Gaurabda

Most scholars who have analyzed these old vedic calendar systems, have concluded that the lunar system is the more ancient. The lunar phases are known to influence agriculture, and according to scriptures like Manu-samhita (The Law of Manu) they also influence more subtle aspects of human life.

 

Gaurabda is the name of lunar calendar based on Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's appearance year. Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is Krishna's incarnation in Kali-yuga. He appeared in 1486 at  Sridhama Mayapura in the city of Navadvipa, West Bengal, India. Lord Caitanya was also known as Gaura because of His beautiful golden complexion. So the calendar based on this Golden Incarnation of Krishna is called Gaurabda. It is used as the main calendar of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness & Gaudiya vaishnava followers.

 

The years in Gaurabda calendar are counted from the appearance day of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. In Gaurabda vaisnava calendar the times for various celebrations are determined by the tithi, sometimes with naksatra and other elements of the calendar taken into account. Each month, or "masa," is known by a name of Visnu. 
 

	Gaurabda Masa	Sanskrit / Hindu Month	Gregorian / English Month	Rashi / Solar Month	Zodiac Sun Sign	Ritu / Season
01	Vishnu	Caitra	March–April	Mesh	Aries	Vasant
02	Madhusudana	Vaisakha	April–May	Vrushabh	Taurus	(spring)
03	Trivikrama	Jyestha	May–June	Mithun	Gemini	Grishma
04	Vamana	Asadha	June–July	Kark	Cancer	(summer)
05	Sridhara	Sravana	July–August	Simha or Sinh	Leo	Varsha
06	Hrsikesa	Bhadrapada	August–September	Kanya	Virgo	(monsoon)
07	Padmanabha	Asvina	September–October	Tula	Libra	Sharad
08	Damodara	Kartika	October–November	Vrushchik	Scorpius	(autumn)
09	Kesava	Margasirsa	November–December	Dhanu	Sagittarius	Hemant
10	Narayana	Pausa	December–January	Makar	Capricornus	(autumn-winter)
11	Madhava	Magha	January–February	Kumbha	Aquarius	Shishir
12	Govinda	Phalguna	February–March	Meen	Pisces	(Winter-Spring)
Extra	Purusottama	Adhika	Intercalary Month