Radhika Kothuri
Jun 2022
In Vedic astrology, Nakshatras or constellations are the key to understanding celestial influence on the people. There are total 27 nakshatras. The significance of each nakshatra decides the course of destiny as soon as a person is born. These nakshatras are approx. 400 light-years away from earth. Nakshatras are the most important in astrology to place any auspicious muhurta(time) for any social, cultural and religious events. The nakshatra, in which the Moon is present at the time of one’s birth is called Janma Nakshatra. Nakshatras are a vital part of vedic astrology.
Nakshtra:
Nakshatra is a combination of two words “Naks” means “Sky” and “Shetra” means “Area” or “Region”. Hence, nakshatra is an “area of the sky” or “sky map” that includes the 12 Rashis. These Nakshatras impact our nature, and psychology and provide more information about an individual. Each nakshatra has a mythological connection to our purnas, these provide a deep insight into their nature, characteristics, strengths, weaknesses etc. We will discuss at length each Nakshatra in our future articles in the series of “Nakshatras”.
Each naksatra measures 13 degrees and 20 minutes. Nakshatra starts at Zero degrees Aries and ends at 30 degree Pisces. The calculation is derived by dividing 360 degrees (a circle) into 27 equal parts. Each nakshatra has four phases (Pada). Each Rashi has 2 ½ nakshatras that is each Rashi has 9 padas. The Moon is known to transit one rashi in 2.25 days(approx.). Hence, Moon transits all the 12 rashis in a span of approx. 27 days.
Classification of Nakshatras:
Gana:
The nakshatras are classified under three main groups
Ashwini, Mrigasura, Punarvasu, Pushyami, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Sravana Revati.
Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Poorvaphalguni, Uttaraphalguni, Poorvashada, Uttarashada, Poorvabhadra, Uttarabhadra.
Krittika, Aslesha, Magha, Chitta, Visakha, Jyeshta, Moola, Dhanista, Satabisha.
Nadi:
They are divided into three nadis. Nakshatras assigned to different nadis are:
Ashwini, Arudra, Punarvasu, Uttaraphalguni, Hasta, Jyeshta, Moola, Satabisha, Poorvabhadra.
Bharani, Mrigasira, Pushyami, Poorvaphalguni, Chitta, Anuradha, Poorvashada, Dhanista, Uttarabhadra.
Krittika, Rohini, Aslesha, Magha, Swati, Visakha, Uttarashada, Sravana, Revati.
Planetary Lords of Nakshatras:
Each nakshatra has a planetary lord which is used for astrological predictions with the help of vimsottari dasa. The number of years assigned to the planet and nakshatra is the mahadasa duration in Vimsottari dasa.
Ashwini, Magha, Moola
Bharani, Poorvaphalguni, Poorvashada
Krittika, Uttaraphalguni, Poorvashada
Rohini, Hasta, Sravana
Mrigasira, Chitra, Dhanista
Ardra, Swati, Satabisha
Punarvasu, Vishakha, Poorvabhadra
Pushyami, Anuradha, Uttarabhadra
Aslesha, Jyeshta, Revati.
Taras:
Each Nakshatra is assigned to a Tara which represents auspiciousness.
Ashwini, Magha, Moola
Bharani, Poorvaphalguni, Poorvashada
Krittika, Uttaraphalguni, Poorvashada
Rohini, Hasta, Sravana
Mrigasira, Chitra, Dhanista
Ardra, Swati, Satabisha
Punarvasu, Vishakha, Poorvabhadra
Pushyami, Anuradha, Uttarabhadra
Aslesha, Jyeshta, Revati.
Names and deities of the Nakshatras:
Nakshatra Diety
Ashwini Ashwini Kumara
Bharani Yama
Krittika Agni
Rohini Brahma
Mrigashira Chandra
Arudra Rudra
Punarvasu Aditi
Pushya Brihaspathi
Aslesha Nagas
Magha Pitra
Purvaphalguni Bhaga
Uttaraphalguni Aryaman
Hasta Aditya
Chitta Tvashtav
Swati Vayu
Vishakha Indra Agni
Anuradha Mitra
Jyestha Indra
Moola Varuna Nirriti
Purvashada Jal
Uttarashada Vishwadeva
Shravana Vishnu
Dhanistha Ashta Vasav
Satabhisha Varuna
Poorvabhadrapada ajaikapat
Uttarabhadrapada Ahirbudhanya
Revati Pooshvav
Nakshatras favourable to perform the tasks.
Mythology of Nakshatras and Moon:
Lord Chandra (Moon) is the son of Maharshi Atri and Anasuya. He is a gracious god equipped with sixteen arts (kala). He sits on a white lotus seat in a beautiful chariot pulled by seven white horses.
Chandra married 27 daughters of King Daksha and Panchajani. After marriage, Chandra promised Daksha that he will take care of all 27 wives equally with love and care. But, among his all wives, Chandra was more fond of his fourth wife Rohini, and spent most of his time with her. His other wives were not happy with this and requested him to spend equal time with all. Inspite of it Chandra still continued ignoring them. Then all the 26 nakshatras approach King Daksha. Angered Daksha curses Chandra that his power declines day by day and will suffer from Kshaya roga(Tuberculosis). Chandra begs Daksha to take back the curse. But, Daksha says that as he cannot take back the curse, praying to Lord Shiva may help.
Chandra prays to Lord shiva at a Prabhas Patan(now in Gujarat). The shivalinga that Chandra prayed for is known as Somnath Jyothirlinga. Pleased Lord Shiva tells Chandra that the curse cannot be fully reversed but can be relaxed. Hence, from then on in a month during the first 15 days Shuklapaksha, Chandra has brightness (waxing moon) and next 15 days it is Waning Moon which is known as Krishna paksha. Chandra will have full radiance on the 15th day of Shuklapaksha “Purnima” and disappear on the 15th day of Krishna paksha “Amavasya”. Because of this curse, Moon passes through one nakshatra each day and goes through all the nakshatras in one month.