Vipat

Vipat Tara (Vipat-tāra) — the third of the nine taras in the Tara Bala system. The name comes from the Sanskrit "vipat" (calamity, obstacle). Tradition places it among the unfavourable taras: days under Vipat Tara caution against important worldly undertakings and call for care.

Place in the system

Tara Bala divides the circle of 27 nakshatras into three circles of nine taras. Vipat Tara is the third position: the Moon stands two steps ahead of your birth nakshatra.

Vipat Tara comes around three times per lunar circuit — about every 9 days. Each of these moments is a day on which it's worth being especially mindful of worldly matters.

Practical meaning

Vipat Tara is a day on which important worldly undertakings are better postponed. Tradition directly cautions against travel, trade matters, signing major documents, and other risky worldly ventures.

The Vipat Tara background works through obstacle. It is a day on which the usual paths can be closed.

In Indian folk practice, Vipat Tara is a day on which devout Hindus often fast and spend the day in quiet, avoiding important worldly matters.

In daily practice

Vipat Tara is a day for caution. If you have a choice, don't plan important worldly undertakings for this day. Spend it in quiet, fasting, prayer.

Vipat Tara also suits offerings: a gift to a temple, feeding those in need. Obstacles here can be eased through giving.

Vipat Tara also suits a practice of letting go: releasing attachment to outcomes, being ready for things to go awry.

The previous position of the cycle is Sampat Tara, the next is Kshema Tara.

Do not confuse with

Not to be confused with Chandrashtama — also personal and also unfavourable, but it is counted by zodiac signs from the sign of the natal Moon, not by nakshatras from the birth nakshatra. The two factors often diverge in date: Vipat Tara and Chandrashtama can fall on different days or coincide, but they are not the same thing.