Meaning
Half a Tithi (6° of Sun-Moon separation), one of the five Panchang elements used in muhurta selection.
Etymology
Sanskrit karaṇa (cause, instrument) — one of the five limbs of the Panchang, equal to half a Tithi.
Detailed Explanation
A karaṇa is half of a tithi, spanning 6° of Sun-Moon angular separation. Each tithi contains two karanas. There are 11 karanas in total: 7 moveable (Cara) — Bava, Balava, Kaulava, Taitila, Garaja, Vanija, Vishti (Bhadra); and 4 fixed (Sthira) — Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga, Kimstughna. Vishti (Bhadra) is considered inauspicious for most activities. Each karana has specific qualities: some are auspicious for commerce, others for agriculture or spiritual practice. Karana is the fifth of the five panchang elements.