Uthiram

Uthiram (Tamil: ஊத்திரம்) is an astronomical term used in traditional Tamil calendrical studies to denote the period of daylight when the sun is at its highest point. In Tamil astrology the day is subdivided into fifteen equal parts called vaadugalka; Uthiram usually occurs roughly between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. It is considered a time of intense solar activity and is used to determine auspicious periods for religious rites, agricultural activities and other public endeavors. The concept is mentioned in classical Tamil literature such as the Tolkappiyam and in later texts that discuss the integration of Vedic and local time-keeping practices. In village life Uthiram becomes a reference point for scheduling ceremonies such as certain kavadi offerings and for making decisions about sowing or harvesting, as the heat of this period is thought to influence crop growth. Metaphorically the term also appears in poetry and prose to signify the zenith or climax of an event. While Uthiram has no direct correspondence with the Western zodiac, it is analogous to the notion of midday found in other regional astrological traditions. Today the term is still employed by Tamil astrologers and appears in antique calendar compilations, though it has largely been supplanted by the standard quarter‑day divisions used in contemporary timekeeping.