śuklapakṣa

 

Śuklapakṣa (शुक्लपक्ष) means the “bright fortnight” 

of the lunar month, referring to the 15-day period from 

the day after the new moon (amāvāsya) to the full 

moon (pūrṇimā), when the moon gradually waxes 

in brightness.

Literal Meaning

The Sanskrit term śukla means “bright” or “white,” and pakṣa means 

“side” or “fortnight.” Together, śuklapakṣa literally translates to the 

“bright side” or “bright fortnight” of the lunar month 

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Some sources also interpret the term metaphorically as the 

“rightful side” in the context of two contending parties in classical 

Sanskrit texts 

Sanskrit Dictionary

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Context in the Hindu Calendar

• Duration: 15 days, beginning the day after amāvāsya (new moon)
• and ending on pūrṇimā (full moon)

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• Lunar Phase: This period corresponds to the waxing moon, during
• which the visible portion of the moon gradually increases.
• Paired Term: The dark fortnight or waning phase, following the
• full moon, is called kṛṣṇapakṣa

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• Usage: Śuklapakṣa is used extensively in Jyotiṣa literature 
• (Vedic astrology), for marking auspicious days, festivals, and tithis 
• (lunar days) 

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Additional Notes

The concept of śuklapakṣa is central to Hindu rituals and calendrical

calculations. Festivals like Diwali preparations and Holi timing are 

often determined with reference to whether it falls in śuklapakṣa 

or kṛṣṇapakṣa. In literary examples, a person or object described 

as growing like the moon during śuklapakṣa implies gradual

increase and prosperity 

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In summary, śuklapakṣa denotes the waxing or bright half of the

lunar month, spanning 15 lunar days from new moon to full moon, 

symbolizing growth, light, and auspiciousness in the Hindu calendar.