KNOW
THE PRESIDING DEITY OF YOUR BIRTHSTAR IN VEDIC ASTROLOGY AND ITS INFLUENCE
(Compilation for a
discourse by N. R. Srinivasan, Nashville, TN, USA, August 2017)
Know the presiding deity of your Janma Nakshtra (Birth Star)
in Vedic Astrology and know how temperamentally you are born and develop your
in-born qualities or try to improve upon it. Don’t go by your Horoscope,
astrological predictions if the presiding deity is different and what it
predicts about your Janma Nakshatra.
Vedic astrology does not mention Rahu or
Ketu though speaks of three different Serpent Devatas ruling over
Aslesha, Poorvaabhadra and Uttraabhaadra. Among the Navagrahas only mention
is made of Sun, Moon and Brihaspati (Guru) as presiding deities. There is
no mention of rest of the Navagrahas Kuja (Mars), Budha (Mercury),
Sukra (Venus), Sani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu about which modern astrology
makes us so scared as affecting our lives. Vedic Astrology gives
importance to planet Earth glorified in Veda mantras as
Aditi, as the ruling deity of Punarvasu Nakshatra.
Indra, Yama, Varuna and Kubrera
are the four Dikpalaka directional deities that rule over the East, South, West and North.
The intermediate directions are ruled by Agni South East, Nirrti South-West,
Vaayu North-West and Isaana, a form of
Panchnana Rudra North West. Indra, Yama, Varuna, Nirrti, Vaayu, Agni, and
Rudra are also mentioned as presiding
deities of their respective Janma
Nakshatras. Only Kubera is not mentioned
among Dikpalakas as a presiding deity in Vedic astrology.
Mula is ruled by Nirriti, or
Kali the Goddess of destruction. Nirrti is the guardian of South-west
direction among 8 Dikpalakas. It has the power to ruin or destroy. Its
basis above is breaking things apart (barhana shakti). Its basis below
is crushing things. Through these three one gains the power to
destroy destruction. You are familiar with Ganesha the Lord of
Obstruction whom you worship for success in your undertakings! Presiding deity
of Mula Nakshatra is Ketu in Modern Commercial Astrology, moving away from
Vedic astrology. This Nakshatra as Janma Nakshatra is dreaded most by ignorant
parents of a girl who are advised to conduct elaborate Shanti whereas David
Frawley says it is ruled by Goddess Kali who is the most worshiped
deity in Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Why then run to Navagrahas and worship Rahu,
Ketu and planets Kuja, Budha, Sukra and Sani that do not
preside over any of the Janma Nakshatras.
Mula Nakshatra’s presiding deity
as per Vedic astrology is the Goddess of dissolution and destruction known as
Nirrti.. Mula's primary approach to life is to get to the root of
things. It is a relentless Nakshatra which will stop at nothing until it
has exercised its will. Natives of this Nakshatra will try to fully utilize
whatever will power is available at their command.
RAVANA, the mightiest Titan King
and sorcerer of Silver Age was born in Mula Nakshatra.
As narrated in Ramayana, he gained immense power and lordship over the three
worlds through rigorous penances aimed at pleasing Lord Shiva. This shows
Mula's ability to gain power on a universal level through a close association
with the root forces. He however fell prey to the haughty, bashful
and unwise aspect of Mula energy and met his end as a villain in the hands of
Rama, the 7th incarnation of Vishnu according to his Karmaphala. He was
born with Rajoguna dominating.
See the contrast. Lord Hanuman also born in
Mula Nakshatra is an ardent devotee of Lord Sri Rama
and is widely known for his unflinching devotion to Sri Rama. He is Chirnjeevi
and came out victorious on many situations threatened with death— challenge
with sun, Simhika, burning of his tail in Lanka dahana etc. Hanuman is the
symbol of strength and energy. He is said to be able to assume any form at
will, wield the mace (including many celestial weapons), move mountains, dart
through the air, seize the clouds and
equally rival Garuda in swiftness of flight. Lord Hanuman
is worshiped as a deity with the ability to attain victory against evil and
provide protection. He was born with Sattvaguna predominating and with lot of
good Sanchita Karma and continued with ascending spiritual goal and
achieved the status of Chiranjeevi to be ever present with us.
This clearly shows in whatever situation you
are born you are still bound by your Karma which you can shape by your own
strong determination or spoil it by your own will.
Punar-vasu is the birth Nakshatra of Lord Rama
ruled by planet Earth that finds no place in Navagrahas or in the modern
wrongly designated Vedic astrology. The word Punarvasu is derived from
Punah+Vasu, which means return, renewal, restoration or repetition. The 12
Adityas were born of Kasyapa in the womb of Aditi. The 12 Adityas are Vishnu,
Indra, Vaga, Twasta, Varuna, Aryama, Pusa, Mitra, Agni, Parjyanya, Vivaswan and
Dinakar. The mother Aditi of whom these Gods are born is the repository of
everything good--truth, generosity, magnanimity, purity, aristocracy, beauty
and renown. It follows that this star is the cause for these virtues. To start
afresh after having once broken off, to start a new life, to come back from a
distant land-all. Punarvasu signifies these. It stands for freedom from
restriction and limitation, and boundless space.
Lord Krishna’s Janma Nakshatra is
Rohini. It is considered quite auspicious and is ruled by Prajapati, the
creator of Universe. Sri Krishna was born in the month of Sravana more than
5000 years ago. Its power is growth and prosperity.
All this may not convince you as I am talking
about Gods and Puranas! But I will like
to present to you a case study of a successful executive who still growing
steadily. According to Vedic astrology
the presiding deity of his birth star Visakha is Indra as well as Agni but not
according to his horoscope. Vishakha is ruled by Indra and Agni, who represent
the powers of heat and lightning in the Atmosphere. It gives the power to
achieve many and various fruits in life (vyapana shakti). Its basis above is
plowing or cultivation. Its basis below is the harvest. These three gives us
the fruit of the harvest. Vedic Astrology has rightly predicted his life which he
took seriously and also did not let go past by which I would like to
site here as an illustrative proven example. He too survived
from the jaws of death on three occasions may be that was his
destiny and will of the Lord Venkatesvara his family deity!
I would consider that he had meteoric rise in his life though born to a poor educated primary
school teacher passing rich with 15 rupees per month and brought up in a small
village in Karnataka. He has not become rich and famous like Bill Gates to draw
public attention! Getting rich was not his ambition and he did not exploit the opportunities that came because they were
not Dharmic. What does one carry
with him when he dies—not even a Pence? He ended up as an UNIDO expert in his field of specialization. He was the third highest paid professional in his
chosen field in India when he took a decision
to migrate to USA at the age of 51 to educate his bright kids. He was registered with the National Register
of CSIR as a Specialist in his field and was offered jobs without his applying
for the post. HHis name is included amongst
“Great Minds of the 21st Century” and “1000 World leaders of
Scientific Influence” of American Biographical Institute. International
Biographic Institute, U.K. has also included his name amongst “500 Leading
Intellectuals of the World”. e was invited by a US firm
approaching UNIDO to help its ailing industry in Fulton County to which he gave
a face-lift. Later he served many ailing
units in the region working for a Fortune 500 Resourcing Company
that came to the rescue of the County. Then on he served many countries with his know-how,
show-how and do-how and proved his existence and established a name
for himself in many lands like
China, Russia, Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, Iraq ,Algiers, Venezuela
etc. Now as you I know him he is still rising in the estimation of people
globally with his sharing knowledge on
Hindu Religion, Culture, Spirituality and sending powerful message
towards Universal Oneness, Peace and Prosperity recalling our past forgotten
Vedic Culture. Thus his focus has turned
towards Nivritti Marga. He has received several hundreds of appreciations of
which he has exposed only a few to others.
Judge for yourself whether Vedic Astrology has
been true or not about its prediction of his birth star? His astrologer
who wrote his horoscope predicted that he
will only survive beyond 2000 and also
predicted many things of which few are correct and many are false. He did
not mention Indra and Agni as the ruling
deities of his Janma Nakshtra nor the vertical and parallel
growth. His children are educated in Harvard, Brown, Rensselaer and
Michigan and his siblings are all double graduates including a
Harvard educated brother (PhD) whose education he influenced except his
immediate sister who was married early, as he was young and had no voice then! Am I reflecting my own life? By now you should be convinced that I do not
speculate but go by proof, logic and
conviction in all my discourses.
Many of you may be under the
impression that I am against astrology and Navagraha Puja which is too close to
your heart. Jyotisha Sastra is one of the Vedangas and is a
well-developed science based on astronomy as well as the Panchangas. But
today it remains distorted and confused due to our own utter negligence due to
no time correction being made, new imaginary deities brought in out of
fear and anxiety (like Seetal Devi for Small pox). We have
failed to perform rituals and Samskaras as per the injunctions of
Bhagavad Gita which is a compendium of Upanishads that says “tasmaat
saastram prmaanam te”. Only thing I want to caution you is,
know the truth, convince yourself and act and do not be misguided
by priests and astrologers who are also unfortunately misguided. Kuja, Budha,
Sukra, Sani, Rahu and Ketu located in Navagraha altars are not the
ruling deities of any Janma akshtra,. Worshiping them may not cause any harm
but will not bring in any desired results as predicted by your astrologers in
the horoscope.
Considering Vedic astrology Grahas that are
concerned with our lives are Sun, Moon, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto and
Earth. I wonder why the days were not named after these 7 astral
bodies and also included among Navagrahas, but only Sun, Moon and Jupiter find
place. However Hindu daily worship includes Indra (Neptune), Varuna (Uranus)
Prajapati (Pluto), Bhoomi (Earth), though they do not figure among Navagrahas. I believe Vedic
astrology had only Tithis (fourteen) before, that
later adopted Hellinisatic astrology and seven-days system
named after 7 luminaries Sun, Moon, Mars (Aero), Mercury (Hermes),
Jupiter (Zeus), Venus (Aphordite) and Saturn (Cronos). A Veda
Mantra says all Nimeshas, Kalaas, Muhurtas, Kaashtaas,
Days, Half month, Months and Seasons were born from the self-luminous
Person (sarve nimesha jagnire vidyutah purushaadadhi | kalaa muhurtaaha
kaasahthaascha ahoraatraascha sarvasah ||ardhamaasaa maasaa ritavah
samvatsaraascha kalpantam--MNU) In this there is no mention of week but
only day, fortnight, month and year. Ardhamasa is Paksha of
fifteen days (Prathama to Chaturdasi ending with Purnima or Amavasya
alternately). It is therefore clear that the week concept and
naming of days in a week as found in Panchangas came much later and may not be
of Vedic origin and also not in Vedic Astrology as we see the absence of
Mars, Mercury, Venus and Saturn as presiding deities in the list of 27
Nakshtras but are only seen in Navagraha altars along with Rahu and Ketu!
Christianity paid importance to Venus from which Sanatkumara and 145000 angels
came down to earth to save the Earth (Book of Revelations in Holy Bible) and
Saturn (Holy Bible) which tempted Jesus and also accepted other days named after
Greek Gods but not Hindu Gods! Probably Greek Gods were less pagan! Hindus also
believe Saturn is a cruel Graha. However inclusion of Rahu and Ketu
in Navagrahas and horoscopes seem to be far-fetched and one of exploitation! In
Eastern Astrology like Chinese and Japanese seven days were named after seven
serial numbered stars like Prathama, Dwiteeya in which Moon figured as Second
Star. In all systems Moon was considered as Star strangely! In no other
astrology Rahu and Ketu appear except in recent Hindu Astrology!
Please go through the appendix “The Power of
27 Nakshatrasa in Vedic Astrology” by David Frawley to know your own nature and
strength as you are born and how you can modify it too like Hanuman to
spiritually evolve or destroy yourself like Ravana both born on the same
powerful Mula Nakshatra!
Kuja,
Budha, Sukra, Sani, Rahu and Ketu located in Navagraha altars are not the
ruling deities of any Janma Nakshtra. Worshiping them is futile that may not
cause any harm but will not bring in any desired results as predicted by your
astrologers in the horoscope. On the other hand
Vedic Astrology includes the Navgraha deities of Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon)
and Brihaspati (Jupiter). It also includes the most celebrated and worshiped
planets as Vedic deities-- Indra (Neptune), Varuna (Uranus), Prajapati
(Pluto) and Aditi (Earth ) Planets. 7 days Week-concept in Hindu astrology is
based on Hellenistic Astrology, later got introduced in our anxiety to adopt Roman
Week-concept while still retaining Paksha (ardha-masa) concept
hailed in Vedas. Christianity favored Greek Gods to Hindu Gods calling it
pagan including Saturn and Venus mentioned in the Holy Bible as good and bad
planets for naming seven days in a week. Now this Christian calendar has become
Gregorian Calendar for the whole World. Vedic Astrology had only Paksha
and Tithi Concept originally as you learn from Vedas. Our Sraddhas (obeisance
to ancestors) are Tithi (pratham dviteeya…chaturdasi) based. I do not know why our astrology
did not name the 7days in a week after Sun, Moon, Jupiter,
Pluto, Uranus, Neptune and Earth that are the presiding deities of Janma
Nakshtras and worship them also as Sapta Grahas Instead of Navagrahas as
is in vogue today because Indra, Varuna, Prajapati and Aditi are glorified in
Vedas! This would have been accepted by all Hindu traditions including
Vaishnavites who do not worship Navagrahas today but attach importance to
horoscopes!
You may thus see how Hindus
are so confused? Hindu Americans can
think of such Saptagraha Altars without following Sectarian Indian Hindus,
the worship of which will not
be against Agamas and will be accepted by all and convince better those
who believe in Janma Nakshatra, Sankalpa (janma
nakshtra yuktaayaam) and for paying
obeisance to the presiding deity of their birth-star. Seven is the most
sacred number in Hinduism. Recall the Veda Mantra I explained long back: Sapta
praanaa prabhavanti tasmaat saptaarchishah samidhah sapta jihvaah
| sapta ime lokaa eshu charanti praanaa guhaasayannihitaah sapta
sapta || From Brahman originate seven praanas, the seven flames, their seven
fuel, the seven tongues and the seven worlds in which the life-breaths move. Further
other things that are sevenfold also come forth from Him, who dwells in the
secret cavity of the heart and are set
in their respective places (MNU). Brahman is also described as Sapta
Hastaaso, one having seven hands. Undefined Sapta
in the end may very well be the
Seven Vyahritis (emanations of Brahman) Surya, Chandra, Brihaspati, Indra, Varuna, Prajaapati and Aditi that are more relevant and meaningful as Grahas in which there will be five planets, Sun as
the Star and Moon Earth’s Satellite.
We are often kept dark on Veda mantras like sapta sapta in this mantra or the
numerals in Rudram with no explanation
or Brahman as a mystic bull with 4 horns three feet, two heads and seven tongues (which means Cosmic Time as Kalpa of 4320 million years) which
are often translated to convenience to suit the text as I have done. In this
even Sankarachryas are not exempt. Periyava, Jagadguru Chandrasekarananda Sarasvati
mentions about “muppaatti-moonru koti devargal” in Tamil
as 33 Crores of Gods referring to “trayatrimsati koti” mentioned in Atharvaveda. Here he has also been tempted by the popular
translation of the Sanskrit word “Koti” to
mean Crore. But in Sanskrit “Koti” also means “kind” a rare
translation. With this meaning Atharvaveda
only means 33 Vedic gods, 12 Aditys+11 Rudras+8 Vasus+Asvins (twin
brothers)+ Prajapati=33 Gods. I am surprised how this rare meaning has missed
everybody’s attention and we wrongly interpret that Vedas mention 33 crores of
Gods and invite adverse comments from all and extend to Temple worship. Vedas
always mentions ONE God (Devo Ekah, Tadekam) with 33 deputies to govern the Universe. They are actually
offices of power in the cosmic scheme of creation and human beings who have
acquired extraordinary religious merit necessary for getting those places will
occupy them in each cycle of creation. Hanuman is believed to be the next
Brahma when the present Brahma’s term expires.
We mostly go by the translations of western Vedic scholars and
commentators. We do not go to authentic
sources of commentators like, Sankara,
Madhva, Sayana, Rangaramanuja etc.,
for their commentaries are all in Sanskrit and they have commented only on few
Upanishads during their life time. This
needs lot of Vedic Research to dig through the mysteries contained in them in
the Vedic Sanskrit which is different from modern literary Sanskrit. Indian Council of Historic Research is engaged
somewhat in Vedic Research as well as Professor P.R.Mukundan in Rochester Institute of Technology but with different perspective
about which I had informed my
participants earlier.
PRESIDING DEITIES OF 27 BIRTH-STARS (JANMA NAKSHATRAS)
Asvini—Asvins, the Twin Horsemen, Healing Deities
Bharani—Yama, the God of Death
Krittika—Agni, the Deity of Fire
Rohini—Prajapati, the Creator or Brahma
Mrigasirsha—Soma, the Deity of the Satellite Moon
(Chandragraha)
Aridra—Rudra, the fierce from of Siva
Punarvasu—Aditi, Mother Goddess, Earth Planet
Pushya—Brihaspati, Guru, the Deity of Divine Wisdom
(Gurugraha)
Ashlesaha—Adisesha or Serpent Deity
Makha—Pitrus, Ancestoral Deities
Purva Phalguna—Aryama, Vedic Deity of Contracts and Unions
Uttara Phalguna—Bhaga, Vedic Deity of
Happiness
Hasta—Savitar, the Creative Form of the Sun God (Suryagraha)
Chitra-- Twashtar, the Cosmic
Craftsman or Visvakarma
Svati-Vayu, the Deity of Wind
Visakha—Indra and Agni,Deities responsible for the Power
Lightning and Heat
Anuradha—Mitra, Vedic deity of Friendliness
Jyeshtha—Indra, the Ruler of Devas (Divines)
Mula—Nirrruti, Directional God of Destruction; Kali
Purvashaaddha—Water Deity (Aapah)
Uttaraashadha—Vedic Deities Visvedevas
Sravana—Vishnu the Pervador
Dhanishtha— Vasus, Vedic Gods of Abundance
Satabhisha—Varuna, the God of Cosmic Waters
Pura Bhadra—Aja Ekapad, the one-footed serpent deity
Uttara Bhadra-- Ahir Budhnya, the
serpent deity of the depths of the Atmosphere
Revati—Pusan, the Vedic Nourishing Sun God (Suryagraha)
NOTE: All these presiding deities are mentioned in Vedas and
Upanishads and not all Navagrahas we worship.
REFERENCES:
1)
Swami
Harshananda, Hindu Gods and Goddesses, Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, India.
2)
Swami
Vireswarananda, Bhagavad Gita, Ramakrishna
Math, Chennai, India.
3)
Swami Vimalananda, Mahanarayana Upanishad,
Ramakrishna Math, Chennai India.
4)
David
Frawley, Face Book, Power of 27 Nakshtras in Vedic astrology.
5)
Gita
Press, Srimad Ramayanam, Uttara Khanda,
Gorakhpur, India
6)
Wikipedia
and other Internet sources
7)
Study
of my own Horoscope
8)
Panchnga,
Panchanga Mandira, Mysore.
9)
The
Holy Bible, Book of Revelations, James Versiion.
Holy Bible, Book of Revelations, James Versiion.
APPENDIX
David Frawley on the Power of 27 Nakshatras in Vedic
Astrology
Each Nakshatra has its
particular power or Shakti. These are also the powers of the Devatas or the
deities ruling the Nakshatras. Each of these Shaktis has its effect above and
its effect below, and the final result of these three factors. The imagery is
of common factors of plants, healing, worship, marriage and death.
This is a teaching that
derives from an ancient Vedic text called Taittiriya Brahmana I.5.1 and from
the commentary of Bhattabhaskara Mishra. The first paragraph relates to the
textual reference. The second paragraph consists of David Frawley’s
comments based upon it.
Ashwini
Ashwini is govern by the
Ashwins, the twin horsemen. It has the power to quickly reach things (shidhra
vyapani shakti). Its basis above are the creatures to be healed. Its basis
below is the healing therapies. From these three the entire world becomes free
of disease.
Ashwini Nakshatra brings
about quick aid and energization. The healing power of Ashwini is evident from
these comments, particularly their ability to bring about fast, radical or
miraculous cures as well as rejuvenation. The Ashwins are forces of Prana or
the life-force, which is quick in its action to stimulate, help, and initiate a
new level of activity.
Bharani
Bharani is ruled by Yama,
the God of Death. It has the power to take things away (apabharani shakti). Its
basis above is the removal of life from the body. Its basis below is the
carrying of the soul to the realm of the ancestors. By the combination of these
three factors creatures move on to the next world.
Bharani Nakshatra takes away
that which has reached its term of life to a new condition. It shows the
movement of the soul away from the body. Yama guides the soul to the astral
plane, where it can experience the result of its karma from the present life
and prepare for the life to come. Yama is a figure of discipline and sacrifice.
Krittika
Krittika is ruled by Agni,
the God of Fire. It has the power to burn (dahana shakti). Its basis above is
heat and below is light. The result of these three is burning or purification.
Krittika Nakshatra burns up
negativity, purifies what is mixed, and cooks or prepares that which is not yet
ripe. Agni is mainly the God of the sacred fire, so purification is perhaps the
dominant action, not destruction, though purification does involve the
destruction of impurity. Agni is also the fire that cooks our food and so there
is a nourishing side to its effects as well. This fire has a childlike nature.
Rohini
Rohini is ruled by
Prajapati, the Creator. Its power is growth (rohana shakti). Its basis above is
the plants and below is the waters. The result of these three is creation.
Rohini Nakshatra allows for
growth and creation on all levels, bestowing great fertility. However it also
evokes some degree of jealousy because others may resent that a person gains
such abundance. More over it can increase desire. But these are only side
effects to its great prosperity. Prajapati is the creator who can bestow everything
so we should be careful what we want.
Mrigashirsha
Mrigashirsha is ruled by
Soma, the God of the Moon or the immortal nectar. Its power is giving
fulfillment (prinana shakti). Its basis above is extension. Its basis below
weaving (producing clothing). These three together make the world enjoyable.
Mrigashirsha Nakshatra fills
or covers with joy. It is like a beautiful cloth to make our life more
attractive. Soma is a great enjoyment that is won, conquered, bought or stolen,
so its procurement does not always come easily. However what does not require
effort to gain is not always enjoyed either.
Ardra
Ardra is ruled by Rudra, the
fierce form of Lord Shiva who represents thunder. Its power is effort (yatna
shakti), particularly for making gains in life. Its basis above is hunting or
searching. Its basis below is reaching the goal. These three bring about
achievement.
Ardra Nakshatra arouses us
to greater effort in life. This struggle can bring great rewards but not
without persistence and a degree of luck. Rudra is the hunter and the wielder
of the bow. The idea here also suggests placing of the arrow and hitting the
target. For this one must have a good aim, as well as strength to shoot. Rudra
is also the lord of wild animals.
Punarvasu
Punarvasu is ruled by Aditi,
the Great Mother Goddess. Its power is the ability to gain wealth or substance
(vasutva prapana shakti). Its basis above is the wind or air. Its basis below
is wetness or rain. These three bring about the revitalization of the plants.
Punarvasu Nakshatra brings
about the return of energy and vitality, like the return of the monsoon rains
after the dry season. It causes our creative growths and inspirations to be
renewed. Aditi is the Earth Goddess who grants all abundance and gives birth to
all the Gods.
Pushya
Pushya is ruled by
Brihaspati, the God of Divine wisdom. Its power is the ability to create
spiritual energy (brahmavarchasa shakti). Its basis above is sacrificial
worship. Its basis below is the worshipper. These three result in the creation
of spiritual energy.
Pushya Nakshatra increases
our good karma and good efforts. The value of this Nakshatra for religious and
spiritual practices is emphasized. Brihaspati is the lord of speech,
particularly prayer, and of all forms of worship, including meditation, so
these indications are all in harmony with his functions.
Aslesha
Aslesha is ruled by the
serpent God. It has the power to inflict with poison (visasleshana shakti). Its
basis above is the approach of the serpent. Its basis below is trembling and
agitation. These three together bring about destruction of the victim.
Aslesha Nakshatra paralyzes
the enemy. This can be helpful if we have enemies but it can serve to give a
person an inimical temperament as well. It all depends upon how the energy of
this Nakshatra is used. Serpents also give wisdom, but a practical wisdom
through which one can overcome enemies and obstacles.
Makha
Magha is ruled by the
Ancestors. It gives the power of to leave the body (tyage kshepani shakti). Its
basis above is mourning. Its basis below is leaving the body. These three
together bring about death.
Magha Nakshatra causes a
change of state or condition, a kind of death. Usually it shows that we are
coming to the end of a cycle. Its condition is prior to that of Bharani which
indicates the movement of the soul away from the body. Of course there are
higher meanings of this Nakshatra relative to Ancestors including ancestral
pride and power.
Purva Phalguna
Purva Phalguni in the Vedic
order is ruled by Aryaman, the God of contracts and unions. It gives the power
of procreation (prajanana shakti). Its basis above is the wife or female
partner. Its basis below is the male or masculine partner. These three together
bring about the creation of the fetus.
Purva Phalguni brings about
union and procreation on all levels. Yet this follows some official agreement
or marriage and is part of the creation of a new family or social order.
Aryaman governs such productive alliances and also arranges the marriage
festival.
Uttara Phalguna
Uttara Phalguni in the Vedic
order is ruled by Bhaga, the God of happiness. Its power the giving of
accumulation or prosperity (chayani shakti) through marriage or union. Its
basis above is the wealth gained from ones own family. Its basis below is the
wealth gained from ones partner and her family. These three together bring
about the accumulation of wealth.
Uttara Phalguni brings the
prosperity that results through union. It indicates both the need for union and
for organizing the resources gained through it. Bhaga is also a God of wealth
who brings about the right apportionment of resources. While the previous
Nakshatra shows marriage this shows the setting up of the household for the
newly married couple.
Hasta
Hasta is ruled by Savitar,
the creative form of the Sun God. Its power is the ability to gain what we are
seeking and place it in our own hands (hasta sthapaniya agama shakti). Its
basis above is the seeking of gain. Its basis below is the process of gaining.
These three together place what one wishes to gain in ones own hand.
Hasta gives the ability to
achieve our goals in a complete and immediate manner. Such goals are usually
creative in nature. Savitar is the creative will that builds up the universe
with all of its beauty. His productions are most wonderful.
Chitta
Chitta is ruled by Twashtar,
the Cosmic craftsman. Its power is ability to accumulate merit in life (punya
cayani shakti). Its basis above is the law. Its basis below is the truth.
Through these three the worker is able to gain honor in his work.
Chitra allows us to gain the
fruit of our good karma that comes through righteousness. It has a highly
spiritual energy and effect. Twashtar creates enduring forms, like a
blacksmith, and also produces variety and abundance.
Swati
Swati is ruled by Vayu, the
God of Wind. It gives the power to scatter like the wind (pradhvamsa shakti).
Its basis above is moving in various directions. Its basis below is change of
form. The result of these three is transformation.
Swati Nakshatra causes
things to move and scatter. This can be destructive unless we learn how to use
it to remove negativity. All these indications are basically those of the Wind,
which has both healing and destructive powers.
Vishakha
Vishakha is ruled by Indra
and Agni, who represent the powers of heat and lightning in the Atmosphere. It
gives the power to achieve many and various fruits in life (vyapana shakti).
Its basis above is plowing or cultivation. Its basis below is the harvest.
These three gives us the fruit of the harvest.
Vishakha provides the effort
to achieve our goals abundantly through time, like a farmer plowing his field.
It does not give immediate results but perhaps greater long term gains. Indra
and Agni here are agriculture Gods showing the ripening effect of heat, rain
and seasonal changes.
Anuradha
Anuradha is ruled by Mitra,
the Divine Friend. It gives the power of worship (aradhana shakti). Its basis
above is ascension. Its basis below is dissension. From these three honor and
abundance is gained.
Anuradha Nakshatra gives
balance in relationship, both honoring others and seeking ourselves to be
honorable, through which we acquire fame and recognition. Mitra indicates
compassion, devotion and right relationship.
Jyeshta
Jyeshta is ruled by Indra,
the ruler of the Gods. It has the power to rise or conquer, and gain courage in
battle (arohana shakti). Its basis above is attack and its basis below is
defense. The result of these three is that one becomes a hero.
Jyeshta allows us to reach
the summit of our personal powers but it requires great courage and effort. It
shows karmic battles that require our complete energization in order to
overcome. Indra is the king of the Gods who must eventually alone and single
handed defeat the dragon, the most fearful of serpents. Though his position
looks hopeless, he wins by courage and cunning, not by strength of arms.
Mula
Mula is ruled by Nirriti,
the Goddess of destruction. It has the power to ruin or destroy. Its basis
above is breaking things apart (barhana shakti). Its basis below is crushing
things. Through these three one gains the power to destroy destruction.
In bringing afflictions Mula
Nakshatra allows us to destroy their root, as long as they don’t overcome us.
It shows the necessary destruction to proceed a new creation. Nirriti is
Alakshmi or the denial of Lakshmi (abundance and prosperity). She is Kali or
the negative effect of time that we must protect ourselves from or use to our
advantage.
Purvashadha
Purvashadha is ruled by the
Waters (Apas). Its power is that of invigoration (varchograhana shakti). Its
basis above is strength. Its basis below is connection. Through these three one
gains lustre.
Purvashadha brings about
purification and regeneration, like the energy gained through taking a bath in
water. It provides us additional energy for our efforts. These effects flow
from the Waters, which in this instance are heavenly in nature and can provide
inner purification.
Uttarashadha
Uttarashadha is ruled by the
Universal Gods (Vishwe Deva). Its power is grant an unchallengeable victory
(apradhrisya shakti). Its basis above is the strength to win. Its basis below
is the goal that one can win. From these three one becomes the unchallenged
winner.
Uttarashadha brings us to
the summit of our power, support and recognition, not so much through our
personal efforts (which is more the case in Jyeshta) but with the appropriate
alliances and support of all the Gods. Our victory depends upon a righteous
cause that is beneficial to all, which we are helping in. Here we fight more as
the leader of an army.
Shravana
Shravana is ruled by Vishnu,
the pervador. Its power is that of connection (samhanana shakti). Its basis
above is seeking. Its basis below are the paths. The result of these three is
the connection of all things together.
Shravana enables us to link
people together by connecting them to their appropriate paths in life. This
requires receptivity and listening, and results in understanding and
aspiration. Vishnu with his three strides links together the three worlds of
Earth, Atmosphere and Heaven, connecting all creatures with the Gods.
Dhanishta
Dhanishta is ruled by the
Vasus, the Gods of abundance. Its power is to give abundance and fame
(khyapayitri shakti). Its basis above is birth. Its basis below is prosperity.
These three give the power to bring people together.
Dhanishta allows us to bring
the resources of people together. In this way it builds upon the connections of
Shravana and makes them more practical. The Vasus are the deities of the Earth
that give abundance on the earthly plane. They are manifestations of Agni or
the sacred fire and show the gifts that it can dispense.
Shatabhisha
Shatabhishak is ruled by
Varuna, the God of the cosmic waters. It has the power of healing (bheshaja
shakti). Its basis above is extension or pervasion over all. Its basis below is
the support of all. These three make the world free of calamity.
Shatabhishak counters
difficult karmas through Divine grace and repentance. These include not only
diseases but difficulties of all kind, including sin. While Ashwini gives more
immediate cures, Shatabhishak brings about a healing crisis leading to
revitalization. Varuna is a God of sin, debts, injury and disease, who cannot
only bring these calamities upon us but can remove them from us, if we
propitiate him sincerely.
Purva Bhadra
Purva Bhadra is ruled by Aja
Ekapad, the one-footed serpent. It gives the fire to raise a spiritual person
up in life (yajamana udyamana shakti). What is good for all people is its basis
above. What is good for the Gods is its basis below. These three cause the
entire world to be supported.
Purva Bhadra grants a
universal view through internal purification. This raises up our spiritual
aspiration in life and takes us out of the domain of selfish behavior. Aja
Ekapad is the cosmic or celestial form of Agni or the sacred fire. It raises up
our spiritual aspiration in life.
Uttara Bhadra
Uttara Bhadra is ruled by
Ahir Budhnya, the serpent of the depths of the Atmosphere. Its power is the
bringing of the rain (varshodyamana shakti). Its basis above is the raining
clouds. Its basis below growing of the plants. From these three factors the
three worlds gain their stability.
Uttara Bhadra grants growth
and prosperity in a broad way, benefiting the entire world. This makes it very
auspicious. Ahir Budhnya is the benefic serpent who brings the rain, connecting
us with the creative powers at the foundations of the world.
Revati
Revati is governed by
Pushan, the nourishing form of the Sun God. It has the power of nourishment
symbolized by milk (kshiradyapani shakti). Its basis above is the cows. Its
basis below are the calves. These three bring about the nourishment of the
entire world.
Revati creates abundance
through providing proper nourishment. It helps all people in their efforts.
Pushan is the lord of cattle and the lord of the paths. He leads, protects and
gathers the herd in their movement, particularly to new pastures. In this way he
also protects the soul in its journey to the next world.
Nirrti, the Presiding Deity of Mula Nakshatra
Nirrti, the Presiding Deity of Mula Nakshatra
Nirrti is Hindu (Vedic and Puranic)
destructive Goddess of darkness, whose name means destruction. She is
associated with pain, misfortune and death, and is much feared by many Hindus.
Nirrti (also: Nirriti) sometimes features in the group of Lokapalas.
She is the guardian or regent of the
South-West and is often featured in temple iconography. For example, the
Rajarani Temple outside Bhubaneswar features a statue of Nirrti controlling the
South-West direction. She is depicted on this temple holding a sword and a severed
head, and standing over a prostrate body.
Contemporary texts tend to portray Nirriti as
demonic or destructive and she is often linked to Kali, Alakshmi or Dhumavati.
David Kinsley, in his book on the Mahavidyas, contends that there is little
evidence to suggest that Kali is related to Nirrti, but opines that Dhumvati is
an “amalgamation” of the qualities of Nirrti, Jyestha and Alakshmi. Arthur
Avalon, writing in Shakti and Shakta does stress that Nirrti is both “goddess
of misfortune” and the “remover” of misfortunes like Vighnesvara.
Generally, Nirrti is associated with calamity
& misfortune; death (particularly untimely death); poverty and infertility.
There are also some indications that she is associated with stealing children.
The Rakshasas – with whom she is associated – are related to disrupting the
sacrificial rituals.
In the Rig Veda Nirriti is the personification of destruction, calamity, corruption and death. She is also however, the abode or place of dissolution or decay. A verse in the RV (RV 7.104.1,9-11) describes the ‘realm’ of Nirriti as an endless pit without light or warmth – a place reserved for those who act against the basic ideals of Vedic society. Those who are condemned to the realm of Nirriti neither receive nourishment from the offerings of their descendants nor from their own accumulated merit. The following mantra from Srisukta is worth mentioning here:
In the Rig Veda Nirriti is the personification of destruction, calamity, corruption and death. She is also however, the abode or place of dissolution or decay. A verse in the RV (RV 7.104.1,9-11) describes the ‘realm’ of Nirriti as an endless pit without light or warmth – a place reserved for those who act against the basic ideals of Vedic society. Those who are condemned to the realm of Nirriti neither receive nourishment from the offerings of their descendants nor from their own accumulated merit. The following mantra from Srisukta is worth mentioning here:
kṣhutpipāsāmalāṁ jyeṣṭhām alakṣmīṁ nāśayāmyaham,
abhūtimasamṛddhiṁ cha sarvāṁ nirṇuda me gṛihāt.
abhūtimasamṛddhiṁ cha sarvāṁ nirṇuda me gṛihāt.
I shall venerate the elder sister of Lakshmi, Alakshmi,
the embodiment of inauspiciousness and such evil as hunger, thirst, and the
like for extinguishing such qualities from me. O Lakshmi! Drive out from my
abode all misfortune and poverty.
In the Mahabharata Nirriti is the wife of
Adharma (unrighteousness) and the mother of three sons: Bhaya (“fear”); Maha-Bhaya
(“great fear”) and Mrityu (“death incarnate”). Another version of this text
says that she is the daughter of Adharma and Himsa (“violence or injury”). She
is also however, one the creations of Brahma, as recounted in the Bhagavatam:
“Here is the story of Nirrti . Brahma’s
creative energy was showing on his body and mind. Narada popped out from the
lap, Daksa trotted out of his thumb, Vasistha spiraled out of his breath,
Bhrigu crawled out of his skin, Kratu muscled his way out of his hand, Pulaha sprouted
out of his navel, Pulastya wriggled out of his ear, Angira gushed out of his
mouth, Atri brimmed over the eyelid, Marichi dawned out of his mind, Dharma
burst out of his right breast, Adharma scratched his way out of his back, the
god of love (Kāma) blossomed out of his heart, Anger bounced off his brow,
Greed gyrated on his upper lip, the goddess of Speech (Vak) vaulted out his of
mouth with the aid of a pole of nimble wit, the oceans rained down from his
phallus, Nirrti plunked out of his anus, and the sage Kardama stepped out of
his shadow. Dharma was Lord Narāyana Himself. Thus, Brahma’s creations came out
of his body and mind.”
According to the Agni Purana the spirit of the
“doer of bad deeds” leaves the body through the anus. The implication is that
if the Jiva leaves the body through the lower orifices (rather than, for
example, the head) then the future of the Jiva is bound to the lower worlds.
In a section of the Taittiriya Samhita which lists the various animals to be sacrificed to the gods, the pigeon, owl and the hare are listed as being sacrifices to Nirrti. Both pigeons and owls were considered to be inauspicious birds and there are is charm in the Atharva Veda which refers to the pigeon as the “messenger of Nirrti”. There are folk stories in North India in which Bhutas – believed to be the spirits of those who have suffered untimely deaths – take on the form of owls ulluka). In the Dharmasastras, the cry of an owl is considered an inauspicious sign – a student of the Vedas who hears the owl is enjoined not to continue his studies until he has slept.
The association of owls and Nirrti is quite interesting, as later, the owl becomes the vehicle of Lakshmi. This might be an instance of the goddess “conquering” an animal associated with misfortune or delusion and taking it as her vehicle – as with Ganesha and the rat/mouse.
In a section of the Taittiriya Samhita which lists the various animals to be sacrificed to the gods, the pigeon, owl and the hare are listed as being sacrifices to Nirrti. Both pigeons and owls were considered to be inauspicious birds and there are is charm in the Atharva Veda which refers to the pigeon as the “messenger of Nirrti”. There are folk stories in North India in which Bhutas – believed to be the spirits of those who have suffered untimely deaths – take on the form of owls ulluka). In the Dharmasastras, the cry of an owl is considered an inauspicious sign – a student of the Vedas who hears the owl is enjoined not to continue his studies until he has slept.
The association of owls and Nirrti is quite interesting, as later, the owl becomes the vehicle of Lakshmi. This might be an instance of the goddess “conquering” an animal associated with misfortune or delusion and taking it as her vehicle – as with Ganesha and the rat/mouse.
In later texts Nirriti seems to change sex –
for example the Mahanirvana Tantra describes Nirriti as a god of dark green
hue, seated upon a horse and bearing a sword.
In Vedic astrology Mula is ruled by Nirriti, the Goddess of destruction. It has the power to
ruin or destroy. Its basis above is breaking things apart (Barhana shakti). Its
basis below is crushing things. Through these three one gains the power to
destroy destruction.
“In bringing afflictions Mula Nakshatra allows us to
destroy their root, as long as they don’t overcome us. It shows the necessary
destruction to proceed a new creation. Nirriti is Alakshmi or the denial of
Lakshmi (abundance and prosperity). She is Kali or the negative effect of time
that we must protect ourselves from or use to our advantage” says David
Frawley.
Reading through Vedic astrology Grahas that are concerned
with our lives are Sun, Moon, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto and Earth (Sun,
the Star, five planets and the Satellite
of the Earth, the Moon). I wonder why
the days were not named after these 7 astral bodies and also
included among Navagrahas, but only Sun, Moon and Jupiter find place in
Navagraha altars. However Hindu daily worship rituals include Indra (Neptune),
Varuna (Uranus) Prajapati (Pluto), Bhoomi (Earth), though they do not
figure among Navagrahas. Vedic Astrology never mentions about Rahu and Ketu Grhas of Puranas as
presiding deities of any Birth star from among 27. According to Modern
astrology Mula Nakshatra is presided by the demon Ketu.
Respected sir
ReplyDeletePlease give me your contact number..... I want to clarify some doubts.... I like your research sir.... Please guide me.... It is my request. I am working in IAS Academy as a lecturer in Hyderabad my name is Dr. B.Anil kumar
My phone number is 9502568218
I live in USA as a Hindu American. You may conveniently contact me through E-mail: nadipuram@hotmail.com
DeleteSir, in nutshell very important revision of our ancient text, thanks.
ReplyDeleteNAMASKAR BAIJI HOW IS YRSELF AND MSTAJI WE HAVE JAIPSULRAMESH CONTACT HE SPOKE HIGHLY OF YOU AND MATAJI I MEET MSTAJI IN TORONTO FEW YRS OM
ReplyDeleteDhanyawad!
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ReplyDeleteThanks for the Informative article on Vedic
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