akshatras

Ashvin
Bharan
Kttik
Rohin
Mrigashra
rdr
Punarvasu
Pushya
shlesh
Magh
Prva Phalgun
Uttara Phalgun
Hasta
Chitr
Svt
Vishkh
Anurdh
Jyeshtha
Mla
Prva Ashdh
Uttara Ashdh
Shravana
Dhanistha
Shatabhisha
Prva Bhdrapad
Uttara Bhdrapad
Revat
akshatra
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A akshatra (Devanagari: H, Sanskrit: nakshatra, 'star', from Sanskrit: naksha,
'approach', and Sanskrit: tra, 'guard') is one of the 27 sectors of the ecliptic in the lunar
mansion system of Hindu astrology. The names are related to the most prominent star or
asterism in the respective sectors.
[1]
Contents
1 Overview
2 Nakshatra descriptions
3 Divisions
4 Names
5 Traditional Hindu names
6 Use in electional astrology
7 See also
8 References
9 Notes
10 External links
Overview
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 star
Spica 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 Ancient India, 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.
akshatra 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.
o.
Sanskrit
ame
and Meaning
Western star
name
Description Image
1
Ashvini
+
Horse-like-
woman
and 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
2
Bharani

Bearer-woman
35, 39, and 41
Arietis
Lord: Shukra (Venus)
Symbol: Yoni, the female organ of
reproduction
Deity: Yama, god of death or Dharma
Indian zodiac: 13 20' - 2640' Mesha
Western zodiac 9 20' - 22 40'
Taurus
3
Krittika

Cutting woman
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
4
Rohini
Aldebaran
Lord: Chandra (Moon)
Symbol: Cart or chariot, temple,
banyan tree
Deity : Brahma or Prajapati, the
Red woman Creator
Indian zodiac: 10 - 2320' Vrishabha
Western zodiac 6 - 1920' Gemini
5
Mrigashrsha
H

Head of a Deer
, Orionis
Lord: Mangala (Mars)
Symbol: Deer's head
Deity: Soma, Chandra, the Moon god
Indian zodiac: 23 20' Vrishabha - 6
40' Mithuna
Western zodiac: 1920' Gemini - 240'
Cancer
6
Ardra
d
Moist One
Betelgeuse
Lord: 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
7
Punarvasu

Return of the
Light
Castor and Pollux
Lord: Guru (Jupiter)
Symbol : Bow and quiver
Deity : Aditi, mother of the gods
Indian zodiac: 20 Mithuna - 320'
Karka
Western zodiac 16 - 2920' Cancer
8
Pushya
*
Nourishing
, and Cancri
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
9
shlesh
H
The Embracer
, , , , and
Hydrae
Lord: Budh (Mercury)
Symbol: Serpent
Deity : Sarpas or Nagas, deified
snakes
Indian zodiac: 1640' - 30 Karka
Western zodiac 1240' - 26 Leo
Lord: Ketu (south lunar node)
Symbol : Royal Throne
10
Magh

The Great One

Regulus
Symbol : Royal Throne
Deity : Pitrs, 'The Fathers', family
ancestors
Indian zodiac: 0 - 1320' Simha
Western zodiac 26 Leo - 920' Virgo
11
Prva
Phalgun
~
Former
Reddish One
and 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
12
Uttara
Phalgun
~
Latter Reddish
One
Denebola
Lord: 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
13
Hasta
1
The Hand
, , , and
Corvi
Lord: Chandra (Moon)
Symbol: Hand or fist
Deity : Saviti or Surya, the Sun god
Indian zodiac: 10 - 2320' Kanya
Western zodiac 6 - 1920' Libra
14
Chitra

Bright One
Spica
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
15
Svt
1
Sword or
Independence
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
16
Vishakha

Fork Shaped
(Having
branches)
, , and Librae
Lord: Guru (Jupiter)
Symbol : Triumphal arch, potter's
wheel
Deity : Indra, chief of the gods; Agni,
god of Fire
Indian zodiac: 20 Tula - 320'
Vrishchika
Western zodiac 16 - 2920' Scorpio
17
Anuradha

Disciple of
Divine Spark
, 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
18
Jyeshtha
7 8
The Eldest
, , 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
19
Mula

The Root
, , , , , , ,
and Scorpionis
Lord: Ketu (south lunar node)
Symbol : Bunch of roots tied together,
elephant goad
Deity : Nirrti, goddess of dissolution
and destruction
Indian zodiac: 0 - 1320' Dhanus
Western zodiac 26 Sagittarius - 920'
Capricorn
20
Purva
Ashadha

Early Victory or
The Undefeated
and Sagittarii
Lord: Shukra (Venus)
Symbol: Elephant tusk, fan, winnowing
basket
Deity : Apah, god of Water
Indian zodiac: 1320' - 2640' Dhanus
Western zodiac 920' - 2240'
Capricorn
21
Uttara
Ashadha

Latter victory
or
Latter
Undefeated
and Sagittarii
Lord: Surya (Sun)
Symbol : Elephant tusk, small bed
Deity : Visvedevas, universal gods
Indian zodiac: 2640' Dhanus - 10
Makara
Western zodiac 2240' Capricorn - 6
Aquarius
22
Shravana

Hearing
, and Aquilae
Lord: Chandra (Moon)
Symbol : Ear or Three Footprints
Deity : Vishnu, preserver of universe
Indian zodiac: 10 - 2320' Makara
Western zodiac 6 - 1920' Aquarius
23
Shravishth or
Dhanishta
8 or
8
Richest One
to 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
24
Shatabhisha
or Shatataraka
/

Hundred
Healers
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
25
Purva
Bhadrapada
d /
98
Former Happy
Feet
and 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
Uttara
Lord: Shani (Saturn)
26
Uttara
Bhdrapad
d /
98
Latter Happy
Feet
Pegasi and
Andromedae
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
27
Revati

The Wealthy
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 ( )(, and Lyrae - 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' 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 constellations. It is held as an auspicious
constellation in electional astrology. It is small (Laghu / Kshipra) in nature. The lord of Abhijit is Brahma.
Divisions
The 27 akshatras cover 1320 of the ecliptic each. Each akshatra is also divided into quarters or
padas of 320, and the below table lists the appropriate starting sound to name the child. The 27 nakshatras, each
with 4 padas, give 108, which is the number of beads in a Hindu/Vedic japa mala, indicating all the elements (ansh)
of Vishnu:
# ame Pada 1 Pada 2 Pada 3 Pada 4
1 Avini (+)) Chu Che Cho La
2 Bhara () | Li Lu Le Lo
3 Kttik (

) A I U E
4 Rohini() O Va/Ba Vi/Bi Vu/Bu
5 Mgarsha (H

) Ve/Be Vo/Bo Ka | Ke
6 rdr (d )

Ku Gha Ng/Na Chha

7 Punarvasu (
) Ke Ko Ha | Hi
8 Puya ( *)

Hu He Ho Da
9 shle (H) Di Du De Do
10 Magh () Ma Mi Mu Me
11 Prva or Prva Phalgun ( ~ ) Mo Ta | Ti Tu
12 Uttara or Uttara Phalgun ( ~ ) Te To Pa Pi
13 Hasta (1) Pu Sha Na Tha
14 Citr () Pe Po Ra | Ri
15 Svt (1) F Ru Re Ro Ta
16 Vikh () Ti Tu Te To
17 Anurdh ( ) Na Ni Nu Ne
18 Jyeha (7 8) No Ya Yi Yu
19 Mla () Ye Yo Bha Bhi
20 Prva Ashdh () Bhu Dha Bha/Pha Dha
21 Uttara Ah () Bhe Bho Ja Ji
22 rvaa ( ) Ju/Khi Je/Khu Jo/Khe Gha/Kho
23 rviha (8) or Dhaniha Ga Gi Gu Ge
24 atabhi ()or atataraka Go Sa Si Su
25 Prva Bhdrapad (d) Se So Da | Di
26 Uttara Bhdrapad (d) Du Tha Jha Da/Tra
27 Revat (nakatra) ( ) De Do Cha Chi
ames
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
1

Telugu
c:: c:: c:: c::
Kannada

Malayalam
2GO3Qo 2GO3Qo 2GO3Qo 2GO3Qo
Tamil
u u u u
Mongolian
1
Ashvin
+
Ashwini
:
Ashwini
5,-
Ashvati
CuJ1
Aswini
Ol|

2
Bharan

Bharani

Bharani
c
Bharai
CmG1
Barai
l

3
Krittik

Kritika
O
Kritika
c
Krttika
3U1
Krthikai

4
Rohini

Rohini
o`c
Rohini
Oc
Rhii
Gm31G1
Rhii
l

5
Mrigashrsha
H

Mrigashira
Dn
Mrigashira
5
Makayiram
2O1mo
Mirugasridam
mmu

6
rdr
d
Ardra

Ardra
r
tira or Tiruvtira
C1m
(1m)O31m)
Thiruvdhirai
m

7 Punarvasu

Punarvasu
,:
Punarvasu
|r
Puartam
)GUo
Punarpoosam
LLu

8
Pushya
*
Pushya
,(
Pushya
|
Pyam
)Oo
Poosam
Lu

9
shlesh
/
H
Ashlesha

Ashlesha
o
yilyam
CO1G|o
Ayilyam
l0u

10
Magh

Maagha

Maagha
CuJ1
Makam
c
Magam
u

11
Prva or Prva
Phalgun
~
Poorva
:
Poorva
or
Pram
)mo
Pooram
Lu

12
Uttara or Uttara
Phalgun
~
Uttara

Uttara

Utram
C[o
Uthiram
u

13
Hasta
1
Hasta

Hasta

Attam
Co
Astham
Ou

14
Chitr

Chitra
D
Chitra
d
Chittira
11m
(1[)
Chithirai

15
Svt
1
Swathi
`:O
Swathi
k,c
Chti
G31
Swathi

16
Vishkh

Vishakha
D
Vishakha
co
Vishkham
O1u3Oo
Visakam
lu

17
Anurdh

Anuradha
o
Anuradha
OC
Anizham
Cu1uo
Anusham
Qu

18
Jyeshtha
7 8
Jyestha

Jyestha
c
Ka (Trikka)
G3(_G3)
Kettai
L

19
Mla

Moola

Moola

Mlam
2)Go
Mlam
Hu

20
Prva Ashdh

Poorvashadha
:
Poorvashadha
|cra
Pram
)m33o
Pradam
Lu

21
Uttara Ashdh

Uttarashadha
o
Uttarashadha
Oa
Utram
C[33o
Uthirdam
u

22
Shravana

Shravana

Shravana

Tiruvnam
CGo
(1m)GO3Go)
Tiruvnam
mu
/

23
Shravishth or
Dhanishta
8 or 8
Dhanishta

Dhanishta
-
Aviam
CO13o
Aviam
lLu

24
Shatabhish or
Shatataraka
/

Shatabhisha
O
Shatabhisha
O
Chatayam
Oo
Sadayam
u

25
Prva
Bhdrapad
d /
98
Poorva
Bhadrapada
:
c
Poorva
Bhadrapada
or
c
Pruruti
)m)m)331
Prurudhi
LL

26
Uttara
Bhdrapad
d /
98
Uttara
Bhadrapada
c
Uttara
Bhadrapada

c
Uttti
C[331
Uttdhi
L

27
Revati

Revati
oO
Revati
Oc
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 /akshatra), 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:
Fixed ( ) 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 (Chala , Chara) 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 Ashvini.
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.
See also
Atmakaraka
Navagraha
Panchangam
Gandanta
Chinese constellation
Twenty-eight mansions
References
1. ^ Sutton, Komilla (1991). The Essentials of Vedic Astrology, The Wessex Astrologer Ltd, England, p.168.
2. ^ Mythology of the Hindus, by Charles Coleman p.131
otes
Authors who have written books on the /akshatras include:
Prashant Trivedi (http://www.osfa.org.uk/book-19.htm)
Dennis Harness
Komilla Sutton (http://www.komilla.com)
Valerie Roebuck
Bepin Behari
K.T. Shubhakaran
Bill Levacy
Jim Kelleher
U.S.Pulippani
Astrologer and Vastu Consultant Shri Ashish Chaukkar from Mumbai
External links
Online Nakshatra calculator for any day and location (http://www.astroica.com/vedic-
astrology/nakshatra-calculator.php)
"Hindu Electional Astrology" - a compendium on Vedic Muhurtas (http://www.besttime-election.com)
Daily Nakshatra for your city (http://www.mypanchang.com/)
Online Jatakam/Kundli & Birth Nakshatra calculator (http://www.mypanchang.com/astrology)
Panchang information (http://anastrospark.com/)
baby names & janam nakshatra calculator (http://www.babybirthstar.com/)
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakshatra"
Categories: Hindu astrology | Hindu astronomy | Constellations | Nakshatra | Technical factors of astrology |
Sanskrit words and phrases
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