Bhadra (Vishti karana)
Bhadra is the period when Vishti karana prevails, roughly eight times a month for about half a tithi each. Rakhi tying, journeys and most beginnings are avoided during Bhadra.
What Bhadra is
Of the eleven karanas, Vishti is the one held inauspicious, and the time it runs is called Bhadra. It comes in the second half of Shukla Chaturthi, Ekadashi, first half of Ashtami and Purnima, and in Krishna Paksha the second half of Tritiya and Dashami and the first half of Saptami and Chaturdashi. Each spell lasts about eleven to twelve hours.
Bhadra and Raksha Bandhan
The rule for Raksha Bandhan is that the rakhi is tied in the afternoon of Shravana Purnima outside Bhadra. When Bhadra covers the whole afternoon, as in 2025, the festival moves to the next morning while Purnima still prevails. Hastro encodes exactly this rule, which is why it gave 9 August 2025 like the published calendars.
Bhadra’s abode
Panchangs also say where Bhadra “resides” by the Moon’s sign: in the earthly realm it is harmful, in the heavens or the netherworld it is not. Hastro lists every Vishti window; the finer abode rule is left to the reader.
FAQ
How long does Bhadra last?
About half a tithi, so eleven to twelve hours, but the exact span varies with the Moon’s speed.
Does Bhadra affect Holika Dahan?
Yes. Holika Dahan is lit after sunset on Phalguna Purnima outside Bhadra; if Bhadra runs late into the night, the rules give alternatives.