NAKSHATRA

Mythology
Summary
 CONTENTS

Ashwini nakshatra .............................................................................................................2

Bharani nakshatra..............................................................................................................4
Krittika Nakshatra .............................................................................................................5
Rohini nakshatra ................................................................................................................7
Mrigashira nakshatra........................................................................................................9
Ardra nakshatra............................................................................................................... 11
Punarvasu nakshatra ..................................................................................................... 12
Pushya nakshatra ............................................................................................................ 13
Ashlesha nakshatra......................................................................................................... 14
Magha nakshatra ............................................................................................................. 15
Purva Phalguni nakshatra ............................................................................................ 16
Uttara Phalguni nakshatra ........................................................................................... 17
Hasta nakshatra ............................................................................................................... 18
Chitra nakshatra .............................................................................................................. 19
Swati nakshatra................................................................................................................ 20
Vishakha nakshatra ........................................................................................................ 22
Anuradha nakshatra....................................................................................................... 23
Jyesta nakshatra............................................................................................................... 24
Moola nakshatra .............................................................................................................. 25
Purva Ashada nakshatra ............................................................................................... 26
Uttara Ashada nakshatra .............................................................................................. 27
Sravana nakshatra .......................................................................................................... 28
Dhanishta nakshatra ...................................................................................................... 29
Satabisha nakshatra ....................................................................................................... 31
Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra ..................................................................................... 32
Uttara Bhadrapada nakshatra .................................................................................... 33
Revati nakshatra.............................................................................................................. 34
Abhijit nakshatra ............................................................................................................. 35

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 ASHWINI NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 00o 00’ - 13o 20’ Aries

Ruling Planet Ketu
Deity Ashwini Kumars, Horse headed healers
Symbol Horses head
Gana Deva
Quality Laghu and Kshipra (Light and Swift)
Caste Vaishya (Merchant)
Animal Male Horse
Bird Wild Eagle
Tree Strychnine, Poison Nut tree
Sounds Chu, Chey, Cho, La
Yoga Tara 10 and 13 degree
Padas Pada 1 Aries, 2 Taurus, 3 Gemini, 4 Cancer

The birth of Ashwini kumars is an interesting story. Sanjana, the wife of Sun god
Surya, couldn’t’ bear the heat & radiance of the Sun. She replaced herself with a
clone, Chhayya, who was instructed to take her place as Surya’s wife, and goes to
her father, the celestial architect, Vishwakarma’s home. Sun god is unaware of the
plot, and goes onto have children with Chhaya, Saturn, Manu & Tapti. Chhaya
shows favouritism towards her children more than Sanjana’s original children of
Yama and Yamuna. Yama is perturbed by his “mother’s” neglect, and kicks her
womb with his leg. Chaaya curses Yama, may his leg be filled with worms. Yama
goes to Surya saying that no mother will curse her own child, and that Chhaaya isn’t
my mother. Surya is surprised by this, and confronts Chhaya who reveals the truth.
Surya bestows the kingdom of the ancestors upon Yama, and blesses him that the
rooster would heal his leg. Surya then goes to Vishwakarma to find out his wife’s
whereabouts, where he asks Vishwakarma to reduce his radiance. Vishwakarma
takes off his radiance and makes the Sudarshana Chakra, the weapon out of it. Sun
god eventually finds Sanjana roaming in the Earth as a mare. He then assumes the
form of a horse and mates with her. The Ashwin Kumars, Dasra & Nasatya, are
supposed to have been born out of her nostrils.

Ashwin Kumars were master healers, knew agriculture, herbs, and Ayurveda.
However they wanted to know Madhu Vidya, which was possessed by Rishi
Dadhichi, so that they could have access to Amrit and join the rank of the Devas.

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However Dadhichi was forbidden by King of Devas, Indra teach it to anyone as he
would lose his head. Ashwini Kumars said that they could replace the Dadichi’s
head with that of a horse, should he lose his head, and made a deal with him. When
Dadhichi started to teach them, Indra took off his head, which was then replaced by
Ashwini Kumars with that of a horse, who then eventually joined the rank of the
Devas.

Ashwin Kumars were also pranksters. The young princess Sukanya, became the
wife of Chyavan Rishi, after feeling guilty for having made hime blind after
accidentally poking his eye hidden behind an ant hill while he was meditating.
Enticed by the beauty of the princess, the Ashwini Kumars approached the princess
saying they would restore the youth and sight of the old Rishi, who also agreed. The
Ashwini Kumars and Chyavan Rishi, took a dip in the river, and after coming out of
it, the Ashwini Kumars also looked like the youthful Chyavan Rishi. Perplexed by
seeing 3 husbands instead of one, Sukanya prays to Ashwini Kumars to guide her,
who then points her to the right husband. Chyavan Rishi eventually went on to
create rejuvenating & healing ChyavanPrash, the famous Ayurvedic supplement.

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 BHARANI NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 13o 20’ – 26o 40’ Aries

Ruling Planet Venus
Deity Yama, God of Death
Symbol Womb, Female Reproductive Organ
Gana Manushya (Human)
Quality Ugra (Fierce)
Caste Mleccha (Outcaste)
Animal Male Elephant
Bird Crow
Tree Indian Gooseberry
Sounds Li, Lu, Ley, Lo
Yoga Tara 24 degree
Padas Pada 1 Leo, Pada 2 Virgo, Pada 3 Libra, Pada 4 Scorpio

Yama & his sister Yami were born to Sanjana. Sanjana, who couldn’t bear the heat
& radiance of her husband, Surya, replaced herself with a clone Chhaya. Unaware,
Surya went onto have children Saturn, Manu and Tapti with her. Chhaya showed
more attention towards her children, and Yama felt ignored. So Yama kicked
Chhaya’s belly with his leg and Chhaya cursed him that his leg be filled with worms.
Yama went to his father Surya and said that no mother would curse her own child,
and hence she isn’t my mother. Astonished, Surya confronted Chhaya, who revealed
the truth. Surya eventually found Sanjana and gave birth to Ashwini Kumars. Surya
dev blessed Yama to be the god of justice and righteousness or dharma, and he
became King of Justice, Dharma Raj. There is also another story, in which his sister
Yami wanted to have children with Yama, who refused her offer, in-spite of her
trying to convince him that both of them shared the same mother’s womb. Yama
showed great restraint. Yama eventually became the first mortal to die, and sought
the path of heavens. His father Surya blessed him as the King of death, and of the
ancestral world by. He was to guide humans on the path to heavens. Yamaraj had
an assistant Chitra Gupta, who would record all the good and bad karmas of all
souls, which would then be adjudged by Yama to determine the best course of
action for the soul. It is said that eventually as his Yamaraj had to expand his Palace
by hiring Vishwakarma so as to deal with the ever expanding varieties of human
deeds and corresponding blessings and punishments needed.

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 KRITTIKA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac
26o 40’ Aries - 10o 00’ Taurus
Range
Ruling Planet Sun
Deity Agni, God of Fire
Symbol Razor, Scissors
Gana Rakshasa (Demon)
Quality Misra (Mixed or Sharp and Soft)
Caste Brahmin (Priest)
Animal Female Goat
Bird Peacock
Tree Cluster Fig
Sounds Aa, Ee, Oo, Aye
Yoga Tara 6 degree Taurus
Pada 1 Sagittarius, Pada 2. Capricorn, Pada 3. Aquarius, Pada 4
Padas
Pisces

The God of Fire Agni, who is the deity associated with Krittika nakshatra, is the
first god to be quoted and venerated in the Rig Vedas, which makes him one of the
ancient gods in the Hindu Pantheon. Agni is supposed to have a voracious appetite
for Soma, the elixir of immortality. He has two heads with each of the heads facing
the world of the men and the other facing the world of the gods, receiving oblations
from the world of the men and passing them onto the world of the gods. Agni is one
of the most revered gods, who accompanies Indra on his many quests to defeat
demons. A story goes that Agni was cursed with insatiable appetite, after he stared
at the naked bodies of the wives of the 7 rishis (Saptarishis). Sage Vashishta’s wife
Arundhati being pious, is supposed to have seen through the act. Another deity that
is associated with Krittika nakshatra is Karthik, the Commander General of the
Devas, and the younger brother of Ganesha. The Demon Tarakasur was causing
havoc for the Devas, as he was protected by a boon that only a child of Shiva could
kill him. The gods were able to seek the help of Kamadeva, and while making love
with Parvati Shiva’s semen spilt, which was then carried away by Agni, to river
Ganges where Karthik was born. The 6 Krittika sisters of the Pleiades constellation
(Krittika nakshatra), were overcome by feelings of motherhood, and took care of
Karthik as their own child. Karthik is supposed to have had 6 heads so as to give

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help each of his mother nurture him. Karthik, the celibate child warrior, eventually
goes onto defeat Tarakasur becoming the leader of the army of the Devas wielding
the spear as his weapon and mounting Peacock as his vehicle. His flag is that of a
rooster. Karthik or Skanda is supposed to have two consorts Valli and Devasena in
Tamil legends about him. Skanda is supposed to have been instructed Shiva himself
about the knowledge of AUM.

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 ROHINI NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 10o 00’ - 23o 20’ Taurus

Ruling Planet Moon
Deity Prajapati or Brahma
Symbol Ox Cart, Chariot
Gana Manushya (Human)
Quality Dhruva (Fixed)
Caste Shudra (Worker)
Animal Male Cobra
Bird Owl
Tree Java Plum
Sounds Oh, Va, Vee, Vu
Yoga Tara 15 degree
Padas Pada 1 Aries, 2 Taurus, 3 Gemini, 4 Cancer

Prajapati, the deity of Rohini nakshatra, is commonly associated with four-headed

creator god Brahma whose mount is a Swan. Praja (creation) pati (lord) is the lord
of creations, and is the creator of the universe. Different texts quote different
sources of origin for Prajapati. Prajapati is said to have been originated form
Hiranya Garbha (The cosmic egg) and to have created the cosmos. Prajapati is also
supposed to have emanated from Purusha (the Cosmic Spirit), and co-created the
world, all the beings in it and Time itself, with Goddess of Language. There is also a
story of Brahma, after having created his daughter Dawn (akin to Saraswati), he
approached her to mate in the form of a stag, when she was in the form of a doe, to
produce other earthly beings. The gods were angry at this act of incest, channeled
their anger into a being. The being punished Brahma by shooting an arrow to bring
down one of his head. Gods were shocked by this act, and they abandoned him. The
being is supposed to have wandered the universe, screaming and howling, with
eventually the gods coming back and asking why the being was agitated. The being
replied, I have fulfilled my purpose, yet I don’t have a name. Eventually the gods
tried to offer a name for the being, with each names being rejected one by one. The
eventual name of Rudra, which means screamer or howler is accepted by the being.
Rudra is supposed to have reinstated Brahma’s head with that of a stag after this.
Rohini nakshatra is also connected with Krishna, the avatar of Vishnu associated
with Moon. His birth happened in a prison, with his father eventually having to hide
Krishna away from his evil uncle who Krishna eventually defeated. Rohini

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nakshatra was also the most favourite wife of Soma, the moon god, who is
supposed to have been subject to jealousy from her eldest sister Jyesta nakshatra
whom Soma neglected. Moon was cursed by his father-in-law Daksha for ignoring
Jyesta, and he eventually went to Somnath temple to attain Shiva’s boon to modify
Daksha’s curse of losing all splendor to that of possessing waning phases during the
dark lunar phase instead.

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 MRIGASHIRA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 23o 20’ Taurus - 6o 40’ Gemini

Ruling Planet Mars
Deity Soma, The Moon God
Symbol Antelope’s head
Gana Deva (Divine)
Quality Mridu (Soft)
Caste Farmer/Servant
Animal Female Cobra
Bird Hen
Tree Cutch tree
Sounds Ve, Vo, Kaa, Kee
Yoga Tara 27 degree
Padas Pada 1 Leo, Pada 2 Virgo, Pada 3 Libra, Pada 4 Scorpio

Deity of Mrigashira nakshatra is Soma, the Moon God. Soma is also the elixir of
immortality, Amrit that the Gods would drink. Moon God Soma has the vehicle of a
deer, riding a chariot with 3 weeks. Soma is supposed to have eloped with wife of
Brihaspathi, Tara and to have been the father of Budha (Mercury). Brihaspathi, the
Guru of the Gods, who was furious about his student stealing his wife, waged a war
against Soma with the help of the devas. Shukracharya, the Guru of the demons,
takes Somas side. Eventually Brihaspati is supposed to have been impressed by the
intelligence of the child Mercury, and adopted him as his own son, bringing an end
to the war. Chandra is supposed to have favoured Rohini nakshatra amongst all his
wives, with Rohini nakshatra attracting the jealousy of Jyesta nakshatra. Daksha,
his father-in-law curses Chandra to lose his splendour, with him eventually
regaining it back with the worship of Shiva. There is also the story of Daksha’s
yagna, in which Daksha’s daughter Sati was infuriated at her father for not having
invited her husband Shiva to a yagna / fire ritual, where all the other gods were
invited. Sati jumped into fire self-immolating herself. Enraged Shiva came down
with his ganas to destroy the yagna and chopped of Daksha’s head. Eventually the
Gods pacified Shiva and begged him to give Daksha his life back. Shiva is supposed
to have replaced head of Daksha with that of a deer. Sita, wife of Lord Rama (the
avatar of Vishnu connected with Sun), was also put under illusion by a golden deer,
who was actually a demon who took the form of a deer so as to lure Rama away
from Sita so that Demon King Ravana could kidnap Sita away. While Rama is gone,

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Lakshma who was guarding Sita was also sent away by Sita as she became anxious
of Rama. Lakshman left behind a line of protection, asking Sita not to cross it. Ravan
eventually convinces Sita to cross the line while in disguise, and eventually kidnaps
her off. Rama eventually searches for Sita and defeated Ravan in Lanka which is the
story in the epic of Ramayan.

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 ARDRA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac
6o 40’ - 20o 00’ Gemini
Range
Ruling Planet Rahu
Deity Rudra
Symbol Teardrop, Diamond, Skull
Gana Manushya (Human)
Quality Tikshna (Sharp or Dreadful)
Caste Butcher
Animal Female Dog
Bird Andril
Tree Black Ebony, Black Pepper
Sounds Khu, Ghaa, Ing, Chha
Yoga Tara 5 degree
Pada 1 Sagittarius, Pada 2. Capricorn, Pada 3. Aquarius, Pada 4
Padas
Pisces

The deity of Ardra nakshatra is Rudra, the Vedic deity associated with destruction.
He is also regarded as a healer in the scriptures, and carries a medicinal pouch
roaming the mountains of Himalayas. The origin story of Rudra was discussed in
Rohini nakshatra, where Rudra shot down one of Brahma’s head using an arrow,
and was abandoned by the gods, with the gods eventually coming back and giving
him the name of Rudra, or the screamer or the howler. Rudra is the ancient and
fierce form of God Shiva. As was discussed in Mrigashira nakshatra, Shiva also
destroyed Daksha’s yagna and chopped off his head, after his first wife Sati self-
immolated herself by jumping into the fire ritual for her husband not having been
invited by her father Daksha Prajapati. Upon the pleas of the devas, he eventually
re-instated Daksha’s head with that of a goat. When Samudra mandan or the
churning of the Cosmic Ocean happened, between the Devas and the Asuras, the
first item to come forth was Halahal poison. Both the Gods and Demons were
unable to consume the poison, and eventually Shiva was the god who consumed it.
His second wife Parvati held his neck, so that the poison wouldn’t go down to his
body. Ever since then Shiva’s throat got collared blue, and he got the epithet Neel
Kanta or the Blue-throated one.

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 PUNARVASU NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 20o 00’ Gemini - 3o 20’ Cancer

Ruling Planet Jupiter
Deity Aditi
Symbol Bow and Quiver of Arrows
Gana Deva (Divine)
Quality Chara (Moveable)
Caste Vaishya (Merchant)
Animal Female Cat
Bird Swan
Tree Bamboo
Sounds Khu, Ghaa, Ing, Chha
Yoga Tara 21 and 26 degree
Padas Pada 1 Aries, 2 Taurus, 3 Gemini, 4 Cancer

Aditi, the wife of Kashyapa rishi, is the mother of Adityas, the Sun Gods. She is also
the mother of the Ashta Vasus, as well as the Devas. Aditi is the Earth Goddess who
brings in prosperity and abundance. Aditi is the vast space, and is mentioned in the
Rig Vedas as a repeating pattern or Fractal, from Daksha came Aditi, from Aditi
came Daksha. Aditi is also the mother of Vamana avatar of Vishnu (connected with
Jupiter), the Dwarf Brahmin who was born to defeat Demon King Mahabali by
asking for 3 steps of land, and eventually sent Mahabali to Patal Loka having
covered the entire universe within 2 steps after becoming a giant, and by placing
the 3rd step upon Mahabali’s head. Lord Rama’s nakshatra is Punarvasu. His
brother Lakshman has the nakshatra of Ashlesha. Lord Rama was exiled from his
kingdom of Ayodhya because of his step mother Kaikeyi wanting to give the
kingdom to her son Bharat. While in exile Lord Rama’s wife Sita was kidnapped by
Demon King Ravana to Lanka, who was eventually defeated by Lord Rama, along
with the help of his devoted servant Hanuman and the Monkey army. Lord Rama
eventually comes back to Ayodhya, and establishes order and dharma throughout
Bharath varsha. Lord Rama also established Rameswarama Jyotir Linga in Tamil
Nadu, a famous site for pilgrimage for worshipping Shiva.

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 PUSHYA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 3o 20’ - 16o 40’ Cancer

Ruling Planet Saturn
Deity Brihaspati
Symbol Udder of a Cow, Flower
Gana Deva (Divine)
Quality Laghu and Kshipra (Light and Swift)
Caste Kshatriya (Warrior)
Animal Male Goat
Bird Sea Crow
Tree Peepal tree, Sacred Fig
Sounds Hoo, Hay, Ho, Da
Yoga Tara 15 degree
Padas Pada 1 Leo, Pada 2 Virgo, Pada 3 Libra, Pada 4 Scorpio

Brihaspathi is the Guru of the Gods, and is the lord of Sacred speech and Prayers.
He is also the author of Books on Law and Politics, as well as a teacher of Jyotish
and other Vedic Sciences. Brihaspathi was born to Sage Angiras and his wife
Shraddha. As a student, he was brilliant. One of his main rival as a student was
Shukracharya or the planet Venus. Angiras showed favouritism to his own son, and
Shukracharya considered Brihaspati as his main rival. Shukracharya went onto
become the guru of the demons. Brihaspati was also very much engrossed in his
work with the Gods as a spiritual teacher, and master of ceremonies and rituals,
that he ignored his wife Tara. Tara eloped with his moon god Chandra, and became
pregnant. Brihaspati was furious and waged a war against Chandra with the help of
the Devas. Shukracharya sided with Chandra, and had Asuras fight against the
Devas. Eventually the war subsided when Brihaspathi agreed to adopt the child of
Chandra and Tara, Mercury, after being impressed by the child’s intellect.

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 ASHLESHA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac
16o 40’ - 30o 00’ Cancer
Range
Ruling Planet Mercury
Deity Nagas
Symbol Coiled Snake
Gana Rakshasa (Demon)
Quality Tikshna (Sharp or Dreadful)
Caste Mleccha (Outcaste)
Animal Male Cat
Bird Small Blue Sparrow
Tree Nag Champa
Sounds Dee, Doo, Day, Doh
Yoga Tara 18 degree
Pada 1 Sagittarius, Pada 2. Capricorn, Pada 3. Aquarius, Pada 4
Padas
Pisces

Nagas are the divine serpents. They are mystical healers, and possess knowledge
of occult sciences and vast amount of riches. Vishnu himself is lying on a Naga - the
Ananta Shesha. Vasuki was the naga that was used as the rope to churn the cosmic
ocean to obtain Amrit. Naga are the children of Sage Kashyapa and the mother
Kadru. Kadru placed a wager with Vinata, mother of Garuda and Aruna, Sun God’s
charioteer, on he color of the tail of Ucchaishravas. Vinata says its white. Kadru
then asks her sons Nagas to cover the tail to make it look black. As a result of
winning the wager, Vinata and her sons are subject to slavery by Kadru and her
sons. Garuda wants to break free of slavery and asks for a way to win their freedom
back. The Nagas tell Garuda to get elixir of immortality Amrit from Indra, that the
freedom can be earned. Garuda then approaches Indira, who doesn’t agree to share
Amrit with the Nagas. Garuda convinces Indra that as soon as he hands over Amrit
to the Nagas, indra can come in and take the pot of Amrit away therefore denying
the amrit to the nagas, and there by creating a win-win situation for both of them.
Thus Garuda hands over the pot of Amrit to the Nagas, and as soon as the Pot is
handed over, Indra comes in and takes it away. Some drops of Amrit is supposed to
have fallen to the ground, which the nagas tried to lick. The sharp blades of Grass in
the ground ended up being the reason for the nagas or the snakes to have forked
tongues as per legend. For many festivals of the Naga, Moon transiting over
Ashlesha nakshatra is the case.

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 MAGHA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 0o 00’ - 13o 20’ Leo

Ruling Planet Ketu
Deity Pitris
Symbol Royal throne, Palanquin
Gana Rakshasa (Demon)
Quality Ugra (Fierce)
Caste Shudra (Worker)
Animal Male Rat
Bird Male Eagle
Tree Banyan Tree
Sounds Maa, Mee, Moo, May
Yoga Tara 6 degree
Padas Pada 1 Aries, 2 Taurus, 3 Gemini, 4 Cancer

The deity of Magha nakshatra would be Pitris or the ancestors. The group soul of
ancestors are supposed to visit the Earth plane on every Amavasya tithi or new
moon days. World over there are different stories and mythologies connected with
the ancestors, who visit us during our dreams quite often. Usually before any
important ceremony or event in our lives, it is common to invoke the blessings of
the ancestors, by offering food for the ancestral altars, or to see the blessings of the
family gods/goddesses or kul devi/kul devata . The importance of the pitris is seen
in the story of Karna who after death had a place to live, and riches and wealth in
the world of the dead, but didn’t have any food or water to eat or drink. Yamaraj
told him that he never offered any oblations to his ancestors in spite of his
generous donations, hence he had lot of wealth, but didn’t have any food or water
in the ancestral world. Karna is supposed to have gone back to the Earth plane, and
performed oblations to his ancestors during Pitru-paksha time period, and then to
have returned back to the ancestral world with access to the food and water.

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 PURVA PHALGUNI NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 13o 20’ - 26o 40’ Leo

Ruling Planet Venus
Deity Bhaga
Symbol Front legs of a Bed, Swinging Hammock, Fireplace, Platform
Gana Manushya (Human)
Quality Ugra (Fierce)
Caste Brahmin (Priest)
Animal Female Rat
Bird Female Eagle
Tree Flame of the Forest, Parrot tree
Sounds Mo, Taa, Tee, Too
Yoga Tara 17 degree
Padas Pada 1 Leo, Pada 2 Virgo, Pada 3 Libra, Pada 4 Scorpio

Bhaga is the deity of Purva Phalguni nakshatra. He is the god of good fortune,
marital bliss, inheritances, and contracts & unions. He is also the bestower of family
inheritance. Shiva in the form of a Shiv ling is also considered as an alternate deity.
In Daksha’s yagna, he had invited every god to attend except Shiva, his daughter’s
husband. Sati had self-immolated herself by jumping into the fire. When Shiva came
to destroy the yagna, Bhaga is supposed to have winked at Shiva. So Shiva poked
his eye and made him blind. Eventually Shiva is supposed to have restored his
sight. Purva phalguni is also the nakshatra where moon was in, when Shiva started
his marriage procession for his 2nd marriage with Parvati.

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 UTTARA PHALGUNI NAKSHATRA

Zodiac
26o 40’ Leo - 10o 00’ Virgo
Range
Ruling Planet Sun
Deity Aryaman
Symbol Back legs of the bed, Platform
Gana Manushya (Human)
Quality Dhruva (Fixed)
Caste Kshatriya (Warrior)
Animal Male Cow/Bull
Bird Peacock
Tree Rose Laurel
Sounds Tay, To, Paa, Pee
Yoga Tara 27 degree
Pada 1 Sagittarius, Pada 2. Capricorn, Pada 3. Aquarius, Pada 4
Padas
Pisces

Aryaman, the deity of Uttara Phalguni nakshatra, is the god of patronage, unions
and is considered as the Chief amongst the ancestors. He is frequently invoked
together with Bhaga. Aryaman is also the guard of the Sacred Laws. Aryaman is
considered to have a special connection to marriages. It is said that Shiva got
married to Parvati in this nakshatra. This nakshatra is associated with Bull. Nandi
is the famous bull in the Indian pantheon. Nandi is the mount of Shiva. It is said that
to offer a prayer to Shiva, one has to first whisper the prayer to Nandi’s ear. Uttara
Phalguni also has a connection to Lord Ganesha, as Ganesha literally translates as
leader amongst Ganas. Ganesh Chaturthi usually happens when Sun is in the
neighbourhood of Uttara Phalguni nakshatra as well. Arjuna, the great warrior, is
called as the Phalgunan, and is supposed to have been born under this nakshatra as
well.

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 HASTA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 10o 00’ - 23o 20’ Virgo

Ruling Planet Moon
Deity Savitur
Symbol Hand or Fist
Gana Deva (Divine)
Quality Laghu and Kshipra (Light or Swift)
Caste Vaishya (Merchant)
Animal Female Buffalo
Bird Vulture
Tree Hog Plum
Sounds Pu, Sha, Na, Thaa
Yoga Tara 16 degree
Padas Pada 1 Aries, 2 Taurus, 3 Gemini, 4 Cancer

Savitur is one of the 12 Adityas, the Sun gods, who is the giver of life, and assists
with Child birth. He is depicted with Golden hands, and is considered to place what
we desire in our hands. He is also the god of vitality, life and light, and that of divine
inspiration. Savitur has an elder sister Ushas, the dawn, who paves the way for
Savitur to walk . He is invoked in the famous Gayatri mantra. The 24-syllable
mantra from Rig Veda, is very esoteric, and is supposed to contain the deepest
secrets of the universe within it. Hastinapur was the capital city of the 5 Pandavas.
The great Mahabharata war was fought between Panch pandavas and their cousins
the Kauravs. Mahabharat is one of the greatest epics in the world.

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 CHITRA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 23o 20’ Virgo- 6o 40’ Libra

Ruling Planet Mars
Deity Vishwakarma
Symbol Pearl or Bright Jewel
Gana Rakshasa (Demon)
Quality Mridu (Soft)
Caste Farmer/Servant
Animal Female Tiger
Bird Heron
Tree Bilva, Golden Apple
Sounds Pay, Poe, Ra, Rae
Yoga Tara 30 degree
Padas Pada 1 Leo, Pada 2 Virgo, Pada 3 Libra, Pada 4 Scorpio

Tvastar / Vishwakarma is the celestial architect who designed and created the
entire universe. He is invoked for desiring offsprings. Tvastar created Maya, the
illusion which sustains this world. He also created divine weapons for the devas,
such as Vajra for Indra, and the chalice for Soma. He has also created lokas as well.
He is the father of Viswarupa or Trishira (the 3 headed Asura), who was killed by
Indra, and in vengeance Tvastar created Vritra the great dragon. Tvastr was also
the father of Sanjana who was wife of Surya, who gave birth to Yama and Yami, the
first mortals. The animal of the nakshatra is Tiger. The Tiger riding goddess Durga,
is the one who is supposed to have defeated the demon Mahishasur. Swami
Ayappa, who was born from Mohini avatar of Vishnu & Lord Shiva, was found in
Tampa forest, and adopted by the king Raja Rajashekhara. His wife the Queen, who
was pregnant, didn’t want Manikandan (Ayappa) to inherit the throne, and asked
him to get Tigress milk. He went into the forest and returned riding a tigress flowed
by a pack of its cubs. He eventually became the main deity of the Sabarimala
temple.

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 SWATI NAKSHATRA

Zodiac
6o 40’ - 20o 00’ Libra
Range
Ruling Planet Rahu
Deity Vayu, God of Wind
Symbol Blade of Grass being swayed by the wind, Coral, Sword
Gana Butcher
Quality Chara (Moveable)
Caste Butcher
Animal Male Buffalo
Bird Pigeon
Tree Queen’s Flower, Arjuna
Sounds Ru, Ray, Raa, Tha
Yoga Tara 0 degree
Pada 1 Sagittarius, Pada 2. Capricorn, Pada 3. Aquarius, Pada 4
Pada
Pisces

Vayu, the god of wind, as well as the king of celestial Musicians. Vayu is life giving
breath that nourishes us with the life force or prana. He is the father of Bhima
amongst the Pandavas, and the spiritual father of Hanuman. Many qualities of Vayu
can be seen through Hanuman. When Hanuman was young, he thought Sun was a
big fruit, and jumped into the sky wanting to eat it. The Sun god felt intimidated by
the little child coming up to him, and asked Indra to bring the child down with his
weapon. Hanuman was struck on his jaw by Indra’s weapon Vajra, the thunderbolt.
Impressed by the child’s resistance, the Devas blessed Hanuman with various
powers. Still being a child Hanuman used his powers to play pranks upon others.
He ended up being cursed by the rishis that he may forget his gifts and powers.
When he apologised for his mistakes, the rishis said his powers will come back to
him when he was reminded of it by someone else. Later when Hanuman was
searching for Sita, Lord Ram’s wife, Hanuman feels dejected knowing that the only
place left to search for Sita was Lanka, and that he had to jump across the ocean to
reach Lanka. Having lost his powers, he was reminded of them by Jambavan the
bear headed being, about his youthful exploits, and the subsequent curses.
Hanuman regains confidence, and ends up playing out multiple roles of being a
messenger to Sita, being a diplomat to Vibhishina, and a Solder against Ravan .
Hanuman is also supposed to have lifted the entire Dunagiri mountain and brought

20
it to the battle field of Lanka, when Ram’s brother Lakshman was poisoned by a
weapon. Hanuman’s story can play out through Swati nakshatra.

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 VISHAKHA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 20o 00’ Libra - 3o 20’ Scorpio

Ruling Planet Jupiter
Deity Indragni
Symbol Triumphal Arch, Potter’s wheel
Gana Rakshasa (Demon)
Quality Misra (Sharp and Soft)
Caste Mleccha (Outcaste)
Animal Male Tiger
Bird Red Tail Hawk
Tree Wood Apple
Sounds Thee, Thoo, They, Tho
Yoga Tara 21 degree
Pada Pada 1 Aries, 2 Taurus, 3 Gemini, 4 Cancer

Vishakha nakshatra is the only nakshatra with 2 different deities, with each of them
having their own individual nakshatras. The deities are Indra who presides over
Jyesta nakshatra, and Agni who rules Krittika nakshatra. Indra is the King of the
Gods, who is the Champion, and is seen as the one enjoying all the luxuries,
drinking soma, & gambling. He is the king of gods, yet is he also the most insecure
of them all, as he is not willing to let go of his throne. Hence he ends up acting out of
his insecurities. Agni is the god of fire, who along with Indra drinks soma. Agni
transfers the offerings from the men to the Gods, and back. He is present in all the
fire rituals especially yagyas, & havans done by the men to fulfill their desires. The
story goes that Agni was filled with great hunger and needed to burn down
Khandava forest to quench his hunger. However Tashaka the serpent king lived in
the forest and was a friend of Indra. Hence Indra would bring down rains to
prevent Agni from consuming the forest. Arjuna and Krishna, after obtaining their
divine weapons and the chariot from Varuna, created a canopy of arrows, which
allowed Agni to consume the forest. Indra was happy that his son Arjuna was able
to complete his task, and blessed him further.

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 ANURADHA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 3o 20’ - 16o 40’ Scorpio

Ruling Planet Saturn
Deity Mitra
Symbol Lotus flower, Staff, Archway
Gana Deva (Divine)
Quality Mridu (Soft)
Caste Shudra (Worker)
Animal Female Deer
Bird Nightingale
Tree Bakula, Nagkesar, Bullet Wood
Sounds Naa, Nee, Noo, Nay
Yoga Tara 8 degree
Pada Pada 1 Aries, 2 Taurus, 3 Gemini, 4 Cancer

The deity of Anuradha nakshatra is Solar god or the Aditya of Mitra. Mitra is the
god of friendship, and is frequently invoked with Varuna, the god of Cosmic Laws
and Cosmic Ocean. Mitra promotes good faith, cordiality, and cooperation. There is
the story of both Varuna and Mitra of having fallen in love with the celestial damsel
Urvashi. However Urvashi liked Mitra. Mitra’s semen is supposed to have fallen into
a pot, and eventually the sage Agastya was born out of it. Varuna’s semen is
supposed to have fallen into another pot, and Sage Vasishta was born out of it as
well. Both Agastya & Vasishta were also called as Mitra-Varuna. Mitra is also he
divine friend. Radha was the childhood friend of Lord Krishna, who was his
greatest devotee. Radha was so deep in love with Krishna, that in spite of Krishna
having left Radha to fulfill the duties as an avatar, her love took on to great mystical
proportions, and she become enlightened.

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 JYESTA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac
16o 40’ - 30o 00’ Scorpio
Range
Ruling Planet Mercury
Deity Indra
Symbol Earring, Umbrella, Circular Amulet
Gana Rakshasa (Demon)
Quality Tikshna (Sharp or Dreadful)
Caste Farmer/Servant
Animal Male Deer
Bird Brahmani Duck
Tree Silk-Cotton
Sounds No, Yaa, Yee, Yoo
Yoga Tara 15 degree
Pada 1 Sagittarius, Pada 2. Capricorn, Pada 3. Aquarius, Pada 4
Pada
Pisces

Indra is the king of gods, and also considered as the hero amongst the god. His
mount is the Airavat elephant, which has 3 trunks. His weapon is the powerful
thunderbolt Vajra. Indra became the dragon slayer having defeated the dragon
Vrittrasur which he had to do having lost his kingdom away initially by
disrespecting Brihaspathi, and having difficulties finding a replacement for him.
The Vajra, supposedly was made from Sage Dadichi’s bones. Indra also loves
drinking his Soma ras. Indra is also supposed to have seduced the wife of great sage
when the sage was away. The sage supposedly cursed Indra to have 1000 vaginas.
After doing severe penance Indra eventually turned the 1000 vagina into 1000
eyes, and got the title of “the 1000 eyed one”. Indra’s ego is supposed to have been
subdued by Lord Krishna. Indra was angry at the Krishna’s Villagers who didn’t
give make any ritual sacrifices for him, and sent some heavy rains and flooding.
Krishna protected the villagers by lifting the Mount Govardhan and providing them
shelter. Indra admitted defeat and recognized Krishna as the godhead incarnated.

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 MOOLA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 0o 00’ - 13o 20’ Sagittarius

Ruling Planet Ketu
Deity Nirriti
Symbol Reticulated roots, Lion’s tail
Gana Rakshasa (Demon)
Quality Tikshna (Sharp or Dreadful)
Caste Butcher
Animal Male Dog
Bird Red Vulture
Tree Frankincense, Black Dammar
Sounds Yeh, Yo, Baa, Bee
Yoga Tara 3 degree
Pada Pada 1 Aries, 2 Taurus, 3 Gemini, 4 Cancer

The deity of Moola nakshatra is Nirriti, the goddess of Destruction. She is the
goddess who brings about new creation, after initial destruction. She is described
as having Golden locks, and is dark and is connected with the underworld. She is
very much similar to Goddess Kali. Goddess Nirriti rules the South West direction,
and is supposed to have come from the Anus body part of Brahma in the creation
myth. There are variations of Daksha’s yagna story in which goddess Nirrit is
supposed to have accompanied Rudra to destroy Daksha’s yagna. Kali is the fierce
form of Goddess Durga, who is supposed to have stopped her destruction only after
Shiva himself surrendered to her feet. NIrriti is also connected with Goddess
Dhumavati of the 10 Mahavidyas as well as Goddess Alakshmi, the goddess of
poverty, and the elder sister of Lakshmi who is also called as Jyesta. Lakshmi the
goddess of Prosperity is supposed to visit Jyesta, her elder sister on every Saturday
to the Pipal tree, and will follow anyone back to their home who goes to pay respect
to the Pipal tree on Saturday. Kali is connected to the black hole that is driving the
center of the milky way, and her connection with Shiva is pointing to the Ardra-
Moola nakshatra axis, with a black hole at the center of the milky way.

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 PURVA ASHADA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 13o 20’ - 26o 40’ Sagittarius

Ruling Planet Venus
Deity Apah
Symbol Handfan, Winnowing basket, Elephant’s tusk
Gana Manushya (Human)
Quality Ugra (Fierce)
Caste Manushya (Human)
Animal Male Monkey
Bird Francolin
Tree Rattan Cane, Sita Ashoka
Sounds Bu, Dhaa, Phaa, Dha
Yoga Tara 11 degree
Pada Pada 1 Leo, Pada 2 Virgo, Pada 3 Libra, Pada 4 Scorpio

Deity of Purva Ashada nakshatra is Apah, the Cosmic waters. She is also considered
as the wife of Varuna, the God of Cosmic Ocean. Apah brings about the waters that
inspire to all of humanity. Purva Ashada nakshatra is also connected with Elephant
headed god Ganesha as he was the one who broke his tusk to write down one of the
greatest epics of humanity, the Mahabharata. Vanaras or the Monkeys were the
ones who assisted Lord Rama in his search for his kidnapped wife Sita. Lord Rama’s
greatest devotee was Hanuman, whose mother was also a great devotee of Lord
Shiva. Hanuman is said to have created an alternative version of Ramayan, that
even surpassed the original version of Ramayana created by Sage Valmiki over a
period of 12 years. Valmiki was brought down to mixture of joy and sorrow after
having read Hanuman’s version, and is said to have been perplexed by the
magnitude of the work. Hanuman enquired why the sage was bothered, and simply
went on to throw his book into the ocean with the Sage on his shoulder. The sage
said that he will be reborn in another age as Hanuman’s devotee and retell the
Ramayan in common man’s words.

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 UTTARA ASHADA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac
26o 40’ Sagittarius- 10o 00’ Capricorn
Range
Ruling Planet Sun
Deity Viswadevas
Symbol Elephant’s tusk, planks of bed
Gana Manushya (Human)
Quality Dhruva (Fixed)
Caste Kshatriya (Warrior)
Animal Male Mongoose
Bird Stork
Tree Jackfruit
Sounds Bay, Bo, Jaa, Jee
Yoga Tara 18 degree
Pada 1 Sagittarius, Pada 2. Capricorn, Pada 3. Aquarius, Pada 4
Pada
Pisces

Viswadevas or the Universal Gods are the deity of Uttara Ashada nakshatra. The
Universal gods or the Viswadevas have the power to grand invincible victory.
Viswadevas deal with universal moral principles. The qualities governed by them
are Goodness, Truth, Will power, Time, Desire, Skilfulness, Forbearance, Ancestors,
Abundance and Summit/Peak. Lord Ganesha, the elephant headed god is also
connected with this asterism, for being the one in charge of karma. Lord Krishna is
supposed to have showed his true form, or the Viswa rupa to Arjuna when Arjuna
requested it, where he showed the entire universe, the gods ruling the universe as
being one - Lord Krishna. The animal connected with this nakshatra is Mongoose,
which could also be connected with Lord Kubera, who carries a mongoose purse,
and rules the North direction connected with Mercury. Son of Arjuna, Abimanyu,
may also be connected with the last pada of this nakshatra, which is the Abhijeet
nakshatra, as he was the one who broke through the Chakravyooha formation in
the Mahabharata, but ended up dying. His sons was the only one who survived the
Pandava clan.

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 SRAVANA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 10o 00’ - 23o 20’ Capricorn

Ruling Planet Moon
Deity Vamana
Symbol Three foot steps, Ear, Trident
Gana Deva (Divine)
Quality Chara (Moveable)
Caste Mleccha (Outcaste)
Animal Female Monkey
Bird Sarus Crane
Tree Milk Weed
Sounds Ju, Jay, Jo, Gha
Yoga Tara 8 degree
Pada Pada 1 Aries, 2 Taurus, 3 Gemini, 4 Cancer

The deity of Sravana nakshatra is Vamana avatar. Vamana is the avatar of Vishnu
associated with planet Jupiter. Sravana is also considered to be the birth star of
Goddess of Knowledge, Saraswati. Saraswati is the goddess that blesses one with
Vac siddhi, or the power of truth in one’s words. Vamana, was born to Mother Aditi,
so as to bring down the unquenchable desire of Demon King to possess the world.
He was about to do a Yajna that would let him conquer the world. Vamana, the
dwarf brahmin child, went with a wooden umbrella to Mahabali and asked for 3
steps of land. His guru, Shukracharya warned him that it was Vishnu in disguise of a
dwarf brahmin. However Mahabali said that he couldn’t deny the request of a
Brahmin. Shukracharya tried to stop him by blocking the water to come out of the
kamandalu (water pot held in one’s hand) by blocking the pipe coming out of it.
Vishnu however poked a hole in the pipe using a straw. Shukracharya was blinded
by this act. Eventually water came and it was sprinkled upon Vamana by Mahabali
granting his request. Vamana immediately expanded into a giant, and with his first
2 steps he covered the three worlds of, Heaven, Earth and patal loka of the demons.
Vamana asked Mahabali for the 3rd step. Mahabali realised the greatness of Vishnu
and offered his own head as the place for the 3rd step. Vishnu blessed him that he
will become the Indra in the next manvantara and granted him the wish to come
back to see his people once in a day during the festival of flowers or Onam
celebrations in Kerala.

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 DHANISHTA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 26o 40’ Capricorn - 6o 40’ Aquarius

Ruling Planet Mars
Deity Ashtavasus
Symbol Drum & Flute
Gana Rakshasa (Demon)
Quality Chara (Moveable)
Caste Farmer/Servant
Animal Female Lion
Bird Peacock
Tree Indian Mesquite
Sounds Gaa, Gee, Goo, Gay
Yoga Tara 23 degree
Pada Pada 1 Leo, Pada 2 Virgo, Pada 3 Libra, Pada 4 Scorpio

The deity of Dhanishta nakshatra are the Ashtavasus, the 8 Vasu. Vasu means a ray
of light. The 8 Vasus are Apah (Water), Dhruva (Pole Star), Dhara (Earth), Anila
(And), Soma (Moon), Anala/Pavaka (Fire), Pratyusha (The Dawn), Prabhasa
(Splendour). These are the gods of abundance that bring about prosperity and
wealth such as gold, jewelry and land etc. into the earth plane. The Ashtavasus can
also be connected with the 8 directions of space as well, and also hint at Vastu
shastra. The animal of Lioness in this nakshatra is pointing to the connection of
consort of Narasimha Avatar, Narasimhi, one of the 8 mother Goddesses or Ashta
Matrikas. Her shaking her mane could create chaos to the stars and planets. She
was born to pacify Narasimha avatar, the avatar of Vishnu connected with planet
Mars, who was born to protect his devotee Prahlada from the Demon King Hiranya
Kashipu. Bheeshma is a central character in Mahabharata, who could be connected
to this nakshatra as well, as he took a life long vow of celibacy and couldn’t be
defeated in battle. Bheeshma was also one of the Ashtavasus. Prabhasa had stolen a
cow inspired by his wife and seeking the help of the other siblings, and were
cursed by sage Vasishta to be born in the Earth as mortals for having stolen the
divine cow. Vasishta said that all except Prabhasa would be able to leave the mortal
world within a year. River Goddess Ganga promised to help them. She became the
wife of King Shantanu, on the condition that he never said anything in her way. 7
children who were the 7 Ashtavasus born to her were drowned by Mother Ganga in

29
the river. When the 8th child was born, Shantanu couldn’t bear it anymore and
opposed his wife Ganga, who immediately left him. The 8th son, Prabhasa,
eventually became Bheeshma in the mortal form. Bheeshma on the death bead of
1000 arrows, advised the Vishnu Sahasranama to the guilt ridden Yudhisthira for
having taken part in the Mahabharat which caused death and destruction.
Bheeshma was the one who was able to will the moment of his death, and he is said
to have left when Sun entered into Uttarayana.

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 SATABISHA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac
6o 40’ - 20o 00’ Aquarius
Range
Ruling Planet Rahu
Deity Varuna
Symbol An Empty Circle
Gana Rakshasa (Demon)
Quality Chara (Moveable)
Caste Butcher
Animal Female Horse
Bird Raven
Tree Common Bur Flower
Sounds Go, Saa, See, Soo
Yoga Tara 18 degree
Pada 1 Sagittarius, Pada 2. Capricorn, Pada 3. Aquarius, Pada 4
Pada
Pisces

Varuna, the god of Cosmic Law, Cosmic Ocean and Sky, is also one of the Adityas. He
rules the mysteries, and the underground waters. He is associated with occult
abilities, secrets and destiny. Varuna rules over the west direction. He is also the
lord of the underworld. And is the lord of healing as well. Varuna is believed to
have 1000 eyes, with the stars in the night sky supposed to be his eyes. Varuna is
also connected with Dakshinayana, the southern hemisphere of Sun’s movement.
He also carries the pot of nectar of immortality, Amrit, and also has the ability to
give Life. Varuna & Mitra are often invoked together, and Varuna is considered to
be the god of the Night Sun or the Dark Sun. He rides on the Crocodile or Makara.
Vedas also call him an asura, which is also interesting. Sage Agastya born from
Mitra-Varuna is known to have drank the entire ocean, in one of the stories, to
expose the demon Kalakeya who was killing all life forms at night with other
asuras, so as to be killed by the Devas. Varuna is also supposed to have cursed his
own father Kashyapa along with his mothers Diti & Aditi, to be born in the Earth
plane, for having stolen a cow from him to do a yajna. The father was reborn as
Krishna’s father Vasudevan, and his mothers were born as Rohini and Devaki. Indra
is supposed to have usurped the power to be the king of the Devas from Varuna, by
making use of Yama to restrain Varuna’s power.

31
 PURVA BHADRAPADA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 20o 00’ Aquarius- 3o 20’ Pisces

Ruling Planet Jupiter
Deity Aja Ekapada
Symbol Man with Two Faces, Two Swords, Front legs of Funeral cot
Gana Manushya (Human)
Quality Ugra (Fierce)
Caste Brahmin (Priest)
Animal Male Lion
Bird Avocet
Tree Mango
Sounds Say, So, Daa, Dee
Yoga Tara 29 degree
Pada Pada 1 Aries, 2 Taurus, 3 Gemini, 4 Cancer

Aja Ekapada, or “the unborn one footed one”, is the deity of Purva Bhadrapada
nakshatra. He is one of the Rudras and is the fire dragon. Aja Ekapada is often
considered in his goat form, and is considered to be the amount of Lord Agni, the
God of Fire. Aja Ekapada is connected with Storms through Rudra, and may also
connected with the Maruts, the wind gods. The archetypical unicorn may also be
connected to Purva Bhadrapada. Aja Ekapada is the fire that is connected with
funeral rites, and can be considered to be the spiritual fire which purifies one’s
soul. He is also connected with lightning, storms, black magic, and extreme occult
groups such as Aghoris & other extreme practitioners of Yoga or Tapasya. The Lion
being the animal of this nakshatra, shows the connection with Goddess Durga, who
has Lion as her Mount. She killed the Buffalo headed demon, Mahishasur. Lion is
often used as a sign for Sun, as well as strong devotee. God Narasimha, Half Man-
Half Lion avatar of Lord Vishnu, had the purpose to save his child devotee Prahlad
from his father Hiranya Kashipu, who was about to kill him. Hiranya Kashipu was
killed under unique set of conditions, such as at twilight (neither day nor night), on
the doorsteps of his palace (neither inside or outside), uses his nails to kill him
(neither animate or inanimate), puts him on his lap before killing (neither earth nor
in space), which nullified the boon he had obtained from Brahma. Prahlada was the
grandfather of Mahabali.

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 UTTARA BHADRAPADA NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 3o 20’ - 16o 40’ Pisces

Ruling Planet Saturn
Deity Ahir Budnya
Symbol Serpent at bottom of Ocean, Back legs of Funeral Cot
Gana Manushya (Human)
Quality Dhruva (Fixed)
Caste Kshatriya (Warrior)
Animal Female Cow
Bird Kotan (Owl)
Tree Neem
Sounds Du, Thaa, Jna, Dha
Yoga Tara 15 degree
Pada Pada 1 Leo, Pada 2 Virgo, Pada 3 Libra, Pada 4 Scorpio

The deity of Uttara Bhadrapada nakshatra is Ahir Budnya, the water dragon who
sleeps at the bottom of the ocean. One of the 11 Rudras, he is the god of fertility &
Kundalini. He is considered as the son of Vishwakarma, the celestial architect.
Goddess Lakshmi, who is always at the feet of God Vishnu is also connected with
this nakshatra. The animal of this nakshatra is Cow, which also brings about the
connection to the Divine cow Kamadhenu, the mother of all cows, and the wish-
fulfilling cow. Sage Narada is supposed to have decided an argument between
Lakshmi and Saturn, in deciding who was greatest, by diplomatically saying both
were equal in the sense that when Lakshmi came, power came into one’s life, and
when Saturn left, power came into one’s life.

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 REVATI NAKSHATRA

Zodiac
16o 40’ - 30o 00’ Pisces
Range
Ruling Planet Mercury
Deity Pushan
Symbol Drum, Pair of Fish
Gana Deva (Divine)
Quality Mridu (Soft)
Caste Shudra (Worker)
Bird Pigeon
Animal Female Elephant
Tree Indian Butter tree
Sounds Dhe, Dho, Chaa, Chee
Yoga Tara 26 degree
Pada 1 Sagittarius, Pada 2. Capricorn, Pada 3. Aquarius, Pada 4
Pada
Pisces

The deity of Revati nakshatra is Pushan. One of the 12 Adityas, he is the protector
of flocks and herds, and the deity of safe travels. He also has a special affinity to
animals. Pushan is also considered as the ruler of the roads. He is the lord of lost
things, as well as the lost animals. He is also the final Ferryman who ushers the
souls into the realm of Yama into the netherworld. He is also the protector of
wayfarers and their belongings, as well as the God of Meetings. In Daksha’s yagna,
Pushan was eating the oblation when Rudra had arrived. Rudra is supposed to have
knocked Pushan’s teeth out. Princess Revati is supposed to have been the wife of
Lord Balaram. Princess and her father had approached Brahma in Brahma loka, and
saw that he was sleeping. They waited for some time until Brahma woke up.
Brahma after waking up enquired as to why they were there. Her father said that
he wanted to find a suitable bridegroom for his daughter. Brahma said that by
waiting for Brahma in Brahma lok where time moves at a faster rate than the Earth
plane, the corresponding times in Earth have changed yogas, and their kingdoms
have vanished with men being shorter than what they were before. Brahma said
that the only man suitable in this new yuga was Balaram. Balaram, used his plough
to make Revati’s height shorter than her normal height.

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 ABHIJIT NAKSHATRA

Zodiac Range 6o 40’ Capricorn - 10o 15’ Capricorn

Abhijit nakshatra is considered as the supreme nakshatras of them all. Krishna tells
Arjuna that he is Abhijit nakshatra amongst nakshatras. Scholars are of the opinion
that this makes Abhijit as the only masculine nakshatra. Abhijit nakshatra is also
considered as the nakshatra of enlightenment. It is said that when Sahadeva
amongst the pandavas had given the most auspicious time of declaring war for
Duryodhana as the time when Abhijit nakshatra was rising, Krishna is supposed to
have destroyed the Abhjit nakshatra in the sky, leaving behind the consciousness of
the star to be used by future generations.

35