Yamaganda (Yamagandam)
Yamaganda is a daily period of about 90 minutes, one-eighth of the daytime, that panchangs list as unsuitable for new beginnings. Like Rahu Kaal, which eighth it is depends on the weekday.
Also known as: Emagandam, Yama Gandam, Yamaghantaka, Yamaganda Kalam
The time from sunrise to sunset is split into eight equal parts, and Yamaganda takes one of them: the 1st on Thursday, 2nd on Wednesday, 3rd on Tuesday, 4th on Monday, 5th on Sunday, 6th on Saturday and 7th on Friday. In classical terms it is the part of the day that falls to Jupiter in the weekday sequence, linked with Yamaghantaka, a shadow point described as Jupiter’s son.
Yamaganda is avoided especially for journeys and for starting auspicious work. As with Rahu Kaal, tasks already in progress need not stop. South Indian panchangs list Rahu Kalam, Yamagandam and Gulikai side by side, and many families avoid all three for new beginnings.
The name, with its echo of Yama, can sound alarming, but the period is about timing, not danger. If a meeting or journey cannot be moved, tradition simply suggests starting it before or after the window.