associated with a sense of new beginnings and fresh starts in the Gregorian Calendar. It is a day for setting goals, planning, and organizing, symbolizing a fresh start to the week ahead.
The contrasting cultural practices and historical significance of Monday in Vikram Samvat and the Gregorian Calendar provide insights into the diverse ways in which different societies perceive and celebrate weekdays.
Exploring Tuesday in Vikram Samvat
Moreover, Tuesday in Vikram Samvat holds significant cultural and religious significance, making it a day of devotion and observance for many Hindus. In Vikram Samvat, Tuesday is known as ‘Mangalvar,’ derived from the planet Mars, which is associated with strength, courage, and energy. Hindus believe that observing certain customs and rituals on this day can bring them blessings and protect them from malefic influences.
In the historical context of Vikram Samvat, Tuesday is considered an auspicious day for various reasons. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Hanuman, the monkey god, was born on a Tuesday. Therefore, Tuesdays are dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and his devotees often visit temples dedicated to him on this day. Additionally, Tuesday is also associated with the goddess Durga, who is worshipped for her power and protection. Devotees offer prayers, perform special rituals, and recite hymns on Tuesdays to seek the blessings of these deities.
Furthermore, Tuesday is believed to be a favorable day for initiating new ventures and starting important tasks. It is believed that any work begun on this day is likely to be successful and prosperous. Many people also observe fasting on Tuesdays to seek blessings and overcome obstacles in their lives.
Understanding the Last Day of the Week in Vikram Samvat
The last day of the week in Vikram Samvat is known as ‘Shanivar,’ which translates to ‘Saturday’ in the Gregorian calendar. Understanding the significance of this day in the Vikram Samvat calendar system is essential in exploring the unique characteristics of this ancient calendar.
Here are some important points to understand about Shanivar in Vikram Samvat:
- Shanivar is considered an auspicious day in Hinduism, and it holds religious significance for many devotees. It is often associated with Lord Shani, the deity representing the planet Saturn.
- On Shanivar, people often visit temples dedicated to Lord Shani and offer prayers and rituals seeking his blessings for protection from misfortunes and obstacles in life.
- In addition to its religious importance, Shanivar is also a day of rest and relaxation for many people. It is a time to unwind, spend quality time with family, and engage in recreational activities.
The Vikram Samvat calendar system has a unique way of organizing the weekdays, and Shanivar, as the last day of the week, holds its own distinct significance. Understanding the cultural and religious practices associated with Shanivar helps us appreciate the rich traditions and customs rooted in the Vikram Samvat calendar system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the weekdays in Vikram Samvat differ from the Gregorian calendar in various ways. Not only do they have a different origin and number of weekdays, but they also have unique names and hold different significance.
By comparing Monday and Tuesday in both calendars, we can see the distinct characteristics of Vikram Samvat.
Understanding the last day of the week in Vikram Samvat provides further insight into the differences between these two calendars.
Overall, the Vikram Samvat weekdays offer a fascinating alternative to the Gregorian calendar.
