--> Skip to main content


What is Karinaal in Hindu Astrology? – Especially In Tamil and Malayalam Calendars

Karinaal are inauspicious Nakshatras among the 27 Nakshatrams. Another school of thought states that Karinal is based on days in a Tamil and Malayalam month. It is believed that death taking place on Karinaal is highly inauspicious. These days are avoided for certain auspicious functions. Karinaal is only followed in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala by certain communities.

If a person dies on Sravishta (Avittam), Sadhayam (Chathayam), Purvashada (Pururuttathi), Uttarashada (Uthrittathi) and Revathi then it is believed that within three years a major tragedy will happen in the person’s family. The Shradh, tarpan and other rituals should be strictly followed if a person dies in any of these Nakshatras. All rituals after death should be strictly followed. The above said Nakhshatras are also known as Vasu Panchaka Nakshatras.

Certain other schools of astrology claim that Karinaal is also present if a person dies on Triketta (Kettai), Pooram, Pooradam, Bharani, Ayiliyam, Thiruvathira (Arudhara) and Chothi (Swathi). Here also all rituals after death should be strictly followed.

Another set of calculation is based on dates in Tamil and Malayalam months. These dates are counted as Karinaal.

6, 15 in Tamil Chithirai Masam – Malayalam Medam Month
7, 16, 17 in Aani Masam – Edavam Month
2, 10, 20 in Aadi Masam – Karkidaka Month
2, 9, 28 in Aavani Masam – Chingam Month
16, 19 in Puratassi Masam – Kanni month
6, 20 in Aippasi Masam – Thula Month
1, 10, 17 in Karthigai Masam – Vrischika Month
6, 9, 11 in Margazhi Masam – Dhanu Month
1, 2, 3, 11, 17 in Thai Masam – Makaram Month
15,1 6, 17 in Masi Masam – Kumbham Month
6, 15, 19 in Painguni Masam – Meenam month

How Karinaal is followed varies from region to region and in some cases from community to community. The best option is to approach a local astrologer.

There are also a large section of Hindu communities in South India that do not follow Karinaal.