akshatrasAshvinBharanKttikRohinMrigashrardrPunarvasuPushyashleshMaghPrva PhalgunUttara PhalgunHastaChitrSvtVishkhAnurdhJyeshthaMlaPrva AshdhUttara AshdhShravanaDhanisthaShatabhishaPrva BhdrapadUttara BhdrapadRevatakshatraFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaA 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 lunarmansion system of Hindu astrology. The names are related to the most prominent star orasterism in the respective sectors.[1]Contents1 Overview2 Nakshatra descriptions3 Divisions4 Names5 Traditional Hindu names6 Use in electional astrology7 See also8 References9 Notes10 External linksOverviewEach nakshatra represents a division of the ecliptic similar to the zodiac (1320 each insteadof the 30 for each zodiac sign). The orbit of the moon is 27.3 days, so the Moon takesapproximately 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 Meshdior the "start of Aries". The ecliptic is divided into each of the nakshatras eastwards startingfrom this point.The list of Nakshatras is found in the Vedic texts (AV 19.7; Taittiriya Samhita) and also in theShatapatha Brahmana. The first astronomy text that lists them is the Vedanga Jyotisha ofLagadha.In Ancient India, the Nakshastras were created by Daksha and are personified as daughtersof the deity and as mythological wives of Chandra, the moon god. Some even make them the daughters ofKashyapa, 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 LunarNode), Shukra (Venus), Ravi or Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Rahu (North Lunar Node), Guruor Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shani (Saturn) and Budha (Mercury). This cycle repeats itself three times to cover all 27nakshatras. The lord of each nakshatra determines the planetary period known as the dasha , which is consideredof major importance in forecasting the life path of the individual.akshatra descriptionsThe following are the 27 nakshatras and their meanings, with their equivalent positions in the Indian and Westernzodiacs. 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 zodiacthey have diverged from each other by about 25. Therefore in the Western zodiac 0 Aries (Mesha) correspondsto 5 Pisces (Meena) in the Indian zodiac and so on.Sl.o.Sanskritameand MeaningWestern starnameDescription Image1Ashvini+Horse-like-woman and ArietisLord: Ketu (South lunar node)Symbol : Horse's headDeity : Ashwini Kumaras, the horse-headed twins who are physicians to thegodsIndian zodiac: 0 - 1320' MeshaWestern zodiac 26 Aries - 920'Taurus2BharaniBearer-woman35, 39, and 41ArietisLord: Shukra (Venus)Symbol: Yoni, the female organ ofreproductionDeity: Yama, god of death or DharmaIndian zodiac: 13 20' - 2640' MeshaWestern zodiac 9 20' - 22 40'Taurus3KrittikaCutting womanPleiadesLord: Surya (Sun)Symbol: Knife or spearDeity : Agni, god of fireIndian zodiac: 2640' Mesha - 10VrishabhaWestern zodiac 22 40' Taurus - 6Gemini4Rohini AldebaranLord: Chandra (Moon)Symbol: Cart or chariot, temple,banyan treeDeity : Brahma or Prajapati, theRed woman CreatorIndian zodiac: 10 - 2320' VrishabhaWestern zodiac 6 - 1920' Gemini5MrigashrshaHHead of a Deer, OrionisLord: Mangala (Mars)Symbol: Deer's headDeity: Soma, Chandra, the Moon godIndian zodiac: 23 20' Vrishabha - 640' MithunaWestern zodiac: 1920' Gemini - 240'Cancer6ArdradMoist OneBetelgeuseLord: Rahu (North lunar node)Symbol: Teardrop, diamond, a humanheadDeity : Rudra, the storm godIndian zodiac: 6 40' - 20 MithunaWestern zodiac: 2 40' - 16 Cancer7Punarvasu Return of theLightCastor and PolluxLord: Guru (Jupiter)Symbol : Bow and quiverDeity : Aditi, mother of the godsIndian zodiac: 20 Mithuna - 320'KarkaWestern zodiac 16 - 2920' Cancer8Pushya *Nourishing, and CancriLord: Shani (Saturn)Symbol : Cow's udder, lotus, arrowand circleDeity : Bhaspati, priest of the godsIndian zodiac: 320' -1640' KarkaWestern zodiac 2920' Cancer -1240' Leo9shleshHThe Embracer, , , , and HydraeLord: Budh (Mercury)Symbol: SerpentDeity : Sarpas or Nagas, deifiedsnakesIndian zodiac: 1640' - 30 KarkaWestern zodiac 1240' - 26 LeoLord: Ketu (south lunar node)Symbol : Royal Throne10MaghThe Great OneRegulusSymbol : Royal ThroneDeity : Pitrs, 'The Fathers', familyancestorsIndian zodiac: 0 - 1320' SimhaWestern zodiac 26 Leo - 920' Virgo11PrvaPhalgun ~ FormerReddish One and LeonisLord: Shukra (Venus)Symbol : Front legs of bed, hammock,fig treeDeity : Bhaga, god of marital bliss andprosperityIndian zodiac: 1320' - 2640' SimhaWestern zodiac 920' - 2240' Virgo12UttaraPhalgun ~ Latter ReddishOneDenebolaLord: Surya (Sun)Symbol: Four legs of bed, hammockDeity : Aryaman, god of patronage andfavoursIndian zodiac: 2640' Simha- 10KanyaWestern zodiac 2240' Virgo - 6Libra13Hasta1The Hand, , , and CorviLord: Chandra (Moon)Symbol: Hand or fistDeity : Saviti or Surya, the Sun godIndian zodiac: 10 - 2320' KanyaWestern zodiac 6 - 1920' Libra14ChitraBright OneSpicaLord: Mangala (Mars)Symbol: Bright jewel or pearlDeity : Tvastar or Vishvakarman, thecelestial architectIndian zodiac: 2320' Kanya - 640'TulaWestern zodiac: 1920' Libra - 240'Scorpio15Svt1Sword orIndependenceArcturusLord: Rahu (north lunar node)Symbol: Shoot of plant, coralDeity : Vayu, the Wind godIndian zodiac: 640' - 20 TulaWestern zodiac 240' - 16 Scorpio16VishakhaFork Shaped(Havingbranches), , and LibraeLord: Guru (Jupiter)Symbol : Triumphal arch, potter'swheelDeity : Indra, chief of the gods; Agni,god of FireIndian zodiac: 20 Tula - 320'VrishchikaWestern zodiac 16 - 2920' Scorpio17Anuradha Disciple ofDivine Spark, and ScorpionisLord: Shani (Saturn)Symbol : Triumphal archway, lotusDeity : Mitra, one of Adityas offriendship and partnershipIndian zodiac: 320' - 1640'VrishchikaWestern zodiac 2920' Scorpio -1240' Sagittarius18Jyeshtha7 8The Eldest, , and ScorpionisLord: Budh (Mercury)Symbol : circular amulet, umbrella,earringDeity : Indra, chief of the godsIndian zodiac: 1640' - 30 VrishchikaWestern zodiac 1240' - 26Sagittarius19MulaThe Root, , , , , , , and ScorpionisLord: Ketu (south lunar node)Symbol : Bunch of roots tied together,elephant goadDeity : Nirrti, goddess of dissolutionand destructionIndian zodiac: 0 - 1320' DhanusWestern zodiac 26 Sagittarius - 920'Capricorn20PurvaAshadhaEarly Victory orThe Undefeated and SagittariiLord: Shukra (Venus)Symbol: Elephant tusk, fan, winnowingbasketDeity : Apah, god of WaterIndian zodiac: 1320' - 2640' DhanusWestern zodiac 920' - 2240'Capricorn21UttaraAshadhaLatter victoryorLatterUndefeated and SagittariiLord: Surya (Sun)Symbol : Elephant tusk, small bedDeity : Visvedevas, universal godsIndian zodiac: 2640' Dhanus - 10MakaraWestern zodiac 2240' Capricorn - 6Aquarius22ShravanaHearing, and AquilaeLord: Chandra (Moon)Symbol : Ear or Three FootprintsDeity : Vishnu, preserver of universeIndian zodiac: 10 - 2320' MakaraWestern zodiac 6 - 1920' Aquarius23Shravishth orDhanishta8 or8Richest One to DelphinusLord: Mangala (Mars)Symbol : Drum or fluteDeity : Eight vasus, deities of earthlyabundanceIndian zodiac: 2320' Makara - 640'KumbhaWestern zodiac 1920' Aquarius -240' Pisces24Shatabhishaor Shatataraka /HundredHealers AquariiLord: Rahu (north lunar node)Symbol : Empty circle, 1,000 flowersor starsDeity : Varuna, god of cosmic waters,sky and earthIndian zodiac: 640' - 20 Kumbha ;Western zodiac 240' - 16 Pisces25PurvaBhadrapadad /98Former HappyFeet and PegasiLord: Guru (Jupiter)Symbol : Swords or two front legs offuneral cot, man with two facesDeity : Ajikapada, an ancient firedragonIndian zodiac: 20 Kumbha - 320'Meena ; Western zodiac 16 - 2920'PiscesUttaraLord: Shani (Saturn)26UttaraBhdrapadd /98Latter HappyFeet Pegasi and AndromedaeSymbol : Twins, back legs of funeralcot, snake in the waterDeity : Ahir Budhyana, serpent ordragon of the deepIndian zodiac: 320' - 1640' Meena ;Western zodiac 2920' Pisces - 1240'Aries27Revati The Wealthy PisciumLord: Budh (Mercury)Symbol : Fish or a pair of fish, drumDeity : Pushan, nourisher, theprotective deityIndian zodiac: 1640' - 30 MeenaWestern zodiac 1240' - 26 AriesThere is an additional 28th intercalary nakshatra, Abhijit ( )(, and Lyrae - Vega - betweenUttarasharha and Sravana). Its longitude starts from 06 40' to 10 53' 40 in sidereal Capricorn i.e. from the lastquarter of Uttra Ashadha to first 1/15 th part of Shravana. Its span is 4 13' 40 (4.22777... degrees). Thespan 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 auspiciousconstellation in electional astrology. It is small (Laghu / Kshipra) in nature. The lord of Abhijit is Brahma.DivisionsThe 27 akshatras cover 1320 of the ecliptic each. Each akshatra is also divided into quarters orpadas of 320, and the below table lists the appropriate starting sound to name the child. The 27 nakshatras, eachwith 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 41 Avini (+)) Chu Che Cho La2 Bhara () | Li Lu Le Lo3 Kttik () A I U E4 Rohini() O Va/Ba Vi/Bi Vu/Bu5 Mgarsha (H ) Ve/Be Vo/Bo Ka | Ke6 rdr (d ) Ku Gha Ng/Na Chha7 Punarvasu ( ) Ke Ko Ha | Hi8 Puya ( *) Hu He Ho Da9 shle (H) Di Du De Do10 Magh () Ma Mi Mu Me11 Prva or Prva Phalgun ( ~ ) Mo Ta | Ti Tu12 Uttara or Uttara Phalgun ( ~ ) Te To Pa Pi13 Hasta (1) Pu Sha Na Tha14 Citr () Pe Po Ra | Ri15 Svt (1) F Ru Re Ro Ta16 Vikh () Ti Tu Te To17 Anurdh ( ) Na Ni Nu Ne18 Jyeha (7 8) No Ya Yi Yu19 Mla () Ye Yo Bha Bhi20 Prva Ashdh () Bhu Dha Bha/Pha Dha21 Uttara Ah () Bhe Bho Ja Ji22 rvaa ( ) Ju/Khi Je/Khu Jo/Khe Gha/Kho23 rviha (8) or Dhaniha Ga Gi Gu Ge24 atabhi ()or atataraka Go Sa Si Su25 Prva Bhdrapad (d) Se So Da | Di26 Uttara Bhdrapad (d) Du Tha Jha Da/Tra27 Revat (nakatra) ( ) De Do Cha ChiamesThe names of nakshatras in other languages are adapted from the Sanskrit variation (apabhramsa) through Pali orPrakrit. The variations evolved for easier pronunciation in popular usage.#Sanskrit 1 1 1 1Teluguc:: c:: c:: c::Kannada Malayalam2GO3Qo 2GO3Qo 2GO3Qo 2GO3QoTamil u u u uMongolian1Ashvin+Ashwini:Ashwini5,-AshvatiCuJ1AswiniOl|2BharanBharaniBharanicBharaiCmG1Barail 3KrittikKritikaO KritikacKrttika3U1Krthikai 4RohiniRohinio`cRohiniOcRhiiGm31G1Rhiil 5MrigashrshaHMrigashiraDnMrigashira5Makayiram2O1moMirugasridammmu6rdrdArdraArdrartira or TiruvtiraC1m(1m)O31m)Thiruvdhiraim7 Punarvasu Punarvasu,:Punarvasu|rPuartam)GUoPunarpoosamLLu 8Pushya *Pushya,(Pushya|Pyam)OoPoosamLu 9shlesh /HAshlesha AshleshaoyilyamCO1G|oAyilyaml0u10MaghMaaghaMaaghaCuJ1MakamcMagamu 11Prva or PrvaPhalgun ~ Poorva:PoorvaorPram)moPooramLu 12Uttara or UttaraPhalgun ~ Uttara UttaraUtramC[oUthiramu13Hasta1HastaHastaAttamCoAsthamOu14ChitrChitraDChitradChittira11m(1[)Chithirai15Svt1Swathi`:OSwathik,cChtiG31Swathi 16VishkhVishakhaDVishakhacoVishkhamO1u3OoVisakamlu17Anurdh AnuradhaoAnuradhaOCAnizhamCu1uoAnushamQu 18Jyeshtha7 8JyesthaJyesthacKa (Trikka)G3(_G3)KettaiL19MlaMoolaMoolaMlam2)GoMlamHu20Prva AshdhPoorvashadha:Poorvashadha|craPram)m33oPradamLu21Uttara AshdhUttarashadha oUttarashadhaOaUtramC[33oUthirdamu22ShravanaShravana ShravanaTiruvnamCGo(1m)GO3Go)Tiruvnammu/23Shravishth orDhanishta8 or 8DhanishtaDhanishta-AviamCO13oAviamlLu24Shatabhish orShatataraka /ShatabhishaOShatabhishaOChatayamOoSadayamu25PrvaBhdrapadd /98PoorvaBhadrapada:c PoorvaBhadrapadaorcPruruti)m)m)331PrurudhiLL26UttaraBhdrapadd /98UttaraBhadrapada c UttaraBhadrapadacUtttiC[331UttdhiL27Revati RevatioORevatiOcRvatiGmO1RvathiTraditional Hindu namesHindu astrologers (see Jyotisha) teach that when a child is born, they should be given an auspicious first name whichwill correspond to the child's Nakshatra. It is claimed that the benefit of this naming is that when the child hears thissound it generates the feeling of wholeness within the child. The child gains the feeling of comfort 'that mother is athome', 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 areavailable under each Nakshatra, listed above. The principle technique for deducing the name is to see whichnakshatra the moon is in at the moment of birth; this gives four possible sounds. A refinement is to pick one soundout of that four that relates to the Pada or division of the Nakshatra. Each Nakshatra has four Padas and foursounds and each Pada is of equal width. The Nakshatra changes every 62 minutes of time and the Pada every 15minutes.A further refinement or opportunity is to instead use the Nakshatra that the ascendent resides in at birth. The samebroad choice of sounds and Padas apply, but now the sounds change roughly every 15 minutes. The ascendentpasses through all 27 Nakshatras every 24 hours, being in each one for 53 and a third minutes of time, and is in aPada for 13 and a third minutes of time. By using the ascendent's nakshatra, instead of the moon's nakshatra leadsmore to comfort of the Self, rather than comfort of the mother. This second approach is only really applicable ifintuitively the moon approach does not feel right.Use in electional astrologyConstellations are grouped on the basis of their nature, type of their face, degree of their beneficence, their quartersin 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 thefundamental of Vedic system of electional astrology (Muhurta). Some of the activities and works which areassociated with the Nakshatras are given below based on their fundamental nature:Fixed (Dhruva, Sthira) constellations:Fixed ( ) constellations:Rohini, Uttara Bhdrapad , Uttra Falguni, and Uttara AshadaFixed and permanent nature, house, village, temple, entering in new hose-city-temple, religious works, rites forgetting 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 auspiciouslybegun / effectively performed. Works allocated to delicate & friendly (Mridu) asterisms may also be performed.Movable (Chala , Chara) constellations:Punarvasu, Swaati, Sharavana, Shatabhish & ShravishthRelated to motion & movement, riding on a vehicle or elephant, opening of shop, walking first time, walking ingarden, sex, making jewellery, learning of a trait. Things performed in Small (Laghu) constellation are alsoeffectively 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. Worksallocated to Sharp / Horrible (Darun) asterisms are also successfully done in these asterisms.Mixed (Mishra & Sadharan) constellationsVishakha & 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) constellationsHasta, 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 Muhurtprescriptions.Sweet/Delicate & Friendly (Mridu & Maitri) constellationsMrigashrsha, Chitra, Anuradha and Revati.Starting & learning singing of songs, clothes & jewellery making & wearing, Manglik works, matter related tofriends, female company, enjoyments, sexual passions.Sharp & Horrible ( Teekshan & Darun ) constellations:Jyeshta, Ardra, Ashlesha, and MoolaCharm or spell causing disease or death, hypnotism, sorcery; ghost, ambush, horror, murder, capture, mattersrelated 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 alsoAtmakarakaNavagrahaPanchangamGandantaChinese constellationTwenty-eight mansionsReferences1. ^ Sutton, Komilla (1991). The Essentials of Vedic Astrology, The Wessex Astrologer Ltd, England, p.168.2. ^ Mythology of the Hindus, by Charles Coleman p.131otesAuthors who have written books on the /akshatras include:Prashant Trivedi (http://www.osfa.org.uk/book-19.htm)Dennis HarnessKomilla Sutton (http://www.komilla.com)Valerie RoebuckBepin BehariK.T. ShubhakaranBill LevacyJim KelleherU.S.PulippaniAstrologer and Vastu Consultant Shri Ashish Chaukkar from MumbaiExternal linksOnline 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 phrasesThis page was last modified on 21 July 2011 at 14:36.Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms mayapply. 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