KNOW THE DEITY OF YOUR BIRTHSTAR IN VEDIC ASTROLOGY AND ITS INFLUENCE

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. H HHHe  I 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. His name is included amongst “Great Minds of the 21^st 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”.

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 oly BibleHoly 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 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:

kṣhutpipāsāmalāṁ jyeṣṭhām alakṣmīṁ nāśayāmyaham,
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 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.