Panchaka occurs when the moon’s longitude exist between 296 degrees and 360 degrees in sidreal calculation. Panchaka occurs mostly in the last five constellations. Thus there are 5 days (or sometimes 7 days) in every month that Panchaka will occur. During Panchaka, the elements in the universe become unbalanced and this causes an imbalance within the family structure. If a death occurs during this period and the proper ritual is not performed, the dead person will carry another five family members with him within a two-year period. To prevent the additional deaths in the family, the Pundit must first ensure that the death occurred in the Panchaka period, and if so perform a Panchanka Puja to remedy the situation.
