Gulika, also known as ‘Maandi’ is believed to be the son of Lord Shani or Saturn. According to Vedic astrology, Gulika is considered as a satellite or a shadowy planet like Rahu and Ketu, which is related to the Saturn and is more powerful in giving bad results. In south India, especially in Kerala, people believe the planet swallows up power and that’s why, its position is checked before determining Kundali, picking timings, Prasna Kundali and others aspects in an individual’s horoscope.

Being Saturn’s son makes Gulika Kalam a time or muhurtham, which is ruled by Shani. It rises twice, once during the day and other during the night. As the Gulika timing repeats itself, karma done during this time is believed to recur. Therefore, inauspicious events like the funeral should be avoided as it cannot be repeated. On the other hand, auspicious things during this time are believed to bring more good results. However, conducting any auspicious ceremonies during Gulika Kalam depend on the choice of a person.

Like Rahu and Ketu, Gulika Kalam is also believed to rule every day of the week for 90 minutes depending on the sunrise and sunset timings. As Saturn rules the Gulika muhurtham, the rising time starts on Saturday (the day of Lord Shani) and moves in a backward direction.

1st muhurat (6:00 am to 7:30 pm), 2nd muhurat (7:30 am to 9:00 am), 3rd muhurat (9:00 am to 10:30 am), 4th muhurat (10:30 am to 12:00 pm), 5th muhurat (12:00 pm to 1:30 pm), 6th muhurat (1:30 pm to 3:00 pm), 7th muhurat (3:00 pm to 4:30 pm), 8th muhurat (4:30 pm to 6:00 pm), if the sunrise is 6:00 am and sunset is 6:00 pm.

Starting from Saturday, Gulika Kalam falls on 1st muhurat, Friday on 2nd muhurat, Thursday on 3rd muhurat, Wednesday on 4th muhurat, Tuesday on 5th muhurat, Monday on 6th muhurat and Sunday on 7th muhurat.