Significance of Synodic month
In India history, the term synodic month, or lunation, describes the period required for the moon to complete its phasic cycle. This cycle lasts approximately 29.53 days, marking the time from one new moon to the next. Understanding the synodic month is essential for various cultural and religious practices that align with lunar phases. The concept plays a significant role in calendars and timekeeping in various traditions throughout India.
Synonyms: Lunar month, Lunar cycle, Moon cycle
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Synodic month'
In Hinduism, the synodic month, or masa, is a significant aspect of the Indian calendar, essential for solving mathematical riddles, particularly for determining the date of the Hayanaratna.
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) The synodic month, or masa, is a component of the Indian calendar, and it is used in the mathematical riddle to determine the date of the Hayanaratna.[1]
The concept of Synodic month in local and regional sources
The Synodic month, or lunation, is the duration for the moon to finish its phasic cycle, lasting approximately 29.53 days, highlighting the relationship between lunar phases and the lunar calendar.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is a concept related to the tithi, which is defined as a thirtieth of this, and is a fundamental unit in Indian calendrics, astrology, and rituals.[2] (2) These are months that are part of a calculation related to the Yavanajataka, and the paper uses the number of these to illustrate the accuracy of the readings of the numbers in the text and how they agree with each other.[3] (3) The synodic month, also known as lunation, is the time it takes for the moon to complete its phasic cycle, approximately 29.53 days.[4]