The Importance of Nakshatras

This section explains the foundational role of Nakshatras—lunar constellations—in shaping human destiny, nature, tendencies, and life experiences. At the moment of birth, the first spiritual imprint revealed is the Nakshatra, which determines the birth-yoni, inner nature, past impressions, and key life patterns. Only after understanding the Nakshatra can planetary effects, karma, and life challenges be interpreted correctly.

Here, all 27 Nakshatras are described along with their symbolic meaning, personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses. The fourteen Nakshatra-yonis (natural categories of temperament) are also explained, revealing the instinctive tendencies a soul brings from past births.

Special attention is given to the six challenging Nakshatras, where each charana (quarter) produces specific life outcomes affecting parents, siblings, wealth, or personal wellbeing.

Finally, the section highlights the importance of Nakshatra mantras, prescribed methods, and Guru-guided practices to reduce karmic difficulties and harmonize the influence of constellations, planets, and the five cosmic elements.

Nakshatras (lunar constellations) hold extremely great importance. At the moment of birth, the *first thing* that becomes known is the Nakshatra. Only after identifying the Nakshatra can we understand several essential aspects of life, and *then* the arrangement of planets is interpreted. Thus, the root of everything is the Nakshatra.

The Nakshatra in which a person is born is highly significant. According to the Panchang (Hindu almanac), the Nakshatra reveals the birth-yoni, the inner nature from past impressions. There are fourteen such yonis (categories of nature), and each yoni has its own distinct qualities. A person expresses the tendencies of their yoni.

Each Nakshatra has four parts, called Charanas (quarters). From these four charanas, we understand what types of challenges or tendencies may appear in a person’s life.

Therefore, before examining the birth chart or planetary positions, it is necessary to understand the birth Nakshatra.

Let us look at the qualities of all 27 Nakshatras:

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### 1. Ashwini Symbol: Horse’s head. Represents the beginning of the zodiac. Resembles the womb. Qualities: Intelligent, quick, active, restless, warm-natured, slim, leadership qualities.

### 2. Bharani Symbol resembles the female reproductive organ. Self-oriented, intense, connected to birth, death and transformation. Dependent on others.

### 3. Krittika Symbol of a sharp blade or a welding flame. Fiery temperament, short-tempered, harsh, proud, accident-prone, courageous, strong but stubborn.

### 4. Rohini Symbol: Four-petaled flower. Materialistic, fertile, abundant, beautiful, artistic, pleasant personality, refined tastes.

### 5. Mrigashira Symbol: Deer’s head or a drinking cup. In Taurus: gentle and sensual. In Gemini: intellectual, curious, pleasure-loving.

### 6. Ardra Symbol: Diamond or raindrop. Represents change after hardship. Emotional, intense, restless, angry, suspicious.

### 7. Punarvasu Symbol: A returning arrow. Represents renewal, restoration. Scholarly, artistic, pure-minded, popular, virtuous.

### 8. Pushya Symbol: Lotus or coconut. Represents compassion, forgiveness and peace. Helpful, spiritual, famous, reflective, noble.

### 9. Ashlesha Symbol: Coiled snake or spring. Deep instincts. Creates difficulties, illness; intense, cunning, deceptive, unethical tendencies.

### 10. Magha Symbol: Royal crown. Proud, authoritative, powerful, ambitious, independent, enjoys status and success.

### 11. Purva Phalguni Symbolizes comfort, pleasure and happiness. Loves luxury, wealth, beauty, creativity, leisure and romance.

### 12. Uttara Phalguni Similar to Purva Phalguni but with greater wisdom. Bright, generous, knowledgeable, respected.

### 13. Hasta Symbol: Hand. Skilled with hands, crafts, healing, communication. Calm, learned, wealthy, peaceful.

### 14. Chitra Symbol: Shining jewel. Creative, artistic, imaginative, skilful, sensual, mathematically sharp.

### 15. Swati Symbol: Sword. Flexible, adaptable, independent. In Libra: peaceful, balanced, just, spiritual and truthful.

### 16. Vishakha Goal-oriented, determined, sacrificial. Intense, competitive, jealous, sharp, conflict-prone.

### 17. Anuradha Success after effort; friendship, travel, astrology. Sweet-spoken, wealthy, fond of beauty, sensual, noble.

### 18. Jyeshtha Symbol: Three lines (past, present, future). Strong, dominant, secretive, vengeful, proud, courageous, but troubled.

### 19. Moola Symbol: Roots. Research-oriented, goes to the source of everything. Strong, political, ambitious, proud. Can bring accidents, injuries, fire-related issues.

### 20. Purva Ashadha Joyful, artistic, enthusiastic. Loves beauty, social charm, comfort and wealth.

### 21. Uttara Ashadha Symbol: Rising sun. Truthful, determined, noble, spiritual, disciplined.

### 22. Shravana Well-behaved, devoted, scholarly, moral.

### 23. Dhanishta Harsh, bold, aggressive, courageous but unstable and cunning.

### 24. Shatabhisha Imaginative, tricky, sensual, addictive tendencies, beauty-loving but less logical.

### 25. Purva Bhadrapada Scholarly, deep thinker, spiritual researcher, sharp, clever.

### 26. Uttara Bhadrapada Calm, thoughtful, intelligent, respected, steady.

### 27. Revati Wealthy, intelligent, selfless, righteous, kind and pure-hearted.

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The Nakshatras are grouped into fourteen yonis (inner nature categories). Their qualities are:

• 1. Horse – Noble, fast, loyal, courageous.
• 2. Dog – Loyal, follows the master anywhere, strong instincts.
• 3. Cat – Harsh, solitary, selfish, dislikes leaving home; conflicts with Dog yoni.
• 4. Serpent – Vengeful, opportunistic.
• 5. Elephant – Generous, noble, long-lasting grudges.
• 6. Deer – Gentle, home-loving, group-oriented.
• 7. Monkey – Mischievous, unstable, wandering.
• 8. Tiger – Fierce, stealthy, courageous.
• 9. Lion – Majestic, authoritative, ambitious.
• 10. Cow – Loving, loyal, nurturing, clean.
• 11. Goat/Ram – Impulsive, reckless, traditional.
• 12. Buffalo – Lazy, untidy.
• 13. Rat – Destructive, fearful.
• 14. Mongoose – Quick, nervous.

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Among the 27 Nakshatras, the following six may bring challenges depending on the charana at birth:

1) Ashwini • Charana 1 – Trouble for father • Charana 2 – Child becomes prosperous • Charana 3 – High position in society • Charana 4 – Political honour

2) Ashlesha • 1 – Good for the child • 2 – Loss of wealth • 3 – Hardship for mother and mother-in-law • 4 – Hardship for father

3) Magha • 1 – Trouble for mother • 2 – Trouble for father • 3 – Prosperity • 4 – Auspicious results

4) Jyeshtha • 1 – Trouble for elder brother • 2 – Trouble for younger brother • 3 – Trouble for mother • 4 – Self-harm tendencies, suffering

5) Moola • 1 – Trouble for father / father-in-law • 2 – Trouble for mother • 3 – Loss of wealth • 4 – Benefits to the child

6) Revati • 1 – Increase in courage • 2 – Benefits from authorities • 3 – Good for the child • 4 – Many hardships: financial, physical, mental

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To prevent suffering and reduce difficulties associated with the birth Nakshatra, it is essential to recite the Nakshatra mantra regularly. The number of repetitions and the correct method are predetermined.

For complete guidance on Nakshatra worship, mantras and counts, refer to the book “हा खेळ प्राक्तनाचा की पूर्वसंचिताचा” or contact Nath Shakti Peeth.

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In this way, planets, nakshatras, the five elements and the yugas all influence every living being. According to these influences, each person’s life unfolds. Often without knowing, every individual experiences these effects throughout life. Through the spiritual practices given by the Guru, the harmful effects can become mild — or even disappear entirely.