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Each nakshatra represents a division of the ecliptic similar to the zodiac (13°20’ 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 Chitrā in Sanskrit (other slightly different definitions exist). It is
called Meshādi 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. Sanskrit Name Western star
Description Image
No. and Meaning name
• Lord: Ketu (South lunar
node)
• Symbol : Horse's head
• Deity : Ashwini Kumaras,,
Ashvini the horse-headed twins
अिवनी who are physicians to the
1 β and γ Arietis
Horse-like- gods
woman • Indian zodiac: 0° - 13°20'
Mesha
• Western zodiac 26° Aries -
9°20' Taurus
There is an additional 28th intercalary nakshatra, Abhijit (अ4भिजत ्)(α α, ε and ζ 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.
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
constellations. It is held
d as an auspicious constellation in electional astrology. It is
small (Laghu / Kshipra) in nature. The lord of Abhijit is Brahma.
Divisions
The 27 Nakshatras cover 13°20’ of the ecliptic each. Each Nakshatra is also divided
into quarters or padas of 3°20’, as follows:
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Fire works, burning of sacred fire (Agnihotra), using poison, fearsome works,
arresting, adulteration (mixing), donation of ox to get one’s 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.
Starting & learning singing of songs, clothes & jewellery making & wearing, Manglik
works, matter related to friends, female company, enjoyments, sexual passions.
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.