27 Nakshatra of Indian Astrology

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Indian System

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Each of the 27 Nakṣatras in the Indian system of astrology has a unique symbolism, deity, and significance. These representations go beyond just the stars; they incorporate mythology, qualities, and energies that influence a person’s life and events.

These representations reflect cosmic influences and are deeply embedded in Indian philosophy and astrology. Each Nakṣatra is believed to influence the characteristics and destiny of individuals born under it.

1. Aśvinī (अश्विनी)

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• Symbol: Horse’s head.
• Deity: Aśvinī Kumaras (divine healers).
• Represents: Healing, speed, and new beginnings.

2. Bharaṇī (भरणी)

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• Symbol: Yoni (female reproductive organ).
• Deity: Yama (god of death and dharma).
• Represents: Discipline, transformation, and life-death cycles.

3. Kṛttikā (कृत्तिका)

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• Symbol: Razor or flame.
• Deity: Agni (fire god).
• Represents: Purification, sharpness, and courage.

4. Rohiṇī (रोहिणी)

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• Symbol: Cart or chariot.
• Deity: Brahma (creator god).
• Represents: Creativity, fertility, and beauty.

5. Mṛgaśira (मृगशिरा)

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• Symbol: Deer’s head.
• Deity: Soma (moon god).
• Represents: Curiosity, search for truth, and gentleness.

6. Ārdrā (आर्द्रा)

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• Symbol: Teardrop or diamond.
• Deity: Rudra (storm god).
• Represents: Power, destruction, and renewal.

7. Punarvasu (पुनर्वसु)

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• Symbol: Bow and quiver.
• Deity: Aditi (mother of the gods).
• Represents: Prosperity, renewal, and optimism.

8. Puṣya (पुष्य)

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• Symbol: Cow’s udder or flower.
• Deity: Bṛhaspati (guru of the gods).
• Represents: Nourishment, spirituality, and growth.

9. Āśleṣā (आश्लेषा)

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• Symbol: Coiled serpent.
• Deity: Nāgas (serpent gods).
• Represents: Wisdom, cunning, and intuition.

10. Maghā (मघा)

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• Symbol: Throne.
• Deity: Pitṛs (ancestors).
• Represents: Authority, lineage, and tradition.

11. Pūrvaphalgunī (पूर्वफल्गुनी)

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• Symbol: Hammock or couch.
• Deity: Bhaga (god of fortune).
• Represents: Luxury, relaxation, and creativity.

12. Uttaraphalgunī (उत्तरफल्गुनी)

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• Symbol: Bed or cot.
• Deity: Aryaman (god of patronage).
• Represents: Friendship, partnerships, and commitment.

13. Hasta (हस्त)

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• Symbol: Hand.
• Deity: Savitar (solar deity).
• Represents: Skill, creativity, and dexterity.

14. Citrā (चित्रा)

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• Symbol: Bright jewel or pearl.
• Deity: Tvaṣṭā (divine architect).
• Represents: Brilliance, beauty, and craftsmanship.

15. Svāti (स्वाति)

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• Symbol: Coral or shoot of a plant.
• Deity: Vāyu (wind god).
• Represents: Independence, flexibility, and mobility.

16. Viśākhā (विशाखा)

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• Symbol: Archway or forked branch.
• Deity: Indra and Agni (gods of power and fire).
• Represents: Ambition, duality, and purpose.

17. Anurādhā (अनुराधा)

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• Symbol: Lotus flower.
• Deity: Mitra (god of friendship).
• Represents: Devotion, friendship, and harmony.

18. Jyeṣṭhā (ज्येष्ठा)

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• Symbol: Umbrella or earring.
• Deity: Indra (king of the gods).
• Represents: Leadership, authority, and protection.

19. Mūla (मूल)

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• Symbol: Tied roots or bunch of roots.
• Deity: Nirṛti (goddess of destruction).
• Represents: Foundations, endings, and transformation.

20. Pūrvāṣāḍhā (पूर्वाषाढा)

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• Symbol: Fan or winnowing basket.
• Deity: Apah (water deity).
• Represents: Invincibility, purification, and determination.

21. Uttarāṣāḍhā (उत्तराषाढा)

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• Symbol: Elephant tusk.
• Deity: Viśvedevas (universal gods).
• Represents: Leadership, stability, and victory.

22. Śravaṇa (श्रवण)

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• Symbol: Ear.
• Deity: Viṣṇu (preserver god).
• Represents: Listening, learning, and fame.

23. Dhaniṣṭhā (धनिष्ठा)

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• Symbol: Drum or flute.
• Deity: Eight Vasus (elemental gods).
• Represents: Prosperity, rhythm, and community.

24. Śatabhiṣak (शतभिषक्)

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• Symbol: Hundred medicinal herbs.
• Deity: Varuṇa (god of cosmic order).
• Represents: Healing, mystery, and exploration.

25. Pūrvabhādrapadā (पूर्वभाद्रपदा)

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• Symbol: Sword or two legs of a bed.
• Deity: Aja Ekapāda (serpent or one-footed deity).
• Represents: Sacrifice, transformation, and duality.

26. Uttarabhādrapadā (उत्तरभाद्रपदा)

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• Symbol: Twins or snake in water.
• Deity: Ahirbudhnya (serpent of the deep).
• Represents: Depth, stability, and introspection.

27. Revatī (रेवती)

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• Symbol: Drum or fish.
• Deity: Pūṣa (nourisher god).
• Represents: Prosperity, wealth, and safety.

Western System

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Western Sky Constellations

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The Western system of constellations consists of 88 officially recognized constellations, as defined by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). These constellations cover the entire celestial sphere, providing a structured map of the sky used for navigation, astronomy, and cultural storytelling.

Number of Constellations:

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• 88 Constellations: These are evenly distributed across the northern and southern hemispheres. They vary in size and include both ancient and modern additions.
• Origins: Many constellations are rooted in Greek and Roman mythology, while others were added during the Age of Exploration to represent southern stars.

Popular Constellations and Their Representations:

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1. Orion (The Hunter):

   • Representation: A hunter from Greek mythology, equipped with a club and shield.
   • Significance: Visible worldwide, it symbolizes strength and pursuit. Its belt (three stars in a row) is a key navigational marker.
   • Fun Note: OpenAI named their model Orion after the hunter in Greek mythology. Indian Nakshatra Mrigshira is similar to this constellation.

2. Ursa Major (The Great Bear):

   • Representation: A bear in Greek mythology; includes the Big Dipper asterism.
   • Significance: Associated with guidance and the North Star (Polaris), as part of the handle points to Polaris.

3. Ursa Minor (The Little Bear):

   • Representation: A smaller bear with Polaris at its tail.
   • Significance: Guides travelers in the northern hemisphere.

4. Cassiopeia (The Queen):

   • Representation: A queen seated on her throne.
   • Significance: Its W-shaped asterism is a distinct marker in the northern sky.

5. Scorpius (The Scorpion):

   • Representation: The scorpion that killed Orion in Greek mythology.
   • Significance: Associated with danger, protection, and passion.

6. Leo (The Lion):

   • Representation: The Nemean lion defeated by Hercules in mythology.
   • Significance: Symbolizes bravery, strength, and majesty.

7. Taurus (The Bull):

   • Representation: A bull representing Zeus in Greek mythology.
   • Significance: Associated with power and fertility; contains the Pleiades star cluster.

8. Gemini (The Twins):

   • Representation: The twin brothers Castor and Pollux from Greek mythology.
   • Significance: Represents companionship and duality.
   • Fun Note: Google named their model Gemini after the twins.

9. Pegasus (The Winged Horse):

   • Representation: A winged horse born from Medusa’s blood.
   • Significance: Symbolizes freedom, inspiration, and heroism.

10. Andromeda (The Princess):

    • Representation: A princess saved by Perseus in mythology.
    • Significance: Represents rescue, courage, and sacrifice; contains the Andromeda Galaxy.

11. Sagittarius (The Archer):

    • Representation: A centaur archer from mythology.
    • Significance: Associated with exploration and discovery; points toward the Milky Way’s center.

12. Aquarius (The Water Bearer):

    • Representation: A youth pouring water, symbolizing abundance.
    • Significance: Associated with renewal and hope.

13. Pisces (The Fish):

    • Representation: Two fish tied together, representing Aphrodite and Eros.
    • Significance: Symbolizes connection, emotion, and transformation.

Modern Usage:

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• Constellations help in astronomical observation, such as locating celestial objects like galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.
• They also inspire cultural symbolism, guiding human exploration and storytelling.