Understanding Samvat (Year)

Introduction

A Hindu calendar year is called a Samvat. It usually consists of 12 Masa. But once every 2.5 years, it consists of 13 masa because of Adhika Masa. A year in a Gregorian calendar (like the one used in Western countries) depends only on the Sun. In contrast, a Samvat is a lunisolar year that attempts to harmonise lunar months with the solar year through the use of Adhika Masa.

Variations

The Hindu calendar features different eras used in various parts of India, with the Vikram Samvat and Shaka Samvat being two prominent examples.

Vikram Samvat

The Vikram Samvat is predominantly used in the northern parts of India. The current year in the Vikram Samvat calendar is 2080 (corresponding to the year 2023). It begins with the month of Chaitra (around March-April in the Gregorian calendar) and marks the start of the new year.

Shaka Samvat

The Shaka Samvat is widely used in South India, as well as in Maharashtra and some other regions. The current year in the Shaka Samvat is 1945 (corresponding to the year 2023). The Shaka Samvat starts its year with the month of Chaitra as well.

Names of Samvat

In traditional Hindu timekeeping, particularly in the context of the Hindu calendar, there is a unique 60-year cycle called 'Samvatsara'. Each year in this cycle has a specific name, and after the cycle completes its full course of 60 years, it restarts with the first name.

Prabhava
Vibhava
Shukla
Pramodoota
Prajapati
Angirasa
Shrimukha
Bhava
Yuva
Dhata
Ishvara
Bahudhanya
Pramathi
Vikrama
Vrusha
Chitrabhanu
Subhanu
Tarana
Parthiva
Vyaya
Sarvajit
Sarvadhari
Virodhi
Vikruti
Khara
Nandana
Vijaya
Jaya
Manmatha
Durmukhi
Hevilambi
Vilambi
Vikari
Sharvari
Plava
Shubhakruth
Sobhakruth
Krodhi
Viswavasu
Parabhava
Plavanga
Kilaka
Saumya
Sadharana
Virodhikruth
Paridhavi
Pramadi
Ananda
Rakshasa
Anala
Pingala
Kalayukti
Siddharthi
Roudri
Durmathi
Dundubhi
Rudhirodgari
Raktakshi
Krodhana
Akshaya

After 'Akshaya', the 60th year, the cycle returns to 'Prabhava', starting the cycle anew.