Nakshatra Nakshatra (Devanagari: H, Sanskrit: nakshatra, 'star', from Sanskrit: naksha, 'approach', and Sanskrit: tra, 'guard') or lunar mansion is one of the 27 divisions of the sky, identified by the prominent star(s) in them, used in Jyotisha.[1] Each nakshatra represents a division of the ecliptic similar to the zodiac (1320 each instead of the 30 for each zodiac sign). The orbit of the moon is 27.3 days, so the Moon takes approximately one day to pass through each nakshatra. The starting point for the nakshatras is the point on the ecliptic directly opposite to the starSpica called Chitr in Sanskrit (other slightly different definitions exist). It is called Meshdi or the "start of Aries". The ecliptic is divided into each of the nakshatras eastwards starting from this point. The list of Nakshatras is found in the Vedic texts (AV 19.7; Taittiriya Samhita) and also in the Shatapatha Brahmana. The first astronomy text that lists them is the Vedanga Jyotisha of Lagadha. In Hindu mythology, the Nakshastras were created by Daksha and are personified as daughters of the deity and as mythological wives of Chandra, the moon god. Some even make them the daughters of Kashyapa, the brother of Daksha.[2] Each of the nakshatras is governed as 'lord' by one of the nine graha in the following sequence: Ketu (South Lunar Node), Shukra (Venus), Ravi or Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Rahu (North Lunar Node), Guru or Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shani (Saturn) and Budha (Mercury). This cycle repeats itself three times to cover all 27 nakshatras. The lord of each nakshatra determines the planetary period known as the dasha , which is considered of major importance in forecasting the life path of the individual. Nakshatra descriptions The following are the 27 nakshatras and their meanings, with their equivalent positions in the Indian and Western zodiacs. The corresponding regions of sky are also given, following Basham's Appendix: Astronomy. Although the Indian and Western zodiac signs have a common origin, due to differences in measuring the zodiac they have diverged from each other by about 25. Therefore in the Western zodiac 0 Aries (Mesha) corresponds to 5 Pisces (Meena) in the Indian zodiac and so on. Sl. No. Sanskrit Name and Meaning Western star name1 Ashvini Horse-like-woman and 2 Bharani Bearer-woman 35, 39, and Arietis 3 Krittika c Cutting woman Pleiades4 Rohini Red woman Aldebaran5 Mrigashrsha HHead of a Deer , OrionisWestern star name Description Arietis Lord: Ketu (South lunar node) Symbol : Horse's head Deity : Ashwini Kumaras, the horse-headed twins who are physicians to the gods Indian zodiac: 0 - 1320' Mesha Western zodiac 26 Aries 920' Taurus , and 41 Lord: Shukra (Venus) Symbol: Yoni, the female organ of reproduction Deity: Yama, god of deathor Dharma Indian zodiac: 13 20' - 2640' Mesha Western zodiac 9 20' - 22 40' Taurus Pleiades Lord: Surya (Sun) Symbol: Knife or spear Deity : Agni, god of fire Indian zodiac: 2640' Mesha - 10 Vrishabha Western zodiac 22 40' Taurus - 6 Gemini Aldebaran Lord: Chandra (Moon) Symbol: Cart or chariot, temple, banyan tree Deity : Brahma or Prajapati, the Creator Indian zodiac: 10 - 2320' Vrishabha Western zodiac 6 - 1920' Gemini Orionis Lord: Mangala (Mars) Symbol: Deer's head Deity: Soma, Chandra, the Moon god Indian zodiac: 23 20' Vrishabha - 6 40' MithunaWestern zodiac: 1920' Gemini - 240' Cancer Image , who are physicians to the 1320' 26 Aries - : Yoni, the female god of death , , the 6 40' Mithuna 6 Ardra Moist One Betelgeuse7 Punarvasu Return of the Light Castor Pollux 8 Pushya * Nourishing , and Cancri 9 shlesh / The Embracer , , , , and Hydrae10 Magh The Great One RegulusBetelgeuseLord: Rahu (North lunar node) Symbol: Teardrop, diamond, a human head Deity : Rudra, the storm god Indian zodiac: 6 40' - 20 Mithuna Western zodiac: 2 40' - 16 Cancer and Lord: Guru (Jupiter) Symbol : Bow and quiverDeity : Aditi, mother of the gods Indian zodiac: 20 Mithuna - 320' Karka Western zodiac 16 - 2920' Cancer and Lord: Shani (Saturn) Symbol : Cow's udder, lotus, arrow and circle Deity : Bhaspati, priest of the gods Indian zodiac: 320' -1640' Karka Western zodiac 2920' Cancer - 1240' Leo , , , , and Hydrae Lord: Budh (Mercury) Symbol: Serpent Deity : Sarpas or Nagas, deified snakes Indian zodiac: 1640' - 30 Karka Western zodiac 1240' - 26 Leo RegulusLord: Ketu (south lunar node) Symbol : Royal Throne Deity : Pitrs, 'The Fathers', family ancestors Indian zodiac: 0 - 1320' Simha Western zodiac 26 Leo -920' Virgo : Rahu (North lunar , the storm 20 : Bow and quiver , mother of the , priest of , , 'The Fathers', 1320' - 11 Prva Phalgun ~ Former Reddish One and 12 Uttara Phalgun c ~ Latter Reddish One Denebola13 Hasta 1 The Hand , , , Corvi 14 Chitra Bright One Spica15 Svt 1 Sword or Independence Arcturus Leonis Lord: Shukra (Venus) Symbol : Front legs of bed, hammock, fig tree Deity : Bhaga, god of marital bliss and prosperity Indian zodiac: 1320' - 2640' Simha Western zodiac 920' - 2240' Virgo DenebolaLord: Surya (Sun) Symbol: Four legs of bed, hammock Deity : Aryaman, god of patronage and favours Indian zodiac: 2640' Simha- 10 Kanya Western zodiac 2240' Virgo - 6 Libra , and Lord: Chandra (Moon) Symbol: Hand or fist Deity : Saviti or Surya, the Sun god Indian zodiac: 10 - 2320' Kanya Western zodiac 6 - 1920' Libra Lord: Mangala (Mars) Symbol: Bright jewel or pearl Deity : Tvastar or Vishvakarman, the celestial architect Indian zodiac: 2320' Kanya - 640' Tula Western zodiac: 1920' Libra - 240' Scorpio Arcturus Lord: Rahu (north lunar node) Symbol: Shoot of plant, coral Deity : Vayu, the Wind god Indian zodiac: 640' - 20 Tula Western zodiac 240' - 16 Scorpio ed, , god of , the 20 16 Vishakha Fork Shaped (Having branches) , , Librae 17 Anuradha Disciple of Divine Spark , and Scorpionis18 Jyeshtha 7 * The Eldest , , and Scorpionis19 Mula The Root , , , , and Scorpionis and Lord: Guru (Jupiter) Symbol : Triumphal arch, potter's wheel Deity : Indira, chief of the gods; Agni, god of Fire Indian zodiac: 20 Tula -320' Vrishchika Western zodiac 16 - 2920' Scorpio and Scorpionis Lord: Shani (Saturn) Symbol : Triumphal archway, lotus Deity : Mitra, one of Adityas of friendship and partnership Indian zodiac: 320' - 1640' Vrishchika Western zodiac 2920' Scorpio - 1240' Sagittarius , and Scorpionis Lord: Budh (Mercury) Symbol : circular amulet, umbrella, earring Deity : Indra, chief of the gods Indian zodiac: 1640' - 30 Vrishchika Western zodiac 1240' - 26 Sagittarius , , , , and Scorpionis Lord: Ketu (south lunar node) Symbol : Bunch of roots tied together, elephant goad Deity : Nirrti, god of dissolution and destructionIndian zodiac: 0 - 1320' Dhanus Western zodiac 26 Sagittarius - 920' Capricorn : Triumphal arch, , chief of the - Adityas of friendship and : circular amulet, , chief of the : Bunch of roots lution and destruction 1320' 20 Purva Ashadha Early Victory or The Undefeated and Sagittarii21 Uttara Ashadha c Latter victory or Latter Undefeated and Sagittarii22 Shravana Hearing , and Aquilae 23 Shravishth or Dhanishta * or * Richest One to Delphinus24 Shatabhisha or Shatataraka / Hundred Healers AquariiSagittarii Lord: Shukra (Venus) Symbol: Elephant tusk, fan, winnowing basket Deity : Apah, god of WaterIndian zodiac: 1320' - 2640' Dhanus Western zodiac 920' - 2240' Capricorn Sagittarii Lord: Surya (Sun) Symbol : Elephant tusk, small bed Deity : Vishvedas, universal gods Indian zodiac: 2640' Dhanus - 10 Makara Western zodiac 2240' Capricorn - 6 Aquarius and Lord: Chandra (Moon) Symbol : Ear or Three Footprints Deity : Vishnu, preserver of universe Indian zodiac: 10 - 2320' Makara Western zodiac 6 - 1920' Aquarius Delphinus Lord: Mangala (Mars) Symbol : Drum or flute Deity : Eight vasus, deities of earthly abundance Indian zodiac: 2320' Makara - 640' Kumbha Western zodiac 1920' Aquarius - 240' Pisces Aquarii Lord: Rahu (north lunar node) Symbol : Empty circle, 1,000 flowers or stars Deity : Varuna, god of cosmic waters, sky and earth Indian zodiac: 640' - 20 Kumbha ; Western zodiac 240' - 16 Pisces : Elephant tusk, fan, , god of Water , universal , preserver of 2320' 1920' , deities 20 Western zodiac 25 Purva Bhadrapada / 9* Former Happy Feet and 26 Uttara Bhdrapad c / c9* Latter Happy Feet Pegasi Andromedae27 Revati (The Wealthy) PisciumThere is an additional 28th intercalary nakshatra, Vega - between Uttarasharha and Sravana). Its longitude starts from 06 40' to 10 53' 40 in sidereal Capricorn i.e. from the last quarter of Uttra Ashadha to first 1/15 th part of Shravana. Its span is 4 13' 40daily lunar motions totals 355.76167 degrees, and together these total 359.98945 degrees. Unless specifically mentioned it is not included in the list of the 27 constellations. It is held as an auspicious constellation in electional astrology. It is small (Laghu / Kshipra) in nature. The lord of Abhijit is Pegasi Lord: Guru (Jupiter) Symbol : Swords or two front legs of funeral cot, man with two faces Deity : Ajikapada, an ancient fire dragon Indian zodiac: 20 Kumbha - 320' Meena ; Western zodiac 16 - 2920' Pisces and Andromedae Lord: Shani (Saturn) Symbol : Twins, back legs of funeral cot, snake in the water Deity : Ahir Budhyana, serpent or dragon of the deep Indian zodiac: 320' - 1640' Meena ; Western zodiac 2920' Pisces - 1240' Aries Piscium Lord: Budh (Mercury) Symbol : Fish or a pair of fish, drum Deity : Pushan, nourisher, the protective deity Indian zodiac: 1640' - 30 Meena Western zodiac 1240' - 26 Aries There is an additional 28th intercalary nakshatra, Abhijit ( )(between Uttarasharha and Sravana). Its longitude starts from 06 40' to 10 in sidereal Capricorn i.e. from the last quarter of Uttra Ashadha to first 1/15 vana. Its span is 4 13' 40 (4.22777... degrees). The span of 27 mean daily lunar motions totals 355.76167 degrees, and together these total 359.98945 degrees. Unless specifically mentioned it is not included in the list of the 27 d as an auspicious constellation in electional astrology. It is small (Laghu / Kshipra) in nature. The lord of Abhijit is Brahma. : 20 Kumbha 2920' Pisces : Twins, back legs of funeral cot, snake in the : Fish or a pair of , nourisher, 30 , and Lyrae - between Uttarasharha and Sravana). Its longitude starts from 06 40' to 10 in sidereal Capricorn i.e. from the last quarter of Uttra Ashadha to first 1/15 (4.22777... degrees). The span of 27 mean daily lunar motions totals 355.76167 degrees, and together these total 359.98945 degrees. Unless specifically mentioned it is not included in the list of the 27 d as an auspicious constellation in electional astrology. It is Divisions The 27 Nakshatras cover 1320 of the ecliptic each. Each Nakshatra is also divided into quarters or padas of 320, as follows: #NamePada 1Pada 2Pada 3Pada 4 1Ashvini ()) ChuChe Cho La 2Bharani ()| Li LuLe Lo 3Krittik (c) A I U E 4Rohini() O Va/Ba Vi/Bi Vu/Bu 5Mrigashrsha (H )Ve/Be Vo/Bo Ka| Ke 6rdr ( ) Ku Gha Ng/Na Chha 7Punarvasu ( )Ke Ko Ha| Hi 8Pushya (*) HuHe Ho Da 9shlesh ( ) Di DuDe Do 10 Magh () Ma Mi MuMe 11 Prva or Prva Phalgun (~) Mo Ta| Ti Tu 12 Uttara or Uttara Phalgun (c ~) Te To Pa Pi 13 Hasta (1) Pu Sha Na Tha 14 Chitr ()Pe Po Ra| Ri 15 Svt (1)F RuRe Ro Ta 16 Vishkh () Ti TuTe To 17 Anurdh () Na Ni NuNe 18 Jyeshtha (7 *) No Ya Yi Yu 19 Mla ()Ye Yo Bha Bhi 20 Prva Ashdh () Bhu Dha Bha/Pha Dha 21 Uttara Ashdh (c)Bhe Bho Ja Ji 22 Shravana () Ju/Khi Je/Khu Jo/Khe Gha/Kho 23 Shravishth (*) or Dhanishta Ga Gi GuGe 24 Shatabhish ()or Shatataraka Go Sa Si Su 25 Prva Bhdrapad ( )Se So Da| Di 26 Uttara Bhdrapad (c) Du Tha Jha Da/Tra 27 Revat ( )De Do Cha Chi Names The names of nakshatras in other languages are adapted from the Sanskrit variation (apabhramsa) through Pali or Prakrit. The variations evolved for easier pronunciation in popular usage. # Sanskrit 1Malayalam 2GO3Qo Tamil Mongolian 1 Ashvin Ashvati CuJ1 Aswini 2 Bharan Bharai CmG1 Barai 3 Krittik c Krttika 3C1 Krthikai 4 Rohini Rhii Gm31G1 Rhii 5 Mrigashrsha HMakayiram 2O1mo Mirugasridam 6 rdr tira or Tiruvtira C1m (1m)O31m) Thiruvdhirai 7 Punarvasu Puartam )GCo Punarpoosam 8 Pushya * Pyam )Oo Poosam 9 shlesh / yilyam CO1G|o Ayilyam 10 Magh Makam 2o Magam 11 Prva or Prva Phalgun ~ Pram )mo Pooram 12 Uttara or Uttara Phalgun c ~ Utram C[o Uthiram 13 Hasta 1 Attam Co Astham 14 Chitr Chittira 11m (1[) Chithirai 15 Svt 1 Chti G31 Swathi 16 Vishkh Vishkham O1u3Oo Visakam 17 Anurdh Anizham Cu1uo Anusham 18 Jyeshtha 7 * Ka (Trikka) G3 (_G3) Kettai 19 Mla Mlam 2)Go Mlam 20 Prva Ashdh Pram )m33o Pradam 21 Uttara Ashdh c Utram C[33o Uthirdam 22 Shravana Tiruvnam CGo (1m)GO3Go) Tiruvnam / 23 Shravishth or Dhanishta * or * Aviam CO13o Aviam 24 Shatabhish or Shatataraka / Chatayam Oo Sadayam 25 Prva Bhdrapad / 9* Pruruti )m)m)331 Prurudhi 26 Uttara Bhdrapad c / c9* Uttti C[331 Uttdhi 27 Revati Rvati GmO1 Rvathi Traditional Hindu names Hindu astrologers (see Jyotisha) teach that when a child is born, they should be given an auspicious first name which will correspond to the child's Nakshatra. It is claimed that the benefit of this naming is that when the child hears this sound it generates the feeling of wholeness within the child. The child gains the feeling of comfort 'that mother is at home', whereas the wrong name can lead to feelings of isolation or alienation. The Moon is associated with mother, so using this sound gives the child that comfort feeling of mother. Each birthstar has corresponding Sanskrit sounds which would belong at the beginning of such a name. These are available under each Nakshatra, listed above. The principle technique for deducing the name is to see which nakshatra the moon is in at the moment of birth; this gives four possible sounds. A refinement is to pick one sound out of that four that relates to the Pada or division of the Nakshatra. Each Nakshatra has four Padas and four sounds and each Pada is of equal width. The Nakshatra changes every 62 minutes of time and the Pada every 15 minutes. A further refinement or opportunity is to instead use the Nakshatra that the ascendent resides in at birth. The same broad choice of sounds and Padas apply, but now the sounds change roughly every 15 minutes. The ascendent passes through all 27 Nakshatras every 24 hours, being in each one for 53 and a third minutes of time, and is in a Pada for 13 and a third minutes of time. By using the ascendent's nakshatra, instead of the moon's nakshatra leads more to comfort of the Self, rather than comfort of the mother. This second approach is only really applicable if intuitively the moon approach does not feel right. Use in electional astrology Constellations are grouped on the basis of their nature, type of their face, degree of their beneficence, their quarters in different signs, with reference to the constellation occupied by the Sun, with reference to the birth constellation (Janma Nakshatra), their caste, etc. The current constellation occupied by the Moon, and its nature forms the fundamental of Vedic system of electional astrology (Muhurta). Some of the activities and works which are associated with the Nakshatras are given below based on their fundamental nature: Fixed (Dhruva, Sthira) constellations: Rohini, Uttara Bhdrapad , Uttra Falguni, and Uttara Ashada Fixed and permanent nature, house, village, temple, entering in new hose-city-temple, religious works, rites for getting peace, propitiation of portents, Vinayaka Shanti, coronation, sowing of seeds, planting of small garden, starting of vocal music, friendship, sexual works, making & wearing of ornaments & clothes may be auspiciously begun / effectively performed. Works allocated to delicate & friendly (Mridu) asterisms may also be performed. Movable (Chal , Char) constellations: Punarvasu, Swaati, Sharavana, Shatabhish & Shravishth Related to motion & movement, riding on a vehicle or elephant, opening of shop, walking first time, walking in garden, sex, making jewellery, learning of a trait. Things performed in Small (Laghu) constellation are also effectively performed in the Movable constellations. Cruel (Ugra, Karur) constellations: Magha, Bharni, Porva Falguni, Poorva Shada, & Poorva Bhadra. Ambush, burning, poisoning (self & others), making & using weapons especially related to fire, cheating / deception / wickedness / craftiness, cutting & destroying, controlling of animals, beating & punishing of enemy. Works allocated to Sharp / Horrible (Darun) asterisms are also successfully done in these asterisms. Mixed (Mishra & Sadharan) constellations Vishakha & Krittika. Fire works, burning of sacred fire (Agnihotra), using poison, fearsome works, arresting, adulteration (mixing), donation of ox to get ones desires fulfilled (Vrashotsarga). Works prescribed under cruel (Ugra, Karur) constellations may also be performed. As per N.S. works of Sweet / delicate & friendly (Mridu & Maitri) constellations can also be included. Small (Laghu & Kshipra) constellations Hasta, Abhijit, Pushya, and Ashvani. Selling, medical knowledge, using & handling of medicines, literature-music-art, the 64 Kala Shilpa (various arts, sculpture etc.) jewellery making & wearing, sexual intercourse. And the works prescribed for Movable (Char) constellations. Though Abhijit is included in Small group of asterisms, but is rarely referred in the Muhurt prescriptions. Sweet/Delicate & Friendly (Mridu & Maitri) constellations Mrigashrsha, Chitra, Anuradha and Revati. Starting & learning singing of songs, clothes & jewellery making & wearing, Manglik works, matter related to friends, female company, enjoyments, sexual passions. Sharp & Horrible ( Teekshan & Darun ) constellations: Jyeshta, Ardra, Ashlesha, and Moola Charm or spell causing disease or death, hypnotism, sorcery; ghost, ambush, horror, murder, capture, matters related to secrecy, backbiting, starting of quarrel, separation, matters related to friendship & breaking thereof, training & tying of animals, pleasure works, playing games, getting made & wearing of new dress & ornaments, starting & learning singing of songs, entering into village / city, peaceful & developmental works.