Godhuli
By Swami Harshananda
Godhuli literally means 'the auspicious time when the dust is raised by cows’.
Significance of Muhurta[edit]
Any good work or activity has to be undertaken during a time that is astrologically considered auspicious. This has been the belief of the people for millennia. One of the great events in life for a person is marriage. Since it is considered as a religious sacrament and not a social contract, choosing an auspicious time for its performance becomes even more important.
Godhuli Denotation[edit]
Godhuli is defined as the time of the setting sun, when the cows which had gone out for grazing, return home. They raise the dust with their hoofs.[1]
Godhuli Muhurta Significance[edit]
Dharmaśāstras have prescribed several astrologically auspicious times and periods for this sacrament depending upon several factors. But when a suitable time or period is not available, and if one is in a hurry to celebrate the marriage due to other factors, godhuli lagna or muhurta is recommended.
Godhuli Muhurta Period[edit]
The actual period varies as per the existing season. The duration of this muhurta is for two ghaṭikās or 48 minutes.
Godhuli Muhurta, An Alternative[edit]
Since selecting the godhuli muhurta is only an emergency measure, it should not be resorted when more auspicious periods are available. This muhurta was also used by the kings for invasions.
References[edit]
- ↑ Go means a cow and dhuli means dust.
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore