Vedic Astrology 1
PANCHANG (THE HINDU CALENDAR)
Although it is essential to have the knowledge of arithmetical calculations to understand Indian Astrology, but for the benefit of the common people, astrologers have devised a calendar (Panchang) with the help of which, and simple arithmetical calculations, one can have knowledge about planets, good or bad for him.
It is not necessary for a common man to be an astrologer in order to understand the Panchanga. But for a smooth and systematic running of life, one should know how to interpret ‘Phalita’.
Panchang means five organs to understand the Phalita. These five things are –
Tithi (Date)
Nakshatra (Group of stars)
Yoga (an auspicious moment)
Karan (Half of the part of Tithi)
Vaar (days of the week)
Nakshatra (Group of stars)
Yoga (an auspicious moment)
Karan (Half of the part of Tithi)
Vaar (days of the week)
TITHI
Tithi is considered as the first phase or portion (Kala) of the 16 phases of the Moon. The 15 days, commencing from Amavasya (the last day of the dark half of a lunar month) to Purnima (Full moon), are called the Tithis of the Shukla-Paksha (brighter phase) and the days commencing from Purnima to Amavasya are called Krishna Paksha (darker phase).
In Indian Astrology, the calculation of the Tithis starts from Pratipada (The first day in each half of the lunar month) of the Shukla-Paksha. They are:
Pratipada.
Dwitiya.
Tritiya.
Chaturthi.
Panchami.
Shashthi.
Saptami.
Ashtami.
Navami.
Dashami.
Ekadasi.
Dwadashi.
Trayodashi.
Chaturdashi.
Purnima.
Similarly, in the Krishna-Paksha, starting from Pratipada till Chaturdashi, all the dates are same; the only difference being the fifteenth day which is Amavasya (Moonless night)
Pratipada.
Dwitiya.
Tritiya.
Chaturthi.
Panchami.
Shashthi.
Saptami.
Ashtami.
Navami.
Dashami.
Ekadasi.
Dwadashi.
Trayodashi.
Chaturdashi.
Purnima.
Similarly, in the Krishna-Paksha, starting from Pratipada till Chaturdashi, all the dates are same; the only difference being the fifteenth day which is Amavasya (Moonless night)
These fifteen days have been given five names.
NANDA BHADRA JAYA RIKTA PURNA
1st day 2nd day 3rd day 4th day 5th day
6th day 7th day 8th day 9th day 10th day
11th day 12th day 13th day 14th day 15th-30th
Friday Wednesday Tuesday Saturday Thursday
1st day 2nd day 3rd day 4th day 5th day
6th day 7th day 8th day 9th day 10th day
11th day 12th day 13th day 14th day 15th-30th
Friday Wednesday Tuesday Saturday Thursday
If the above mentioned days falls on the given Tithis it is considered as auspicious and the work taken in hand in successfully accomplished. For example (if, 1st, 6th 11th falls on Friday, 2nd, 7th, 12th falls on Wednesday etc.)
INAUSPICIOUS DAYS – The following days (Tithis) are considered to be inauspicious, and there is a fear of hurdles, obstructing the accomplishment of the work. The names of these auspicious days have been given as follows:
DAGDHA
VISHA
HUTASHAN
The dates are considered to be inauspicious if it falls on the following days
SUN. MON. TUE. WED. THUR. FRI. SAT.
DAGDHA 12th 11th 5th 3rd 6th 8th 9th
VISHA 4th 6th 7th 2nd 8th 9th 7th
HUTASHAN 12th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th
If 12th day and 4th day of the months falls on Sunday and 11th & 6th falls on Monday and 5th & 7th falls on Tuesday respectively, they are considered as inauspicious.
DAGDHA
VISHA
HUTASHAN
The dates are considered to be inauspicious if it falls on the following days
SUN. MON. TUE. WED. THUR. FRI. SAT.
DAGDHA 12th 11th 5th 3rd 6th 8th 9th
VISHA 4th 6th 7th 2nd 8th 9th 7th
HUTASHAN 12th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th
If 12th day and 4th day of the months falls on Sunday and 11th & 6th falls on Monday and 5th & 7th falls on Tuesday respectively, they are considered as inauspicious.
NAKSHATRA (CONSTELLATION) – A group of stars is called Nakshatra. Just as the units used for measuring the distance is miles or kilometers in the same way the space (Akash Mandal) is measured in terms of Nakshatras (group of stars). The whole space has been divided into 27 parts and each part has been given the name of Nakshatra. They are as follows
ASHWINI.
BHARANI.
KRITIKA.
ROHINI.
MRIGASHIRA.
AARDRA.
PUNARVASU.
PUSHYA.
AASLESHA.
MAGHA.
PURVA PHALGUNI.
UTTARA PHALGUNI.
HASTA.
CHITRA.
SWATI.
VISHAKHA.
ANURADHA.
JYESHTHA.
MOOLA.
POORVAASHADHA.
UTTARAASHADHA.
SHRAVANI.
DHANISTHA.
SHATABHISHA.
PURVA BHADRAPADA.
UTTARA BHADRAPADA.
REVATI.
BHARANI.
KRITIKA.
ROHINI.
MRIGASHIRA.
AARDRA.
PUNARVASU.
PUSHYA.
AASLESHA.
MAGHA.
PURVA PHALGUNI.
UTTARA PHALGUNI.
HASTA.
CHITRA.
SWATI.
VISHAKHA.
ANURADHA.
JYESHTHA.
MOOLA.
POORVAASHADHA.
UTTARAASHADHA.
SHRAVANI.
DHANISTHA.
SHATABHISHA.
PURVA BHADRAPADA.
UTTARA BHADRAPADA.
REVATI.
The Indian astrologers believe that the combination of the last 15 Ghati of ‘Uttarashadha Nakshatra’ and the first 4 Ghati of the Shravani Nakshatra i.e. 19 Ghatis in all, constitute the ‘Abhijeet Nakshatra’ and this particular Nakshatra is considered to be very auspicious to begin a good work. (One Ghatika is equal to 24 minutes)
PANCHAKA NAKSHATRA: The following group of five Nakshatras are considered as having five defects (Panchakadosha). They are Dhanistha, Shatabhisha, Purvabhadrapada, Uttarabhadrapada and Revati.
MOOLA NAKSHATRA: A child taking birth in this Nakshatra, which consists of Jyestha, Aashlesha, Revati, Mool, Magha and Ashwini Nakshatra are not considered as auspicious. .Therefore, for the pacification of this ‘Moola Nakshatra’, some specific rites are performed 27th days after the birth when the same Nakshatra returns. Out of these six Nakshatras, which constitute Moola Nakshatra, Jyeshtha and Moola are called ‘Gandant Moola’ and Aashlesha is called as ‘Sarpa Moola’.
ADHOMUKHA NAKSHATRA: As the name of this Nakshatra implies, works like digging a well, or lying a foundation is considered as auspicious. This particular Nakshatra is itself constituted by Nakshatras. They are: Moola, Aashlesha, Vishakha, Kritika, Purvaphalguni, Purvashadha, Purvabhadrapada, Bharani and Magha
DAGDHA NAKSHATRA: For commencement of any work, this Nakshatra is considered as inauspicious. Therefore, commencing any work in this Nakshatra is prohibited if the days on which, this Nakshatra falls are as under-
Sunday - Bharani
Monday - Chitra
Tuesday - Uttarashadha
Wednesday - Dhanishtha
Thursday - Uttaraphalguni
Friday - Jyeshtha
Saturday - Revati
Sunday - Bharani
Monday - Chitra
Tuesday - Uttarashadha
Wednesday - Dhanishtha
Thursday - Uttaraphalguni
Friday - Jyeshtha
Saturday - Revati
YOGA (COMBINATIONS)
There are 27 Yogas in all. They are as under
1) VISHAKUMBHA, 2) PREETI, 3) AAYUSHMAN, 4) SAUBHAGYA, 5) SHOBHANA, 6) ATIGANDA, 7) SUKARMA, 8) DHRITI, 9) SHOOLA, 10) GAND, 11) VRIDDHI, 12) DHRUVA, 13) VYAGHAATA, 14) HARSHANA, 15) VAJRA, 16) SIDDHI, 17) VYATIPAATA, 18) VARIYAANA, 19) PARIGHA, 20) SHIVA, 21) SIDDHA, 22) SADDHYA, 23) SHUBHA, 24) SHUKLA, 25) BRAHMA, 26) INDRA, 27) VAIDHRITI.
There are 27 Yogas in all. They are as under
1) VISHAKUMBHA, 2) PREETI, 3) AAYUSHMAN, 4) SAUBHAGYA, 5) SHOBHANA, 6) ATIGANDA, 7) SUKARMA, 8) DHRITI, 9) SHOOLA, 10) GAND, 11) VRIDDHI, 12) DHRUVA, 13) VYAGHAATA, 14) HARSHANA, 15) VAJRA, 16) SIDDHI, 17) VYATIPAATA, 18) VARIYAANA, 19) PARIGHA, 20) SHIVA, 21) SIDDHA, 22) SADDHYA, 23) SHUBHA, 24) SHUKLA, 25) BRAHMA, 26) INDRA, 27) VAIDHRITI.
KARANA Half of the part of a Tithi is called a Karana i.e. There are two Karanas in a Tithi. There are 11 Karanas altogether. They are: 1) BALA, 2) BAALAVA, 3) KAULAVA, 4) TAITIL, 5) GARA, 6) VANIJA, 7) VISHTI, 8) SHAKUNI, 9) CHATUSHPADA, 10) NAAGA, 11) KINSTUGHNA The first 7 of these Karanas are movable (Chara) i.e. it cannot be predetermined as to on which dates, these are going to occur, but the last 4 Karanas are fixed (Sthira), and hence can be predetermined.
VISHTIKARANA is also called ‘Bhadra’ and commencing any work during this time is prohibited. Bhadra is marked very clearly in every panchanga.
VAAR (DAYS)
There are 7 days i.e. Sunday (Ravivaar), Monday (Somavaar), Tuesday (Mangalvaar), Wednesday (Budhvaar), Thursday (Brihaspativaar), Friday (Shukravaar) and Saturday (Shanivaar). The counting of days begins from the sunrise of the first day to the sunrise of the second day. In astrology, this system is known as ‘AHORATRA’, which means day and night taken together. Omitting the first letter ‘A’ and the last three letters ‘T’,'R’,'A’, the word ‘HORA’ is coined from which, the English word ‘HOUR’ originated. There are 24 HORAS in all.
Now the question arises, why is the day coming after Sunday is named Monday, Why not other day. To understand this, we will first have to understand the positions of the planets, in the space. In astrology, the respective position of the planets are given as under –
There are 7 days i.e. Sunday (Ravivaar), Monday (Somavaar), Tuesday (Mangalvaar), Wednesday (Budhvaar), Thursday (Brihaspativaar), Friday (Shukravaar) and Saturday (Shanivaar). The counting of days begins from the sunrise of the first day to the sunrise of the second day. In astrology, this system is known as ‘AHORATRA’, which means day and night taken together. Omitting the first letter ‘A’ and the last three letters ‘T’,'R’,'A’, the word ‘HORA’ is coined from which, the English word ‘HOUR’ originated. There are 24 HORAS in all.
Now the question arises, why is the day coming after Sunday is named Monday, Why not other day. To understand this, we will first have to understand the positions of the planets, in the space. In astrology, the respective position of the planets are given as under –
Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury and Moon.
Therefore, Saturn is the highest or the farthest planet. Below the Saturn is Jupiter, below Jupiter is Mars, below the Mars is Sun, below the Sun is Venus, below Venus is Mercury, and below Mercury is Moon. All the planets are revolving around the Sun in their respective orbits. Since there are 24 Horas in a day combined with night, therefore, each Hora consists of an hour. The ‘Lord’ of each Hora is a planet from the nearest lower orbit.
The Lord of the first HORA is the Sun. In the beginning of the creation, the Sun was visible first of all and for that very reason, it has been considered as the lord of the first Hora and also the first day has been named after it. The next Hora is named after ‘Shukra’ (Venus, which is the lord of the second HORA, and whose orbit is just below the Sun. The lord of the third Hora is ‘Budha’ (Mercury) whose orbit is just below that of Shukra (Venus). The lord of the fourth orbit is the Moon (Chandrama), whose orbit is below that of Venus and so on. In this way, the lord of the 24th HORA is again Mercury and the Moon (Chandrama). The following chart clearly shows the positions of the planets (horizontally) in order, and the days of the week (vertically) in order. From the Hora chart, it is quite clear that the Moon is the lord of the first Hora (Hour) of the second day(Monday), hence the next day after Sunday is called Monday. Similarly, the lord of the first Hora of the third day is Mars (Tuesday), the lord of the first Hora of the fourth day is Mercury (Wednesday), the lord of the first Hora of the fifth day is Jupiter (Thursday), the lord of the first Hora of the sixth day is Venus (Friday) and the lord of the first Hora of the Seventh day is Saturn (Saturday).
Therefore, the name of the days in order are Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The Lord of the first HORA is the Sun. In the beginning of the creation, the Sun was visible first of all and for that very reason, it has been considered as the lord of the first Hora and also the first day has been named after it. The next Hora is named after ‘Shukra’ (Venus, which is the lord of the second HORA, and whose orbit is just below the Sun. The lord of the third Hora is ‘Budha’ (Mercury) whose orbit is just below that of Shukra (Venus). The lord of the fourth orbit is the Moon (Chandrama), whose orbit is below that of Venus and so on. In this way, the lord of the 24th HORA is again Mercury and the Moon (Chandrama). The following chart clearly shows the positions of the planets (horizontally) in order, and the days of the week (vertically) in order. From the Hora chart, it is quite clear that the Moon is the lord of the first Hora (Hour) of the second day(Monday), hence the next day after Sunday is called Monday. Similarly, the lord of the first Hora of the third day is Mars (Tuesday), the lord of the first Hora of the fourth day is Mercury (Wednesday), the lord of the first Hora of the fifth day is Jupiter (Thursday), the lord of the first Hora of the sixth day is Venus (Friday) and the lord of the first Hora of the Seventh day is Saturn (Saturday).
Therefore, the name of the days in order are Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
GENTLE DAYS: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are considered as the ‘gentle’ days. These days are considered auspicious for commencing any good work.
NOT GENTLE DAYS: Tuesday, Sunday and Saturday are considered as ‘Not Gentle days. Saturday is considered an auspicious day for undergoing operation. Thursday is considered auspicious for starting education. Wednesday is considered auspicious to start any business.
Nakshatra (Devanagari: नक्षत्र,Sanskrit: nakshatra, ‘star’, fromnaksha, ‘approach’, and tra, ‘guard’) or lunar mansion is one of the 27 divisions of the sky, identified by the prominent star(s) in them, used in Jyotish Overview
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 star Spica called Chitrā in Sanskrit(other slightly-different definitions exist). It is called Meshādior the “start of Aries”. The ecliptic is divided into each of thenakshatras 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 ofLagadha.
In Hindu mythology, the Nakshastras were invented by Dakshaand 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.
[edit]Nakshatra descriptions
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 star Spica called Chitrā in Sanskrit(other slightly-different definitions exist). It is called Meshādior the “start of Aries”. The ecliptic is divided into each of thenakshatras 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 ofLagadha.
In Hindu mythology, the Nakshastras were invented by Dakshaand 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.
[edit]Nakshatra descriptions
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 star Spica called Chitrā in Sanskrit (other slightly-different definitions exist). It is calledMeshādi 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 invented 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 thedasha , which is considered of major importance in forecasting the life path of the individual.
The starting point for the nakshatras is the point on the ecliptic directly opposite to the star Spica called Chitrā in Sanskrit (other slightly-different definitions exist). It is calledMeshādi 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 invented 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 thedasha , which is considered of major importance in forecasting the life path of the individual.
Ashvini (अश्विनी) (Horse Woman)
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° – 13°20′ Mesha ; Western zodiac 26° Aries – 9°20′ Taurus
Bharani (भरणी) (Bearer of New Life)
Symbol : Horse’s head
Deity : Ashwini Kumaras, the horse-headed twins who are physicians to the gods
Indian zodiac: 0° – 13°20′ Mesha ; Western zodiac 26° Aries – 9°20′ Taurus
Bharani (भरणी) (Bearer of New Life)
Lord: Shukra (Venus)
Symbol: Yoni,
Deity: Yama, god of death or Dharma
Indian zodiac: 13° 20′ – 26°40′ Mesha ; Western zodiac 9° 20′ – 22° 40′ Taurus
Krittika (क्रृत्तिका) (One Who Cuts)
Symbol: Yoni,
Deity: Yama, god of death or Dharma
Indian zodiac: 13° 20′ – 26°40′ Mesha ; Western zodiac 9° 20′ – 22° 40′ Taurus
Krittika (क्रृत्तिका) (One Who Cuts)
Lord: Ravi (Sun)
Symbol: Knife or spear
Deity : Agni, god of fire
Indian zodiac: 26°40′ Mesha - 10° Vrishabha ; Western zodiac 22° 40′ Taurus – 6° Gemini
Rohini (रोहिणी) (Red One)
Symbol: Knife or spear
Deity : Agni, god of fire
Indian zodiac: 26°40′ Mesha - 10° Vrishabha ; Western zodiac 22° 40′ Taurus – 6° Gemini
Rohini (रोहिणी) (Red One)
Lord: Chandra (Moon)
Symbol: Cart or chariot, temple, banyan tree
Deity : Brahma or Prajapati, the Creator
Indian zodiac: 10° – 23°20′ Vrishabha ; Western zodiac 6° – 19°20′ Gemini
Mrigashīrsha (म्रृगशीर्षा) (Head of a Deer)
Symbol: Cart or chariot, temple, banyan tree
Deity : Brahma or Prajapati, the Creator
Indian zodiac: 10° – 23°20′ Vrishabha ; Western zodiac 6° – 19°20′ Gemini
Mrigashīrsha (म्रृगशीर्षा) (Head of a Deer)
Lord: Mangala (Mars)
Symbol: Deer’s head
Deity: Soma, Chandra, the Moon god
Indian zodiac: 23° 20′ Vrishabha – 6° 40′ Mithuna ; Western zodiac: 19°20′ Gemini – 2°40′ Cancer
Ardra (आर्द्रा) (Moist One))
Symbol: Deer’s head
Deity: Soma, Chandra, the Moon god
Indian zodiac: 23° 20′ Vrishabha – 6° 40′ Mithuna ; Western zodiac: 19°20′ Gemini – 2°40′ Cancer
Ardra (आर्द्रा) (Moist One))
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
Punarvasu (पुनर्वसु) (Return of the Light)
Symbol: Teardrop, diamond, a human head
Deity : Rudra, the storm god
Indian zodiac: 6° 40′ – 20° Mithuna ; Western zodiac: 2° 40′ – 16° Cancer
Punarvasu (पुनर्वसु) (Return of the Light)
Lord: Guru (Jupiter)
Symbol : Bow and quiver
Deity : Aditi, mother of the gods
Indian zodiac: 20° Mithuna – 3°20′ Karka ; Western zodiac 16° – 29°20′ Cancer
Pushya (पुष्य) (Nourishing)
Symbol : Bow and quiver
Deity : Aditi, mother of the gods
Indian zodiac: 20° Mithuna – 3°20′ Karka ; Western zodiac 16° – 29°20′ Cancer
Pushya (पुष्य) (Nourishing)
Lord: Shani (Saturn)
Symbol : Cow’s udder, lotus, arrow and circle
Deity : Bṛhaspati, priest of the gods
Indian zodiac: 3°20′ -16°40′ Karka ; Western zodiac 29°20′ Cancer – 12°40′ Leo
Āshleshā (आश्लेषा) (The Embracer)
Symbol : Cow’s udder, lotus, arrow and circle
Deity : Bṛhaspati, priest of the gods
Indian zodiac: 3°20′ -16°40′ Karka ; Western zodiac 29°20′ Cancer – 12°40′ Leo
Āshleshā (आश्लेषा) (The Embracer)
Lord: Budh (Mercury)
Symbol: Serpent
Deity : Sarpas or Nagas, deified snakes
Indian zodiac: 16°40′ – 30° Karka ; Western zodiac 12°40′ – 26° Leo
Magha (मघा) (The Great One)
Symbol: Serpent
Deity : Sarpas or Nagas, deified snakes
Indian zodiac: 16°40′ – 30° Karka ; Western zodiac 12°40′ – 26° Leo
Magha (मघा) (The Great One)
gulusLord: Ketu (south lunar node)
Symbol : Royal Throne
Deity : Pitrs, ‘The Fathers’, family ancestors
Indian zodiac: 0° – 13°20′ Simha ; Western zodiac 26° Leo – 9°20′ Virgo
Pūrva Phalgunī (पूर्व फाल्गुनी) (Former Reddish One)
Symbol : Royal Throne
Deity : Pitrs, ‘The Fathers’, family ancestors
Indian zodiac: 0° – 13°20′ Simha ; Western zodiac 26° Leo – 9°20′ Virgo
Pūrva Phalgunī (पूर्व फाल्गुनी) (Former Reddish One)
Lord: Shukra (Venus)
Symbol : Front legs of bed, hammock, fig tree
Deity : Bhaga, god of marital bliss and prosperity
Indian zodiac: 13°20′ – 26°40′ Simha ; Western zodiac 9°20′ – 22°40′ Virgo
Uttara Phalgunī (उत्तर फाल्गुनी) (Latter Reddish One)
Symbol : Front legs of bed, hammock, fig tree
Deity : Bhaga, god of marital bliss and prosperity
Indian zodiac: 13°20′ – 26°40′ Simha ; Western zodiac 9°20′ – 22°40′ Virgo
Uttara Phalgunī (उत्तर फाल्गुनी) (Latter Reddish One)
Lord: Surya (Sun)
Symbol: Four legs of bed, hammock
Deity : Aryaman, god of patronage and favours
Indian zodiac: 26°40′ Simha- 10° Kanya ; Western zodiac 22°40′ Virgo – 6° Libra
Hasta (हस्त) (The Hand)
Symbol: Four legs of bed, hammock
Deity : Aryaman, god of patronage and favours
Indian zodiac: 26°40′ Simha- 10° Kanya ; Western zodiac 22°40′ Virgo – 6° Libra
Hasta (हस्त) (The Hand)
Lord: Chandra (Moon)
Symbol: Hand or fist
Deity : Saviti or Surya, the Sun god
Indian zodiac: 10° – 23°20′ Kanya ; Western zodiac 6° – 19°20′ Libra
Chitra (चित्रा) (Bright One)
Symbol: Hand or fist
Deity : Saviti or Surya, the Sun god
Indian zodiac: 10° – 23°20′ Kanya ; Western zodiac 6° – 19°20′ Libra
Chitra (चित्रा) (Bright One)
Lord: Mangala (Mars)
Symbol: Bright jewel or pearl
Deity : Tvastar or Vishvakarman, the celestial architect
Indian zodiac: 23°20′ Kanya – 6°40′ Tula ; Western zodiac 19°20′ Libra – 2°40′ Scorpio
Svātī (स्वाति) (Sword or Independence)
Symbol: Bright jewel or pearl
Deity : Tvastar or Vishvakarman, the celestial architect
Indian zodiac: 23°20′ Kanya – 6°40′ Tula ; Western zodiac 19°20′ Libra – 2°40′ Scorpio
Svātī (स्वाति) (Sword or Independence)
Lord: Rahu (north lunar node)
Symbol: Shoot of plant, coral
Deity : Vayu, the Wind god
Indian zodiac: 6°40′ – 20° Tula ; Western zodiac 2°40′ – 16° Scorpio
Vishakha (विशाखा) ( Fork Shaped)
Symbol: Shoot of plant, coral
Deity : Vayu, the Wind god
Indian zodiac: 6°40′ – 20° Tula ; Western zodiac 2°40′ – 16° Scorpio
Vishakha (विशाखा) ( Fork Shaped)
Lord: Guru (Jupiter)
Symbol : Triumphal arch, potter’s wheel
Deity : Indira, chief of the gods; Agni, god of Fire
Indian zodiac: 20° Tula – 3°20′ Vrishchika ; Western zodiac 16° – 29°20′ Scorpio
Anuradha (अनुराधा) (Disciple of Divine Spark)
Symbol : Triumphal arch, potter’s wheel
Deity : Indira, chief of the gods; Agni, god of Fire
Indian zodiac: 20° Tula – 3°20′ Vrishchika ; Western zodiac 16° – 29°20′ Scorpio
Anuradha (अनुराधा) (Disciple of Divine Spark)
Lord: Shani (Saturn)
Symbol : Triumphal archway, lotus
Deity : Mitra, one of Adityas of friendship and partnership
Indian zodiac: 3°20′ – 16°40′ Vrishchika ; Western zodiac 29°20′ Scorpio – 12°40′ Sagittarius
Jyeshtha (ज्येष्ठा) (The Eldest)
Symbol : Triumphal archway, lotus
Deity : Mitra, one of Adityas of friendship and partnership
Indian zodiac: 3°20′ – 16°40′ Vrishchika ; Western zodiac 29°20′ Scorpio – 12°40′ Sagittarius
Jyeshtha (ज्येष्ठा) (The Eldest)
Lord: Budh (Mercury)
Symbol : circular amulet, umbrella, earring
Deity : Indra, chief of the gods
Indian zodiac: 16°40′ – 30° Vrishchika ; Western zodiac 12°40′ – 26° Sagittarius
Mula (मूल) (The Root)
Symbol : circular amulet, umbrella, earring
Deity : Indra, chief of the gods
Indian zodiac: 16°40′ – 30° Vrishchika ; Western zodiac 12°40′ – 26° Sagittarius
Mula (मूल) (The Root)
Lord: Ketu (south lunar node)
Symbol : Bunch of roots tied together, elephant goad
Deity : Nirrti, god of dissolution and destruction
Indian zodiac: 0° – 13°20′ Dhanus ; Western zodiac 26° Sagittarius – 9°20′ Capricorn
Purva Ashadha (पूर्वाषाढ़ा) (Early Victory or The Undefeated)
Symbol : Bunch of roots tied together, elephant goad
Deity : Nirrti, god of dissolution and destruction
Indian zodiac: 0° – 13°20′ Dhanus ; Western zodiac 26° Sagittarius – 9°20′ Capricorn
Purva Ashadha (पूर्वाषाढ़ा) (Early Victory or The Undefeated)
Lord: Shukra (Venus)
Symbol: Elephant tusk, fan, winnowing basket
Deity : Apah, god of Water
Indian zodiac: 13°20′ – 26°40′ Dhanus ; Western zodiac 9°20′ – 22°40′ Capricorn
Uttara Ashadha (उत्तराषाढ़ा) (Latter victory or Latter Undefeated)
Symbol: Elephant tusk, fan, winnowing basket
Deity : Apah, god of Water
Indian zodiac: 13°20′ – 26°40′ Dhanus ; Western zodiac 9°20′ – 22°40′ Capricorn
Uttara Ashadha (उत्तराषाढ़ा) (Latter victory or Latter Undefeated)
Lord: Surya (Sun)
Symbol : Elephant tusk, small bed
Deity : Vishvedas, universal gods
Indian zodiac: 26°40′ Dhanus – 10° Makara ; Western zodiac 22°40′ Capricorn – 6° Aquarius
Shravana (श्रवण) (Hearing)
Symbol : Elephant tusk, small bed
Deity : Vishvedas, universal gods
Indian zodiac: 26°40′ Dhanus – 10° Makara ; Western zodiac 22°40′ Capricorn – 6° Aquarius
Shravana (श्रवण) (Hearing)
Lord: Chandra (Moon)
Symbol : Ear or Three Footprints
Deity : Vishnu, preserver of universe
Indian zodiac: 10° – 23°20′ Makara ; Western zodiac 6° – 19°20′ Aquarius
Dhanishta (श्रविष्ठा) (Richest One)
Symbol : Ear or Three Footprints
Deity : Vishnu, preserver of universe
Indian zodiac: 10° – 23°20′ Makara ; Western zodiac 6° – 19°20′ Aquarius
Dhanishta (श्रविष्ठा) (Richest One)
Lord: Mangala (Mars)
Symbol : Drum or flute
Deity : Eight vasus, deities of earthly abundance
Indian zodiac: 23°20′ Makara – 6°40′ Kumbha ; Western zodiac 19°20′ Aquarius – 2°40′ Pisces
Shatabhisha (शतभिषा) (Hundred Healers)
Symbol : Drum or flute
Deity : Eight vasus, deities of earthly abundance
Indian zodiac: 23°20′ Makara – 6°40′ Kumbha ; Western zodiac 19°20′ Aquarius – 2°40′ Pisces
Shatabhisha (शतभिषा) (Hundred Healers)
Lord: Rahu (north lunar node)
Symbol : Empty circle, 1,000 flowers or stars
Deity : Varuna, god of cosmic waters, sky and earth
Indian zodiac: 6°40′ – 20° Kumbha ; Western zodiac 2°40′ – 16° Pisces
Purva Bhadrapada (पूर्वभाद्रपदा) (Former Happy Feet)
Symbol : Empty circle, 1,000 flowers or stars
Deity : Varuna, god of cosmic waters, sky and earth
Indian zodiac: 6°40′ – 20° Kumbha ; Western zodiac 2°40′ – 16° Pisces
Purva Bhadrapada (पूर्वभाद्रपदा) (Former Happy Feet)
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 – 3°20′ Meena ; Western zodiac 16° – 29°20′ Pisces
Uttara Bhādrapadā (उत्तरभाद्रपदा) (Latter Happy Feet)
Symbol : Swords or two front legs of funeral cot, man with two faces
Deity : Ajikapada, an ancient fire dragon
Indian zodiac: 20° Kumbha – 3°20′ Meena ; Western zodiac 16° – 29°20′ Pisces
Uttara Bhādrapadā (उत्तरभाद्रपदा) (Latter Happy Feet)
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: 3°20′ – 16°40′ Meena ; Western zodiac 29°20′ Pisces – 12°40′ Aries
Revati (रेवती) (The Wealthy)
Symbol : Twins, back legs of funeral cot, snake in the water
Deity : Ahir Budhyana, serpent or dragon of the deep
Indian zodiac: 3°20′ – 16°40′ Meena ; Western zodiac 29°20′ Pisces – 12°40′ Aries
Revati (रेवती) (The Wealthy)
Lord: Budh (Mercury)
Symbol : Fish or a pair of fish, drum
Deity : Pushan, nourisher, the protective deity
Indian zodiac: 16°40′ – 30° Meena ; Western zodiac 12°40′ – 26° Aries
There is an additional 28th intercalary nakshatra, Abhijit (अभिजित)(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. 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.
[edit]Divisions of the nakshatras
The 27 Nakshatras cover 13°20’ of the ecliptic each. Each Nakshatra is also divided into quarters or padas of 3°20’, as follows:
#
Name
Pada 1
Pada 2
Pada 3
Pada 4
1
Ashvinī (अश्विनि)
चु Chu
चे Che
चो Cho
ला La
2
Bharanī (भरणी)
ली Li
लू Lu
ले Le
पो Lo
3
Krittikā (कृत्तिका)
अ A
ई I
उ U
ए E
4
Rohini (रोहिणी)
ओ O
वा Va/Ba
वी Vi/Bi
वु Vu/Bu
5
Mrigashīrsha (म्रृगशीर्षा)
वे Ve/Be
वो Vo/Bo
का Ka
की Ke
6
Ārdrā (आर्द्रा)
कु Ku
घ Gha
ङ Ng/Na
छ Chha
7
Punarvasu (पुनर्वसु)
के Ke
को Ko
हा Ha
ही Hi
8
Pushya (पुष्य)
हु Hu
हे He
हो Ho
ड Da
9
Āshleshā (आश्लेषा)
डी Di
डू Du
डे De
डो Do
10
Maghā (मघा)
मा Ma
मी Mi
मू Mu
मे Me
11
Pūrva or Pūrva Phalgunī (पूर्व फाल्गुनी)
नो Mo
टा Ta
टी Ti
टू Tu
12
Uttara or Uttara Phalgunī (उत्तर फाल्गुनी)
टे Te
टो To
पा Pa
पी Pi
13
Hasta (हस्त)
पू Pu
ष Sha
ण Na
ठ Tha
14
Chitrā (चित्रा)
पे Pe
पो Po
रा Ra
री Ri
15
Svātī (स्वाति)
रू Ru
रे Re
रो Ro
ता Ta
16
Vishākhā (विशाखा)
ती Ti
तू Tu
ते Te
तो To
17
Anurādhā (अनुराधा)
ना Na
नी Ni
नू Nu
ने Ne
18
Jyeshtha (ज्येष्ठा)
नो No
या Ya
यी Yi
यू Yu
19
Mūla (मूल)
ये Ye
यो Yo
भा Bha
भी Bhi
20
Pūrva Ashādhā (पूर्वाषाढ़ा)
भू Bhu
धा Dha
फा Bha/Pha
ढा Dha
21
Uttara Ashādhā (उत्तराषाढ़ा)
भे Bhe
भो Bho
जा Ja
जी Ji
22
Shravana (श्रवण)
खी Ju/Khi
खू Je/Khu
खे Jo/Khe
खो Gha/Kho
23
Shravishthā (श्रविष्ठा) or Dhanistā
गा Ga
गी Gi
गु Gu
गे Ge
24
Shatabhishā (शतभिषा)or Shatataraka
गो Go
सा Sa
सी Si
सू Su
25
Pūrva Bhādrapadā (पूर्वभाद्रपदा)
से Se
सो So
दा Da
दी Di
26
Uttara Bhādrapadā (उत्तरभाद्रपदा)
दू Du
थ Tha
झ Jha
ञ Da/Tra
27
Revatī (रेवती)
दे De
दो Do
च Cha
ची Chi
Symbol : Fish or a pair of fish, drum
Deity : Pushan, nourisher, the protective deity
Indian zodiac: 16°40′ – 30° Meena ; Western zodiac 12°40′ – 26° Aries
There is an additional 28th intercalary nakshatra, Abhijit (अभिजित)(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. 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.
[edit]Divisions of the nakshatras
The 27 Nakshatras cover 13°20’ of the ecliptic each. Each Nakshatra is also divided into quarters or padas of 3°20’, as follows:
#
Name
Pada 1
Pada 2
Pada 3
Pada 4
1
Ashvinī (अश्विनि)
चु Chu
चे Che
चो Cho
ला La
2
Bharanī (भरणी)
ली Li
लू Lu
ले Le
पो Lo
3
Krittikā (कृत्तिका)
अ A
ई I
उ U
ए E
4
Rohini (रोहिणी)
ओ O
वा Va/Ba
वी Vi/Bi
वु Vu/Bu
5
Mrigashīrsha (म्रृगशीर्षा)
वे Ve/Be
वो Vo/Bo
का Ka
की Ke
6
Ārdrā (आर्द्रा)
कु Ku
घ Gha
ङ Ng/Na
छ Chha
7
Punarvasu (पुनर्वसु)
के Ke
को Ko
हा Ha
ही Hi
8
Pushya (पुष्य)
हु Hu
हे He
हो Ho
ड Da
9
Āshleshā (आश्लेषा)
डी Di
डू Du
डे De
डो Do
10
Maghā (मघा)
मा Ma
मी Mi
मू Mu
मे Me
11
Pūrva or Pūrva Phalgunī (पूर्व फाल्गुनी)
नो Mo
टा Ta
टी Ti
टू Tu
12
Uttara or Uttara Phalgunī (उत्तर फाल्गुनी)
टे Te
टो To
पा Pa
पी Pi
13
Hasta (हस्त)
पू Pu
ष Sha
ण Na
ठ Tha
14
Chitrā (चित्रा)
पे Pe
पो Po
रा Ra
री Ri
15
Svātī (स्वाति)
रू Ru
रे Re
रो Ro
ता Ta
16
Vishākhā (विशाखा)
ती Ti
तू Tu
ते Te
तो To
17
Anurādhā (अनुराधा)
ना Na
नी Ni
नू Nu
ने Ne
18
Jyeshtha (ज्येष्ठा)
नो No
या Ya
यी Yi
यू Yu
19
Mūla (मूल)
ये Ye
यो Yo
भा Bha
भी Bhi
20
Pūrva Ashādhā (पूर्वाषाढ़ा)
भू Bhu
धा Dha
फा Bha/Pha
ढा Dha
21
Uttara Ashādhā (उत्तराषाढ़ा)
भे Bhe
भो Bho
जा Ja
जी Ji
22
Shravana (श्रवण)
खी Ju/Khi
खू Je/Khu
खे Jo/Khe
खो Gha/Kho
23
Shravishthā (श्रविष्ठा) or Dhanistā
गा Ga
गी Gi
गु Gu
गे Ge
24
Shatabhishā (शतभिषा)or Shatataraka
गो Go
सा Sa
सी Si
सू Su
25
Pūrva Bhādrapadā (पूर्वभाद्रपदा)
से Se
सो So
दा Da
दी Di
26
Uttara Bhādrapadā (उत्तरभाद्रपदा)
दू Du
थ Tha
झ Jha
ञ Da/Tra
27
Revatī (रेवती)
दे De
दो Do
च Cha
ची Chi