In the realm of Vedic astrology (Jyotish), Nakshatras hold a pivotal position. These 27 lunar constellations serve as celestial markers, influencing our personalities, destinies, and life experiences. Each Nakshatra is associated with specific energies, deities, and symbols, offering a rich tapestry for self-understanding and guidance.
One fascinating aspect of Nakshatras is their connection to precious gemstones, known as Ratnas. Vedic astrologers believe that wearing the Ratna corresponding to your birth Nakshatra can enhance positive planetary influences, mitigate challenges, and promote overall well-being.
Let’s embark on a journey through the 27 Nakshatras, uncovering their governing planets, symbolism, characteristic traits, and their associated Ratnas.
1. Ashwini
- Ruling Planet: Ketu (South Node of the Moon)
- Symbol: Horse’s Head
- Deity: The Ashwini Kumaras (divine healers)
- Attributes: Swiftness, initiation, healing, potential impulsiveness
- Ratna: Diamond
2. Bharani
- Ruling Planet: Venus (Shukra)
- Symbol: Yoni (female reproductive organ)
- Deity: Yama (god of death)
- Attributes: Creation, destruction, bearing burdens, restraint
- Ratna: Gomed (Hessonite Garnet)
3. Krittika
- Ruling Planet: Sun (Surya)
- Symbol: Knife or Flame
- Deity: Agni (god of fire)
- Attributes: Power, cutting through negativity, fiery nature, purification
- Ratna: Ruby
4. Rohini
- Ruling Planet: Moon (Chandra)
- Symbol: Cart or Chariot
- Deity: Brahma (the Creator)
- Attributes: Fertility, growth, beauty, groundedness
- Ratna: Pearl
5. Mrigashirsha
- Ruling Planet: Mars (Mangala)
- Symbol: Deer’s Head
- Deity: Soma (Moon god, associated with elixir of life)
- Attributes: Curiosity, searching, gentleness, changeability
- Ratna: Coral
6. Ardra
- Ruling Planet: Rahu (North Node of the Moon)
- Symbol: Teardrop
- Deity: Rudra (fierce form of Shiva)
- Attributes: Storms, change, effort, mental brilliance, potential destructiveness
- Ratna: Cat’s Eye
7. Punarvasu
- Ruling Planet: Jupiter (Guru)
- Symbol: Quiver of Arrows
- Deity: Aditi (mother of the gods)
- Attributes: Renewal, return, expansiveness, abundance
- Ratna: Yellow Sapphire
8. Pushya
- Ruling Planet: Saturn (Shani)
- Symbol: Cow’s Udder
- Deity: Brihaspati (teacher of the gods)
- Attributes: Nourishment, protection, patience, discipline
- Ratna: Blue Sapphire
9. Ashlesha
- Ruling Planet: Mercury (Budha)
- Symbol: Coiled Serpent
- Deity: Nagas (serpent deities)
- Attributes: Clinging, hypnotic, transformative, potential for negativity
- Ratna: Emerald
10. Magha
- Ruling Planet: Ketu (South Node of the Moon)
- Symbol: Royal Throne
- Deity: Pitris (ancestors)
- Attributes: Connection to the past, royalty, authority, ambition
- Ratna: Pearl
11. Purva Phalguni
- Ruling Planet: Venus (Shukra)
- Symbol: Hammock or Front Legs of a Bed
- Deity: Bhaga (god of enjoyment)
- Attributes: Creativity, relaxation, playfulness, potential for laziness
- Ratna: Diamond
12. Uttara Phalguni
- Ruling Planet: Sun (Surya)
- Symbol: Back Legs of a Bed
- Deity: Aryaman (god of patronage and nobility)
- Attributes: Support, patronage, marriage, nobility
- Ratna: Ruby
13. Hasta
- Ruling Planet: Moon (Chandra)
- Symbol: Hand or Fist
- Deity: Savitar (solar deity connected to hands)
- Attributes: Skill, dexterity, cleverness, playfulness, potential trickery
- Ratna: Pearl
14. Chitra
- Ruling Planet: Mars (Mangala)
- Symbol: Bright Jewel
- Deity: Tvastar or Vishwakarma (divine architect)
- Attributes: Illusion, visual beauty, artistic skill, creation of forms
- Ratna: Diamond
15. Swati
- Ruling Planet: Rahu (North Node of the Moon)
- Symbol: Young Plant Swayed by the Wind
- Deity: Vayu (god of wind)
- Attributes: Scattered, independent, resilience, adaptability
- Ratna: Emerald
16. Vishakha
- Ruling Planet: Jupiter (Guru)
- Symbol: Triumphal Archway
- Deity: Indra and Agni (Indra-Agni)
- Attributes: Purposefulness, ambition, achievement, duality, potential ruthlessness
- Ratna: Yellow Sapphire
17. Anuradha
- Ruling Planet: Saturn (Shani)
- Symbol: Lotus Flower
- Deity: Mitra (god of friendship)
- Attributes: Friendship, group work, devotion, worship
- Ratna: Blue Sapphire
18. Jyestha
- Ruling Planet: Mercury (Budha)
- Symbol: Circular Earring or Talisman
- Deity: Indra (king of the gods)
- Attributes: Seniority, protection, power potential, illusion, secrecy
- Ratna: Emerald
19. Mula
- Ruling Planet: Ketu (South Node of the Moon)
- Symbol: Bunch of Roots
- Deity: Nritti (goddess of destruction)
- Attributes: Rooting out the hidden, going to the core, endings
- Ratna: Gomed (Hessonite Garnet)
20. Purva Ashadha
- Ruling Planet: Venus (Shukra)
- Symbol: Winnowing Fan or Elephant Tusk
- Deity: Apas (waters)
- Attributes: Invincibility, conquest, purification through struggle
- Ratna: Pearl
21. Uttara Ashadha
- Ruling Planet: Sun (Surya)
- Symbol: Elephant Tusk or Bed
- Deity: Vishvedevas (group of universal gods)
- Attributes: Unconquerable strength, spiritual victory, lasting achievements
- Ratna: Ruby
22. Shravana
- Ruling Planet: Moon (Chandra)
- Symbol: Ear
- Deity: Vishnu (the preserver)
- Attributes: Listening, learning, knowledge, connection
- Ratna: Pearl
23. Dhanishtha
- Ruling Planet: Mars (Mangala)
- Symbol: Drum or Flute
- Deity: Vasus (group of 8 elemental deities)
- Attributes: Wealth, abundance, rhythm, music, fame
- Ratna: Coral
24. Satabhisha
- Ruling Planet: Rahu (North Node of the Moon)
- Symbol: Empty Circle
- Deity: Varuna (god of cosmic waters)
- Attributes: Healing, vastness, secrets, the hidden
- Ratna: Blue Sapphire
25. Purva Bhadrapada
- Ruling Planet: Jupiter (Guru)
- Symbol: Two-Faced Man, Sword, Funeral Cot
- Deity: Aja Ekapat (one-footed fire god)
- Attributes: Lightning, fiery transformation, austerity, asceticism
- Ratna: Yellow Sapphire
26. Uttara Bhadrapada
- Ruling Planet: Saturn (Shani)
- Symbol: Back Legs of Funeral Cot, Twins, Snake in the Water
- Deity: Ahirbudhnya (serpent of the deep)
- Attributes: Connection to depths and ancestors, calmness, gentleness
- Ratna: Pearl
27. Revati
- Ruling Planet: Mercury (Budha)
- Symbol: Fish or Drum
- Deity: Pushan (nourisher, guide of souls)
- Attributes: Prosperity, abundance, vastness, nurturance
- Ratna: Blue Sapphire
