Jathagam Complete Guide - Part 1: 27 Nakshatras

ஜாதகம் முழு வழிகாட்டி - பாகம் 1: 27 நட்சத்திரங்கள்

Welcome to Part 1 of the comprehensive Jathagam (ஜாதகம்) guide based on Tamil and Kerala astrological methods. This series covers everything you need to know about Vedic Astrology for reading birth charts.

What is Jathagam? - ஜாதகம் என்றால் என்ன?

Definition and Etymology

Jathagam (ஜாதகம்) comes from Sanskrit Jātaka (जातक):

• जात (Jāta) = Born, birth
• जातक (Jātaka) = Related to birth, birth chart

Tamil/Malayalam Names:

• ஜாதகம் (Jāthagam) - Tamil
• ജാതകം (Jātakam) - Malayalam
• Also called குண்டலி (Kuṇḍali) or ராசி பலன் (Rāsi Palan)

What is it?

A Jathagam is a snapshot of the sky at the exact moment and place of your birth, showing:

• Position of 9 planets (Navagrahas)
• Position of Moon in one of 27 Nakshatras (stars)
• Ascendant (Lagna) - Rising sign
• 12 houses (Bhavas) representing different life areas
• Planetary periods (Dashas) throughout life

Tamil vs Kerala Jathagam Format

Key Differences:

Both methods use:

• Same 27 Nakshatras
• Same 12 Rashis (Zodiac signs)
• Same 9 Planets (Navagrahas)
• Vimshottari Dasha system

This guide covers both Tamil and Kerala traditions and is applicable to all South Indian Jathagam readings.

The 27 Nakshatras - 27 நட்சத்திரங்கள்

What are Nakshatras?

Nakshatra (நட்சத்திரம்) means “star” or “lunar mansion.”

The zodiac (360°) is divided into 27 equal parts of 13°20’ each. Each Nakshatra represents:

• A specific segment of the sky
• A ruling deity
• A symbolic animal (Yoni)
• Specific characteristics and attributes

Your Nakshatra is determined by the Moon’s position at the time of your birth.

Importance in Jathagam:

• Determines your fundamental nature and personality
• Used for name selection (Nakshatra Akshar)
• Marriage compatibility (Porutham/Kuta)
• Timing of events (Muhurtham)
• Dasha periods calculation

Complete 27 Nakshatra Details

Below is the complete reference table for all 27 Nakshatras with:

• Tamil and Sanskrit names
• Animal symbol
• Yoni (symbol/energy)
• Rasi (Zodiac sign)
• Ruling deity
• Ruling planet
• Associated tree
• Associated bird
• Characteristics

27 Nakshatras Complete Reference Table

Nakshatras 1-9: Ashwini to Ashlesha

Nakshatras 10-18: Magha to Jyeshtha

Nakshatras 19-27: Moola to Revati

Nakshatra-Rasi Mapping - நட்சத்திரம்-ராசி பொருத்தம்

Which Nakshatras Fall Under Which Rasi?

Each Rasi (Zodiac sign) spans 30° and contains 2¼ Nakshatras (since each Nakshatra is 13°20’).

Note: Each Nakshatra has 4 padas (quarters) of 3°20’ each.

Nakshatra Characteristics - நட்சத்திர குணங்கள்

Guna, Gana, and Nadi Classification

Each Nakshatra is classified by:

1. Guna (Quality) - குணம்

2. Gana (Temperament) - கணம்

3. Nadi (Pulse/Energy) - நாடி

Yoni (Animal Symbol) - யோனி விலங்கு

14 Yoni Pairs for Marriage Compatibility

Yoni represents the sexual and temperamental compatibility. There are 14 Yoni pairs (male and female):

Why Only 14 Yoni Pairs? Why is Mongoose Alone?

The Mongoose (கீரி/Nakula) is unique among the 27 Nakshatras:

1. Solitary Nature:

• The mongoose is a solitary animal in Vedic tradition
• Unlike other animals that have male-female pairs, the mongoose represents independence
• Symbolizes self-sufficient, lone warrior characteristics

2. Mythological Significance:

• In Mahabharata, a mongoose appeared after the great Kurukshetra war
• It rolled in the soil where drops of charity/yajna offerings fell
• Half its body turned golden (where true charity touched), half remained normal
• Represents discernment, testing truth vs falsehood

3. Astrological Interpretation:

• Uttara Ashadha ruled by Vishvadevas (Universal Gods)
• This Nakshatra represents universal victory, final achievement
• People born in Uttara Ashadha are:
  • Self-reliant, independent
  • Natural leaders who don’t need “pairing”
  • Can stand alone successfully
  • Victory-oriented, determined

4. Marriage Compatibility Impact:

• Uttara Ashadha natives are compatible with most Nakshatras
• Since they’re neutral, they don’t have specific enemies
• However, they score moderate (not excellent) in Yoni Porutham
• This is compensated by checking other Poruthams

5. Natural Enemy:

• Serpent vs Mongoose is the classic enemy pair
• Mongoose (Uttara Ashadha) vs Serpent (Rohini/Mrigashira) = Poor match
• But even here, the mongoose’s independence means it can “manage” the incompatibility better than paired animals

Special Note:

• Some ancient texts mention Nakula (नकुल) as both mongoose and certain types of weasel/civet
• The name Nakula also refers to one of the Pandava twins (son of Ashwini Kumaras)
• This further emphasizes the unique, special status of this yoni

Marriage Advice for Uttara Ashadha Natives:

• Focus on Gana, Rasi, and Rajju Porutham more than Yoni
• Their independent nature makes them adaptable partners
• Yoni score may be neutral, but overall compatibility can still be excellent

Yoni Matching Rules:

• Same Yoni = Excellent (5 points)
• Friendly animals = Good (3-4 points)
• Neutral animals = Moderate (2 points)
• Enemy animals = Poor (0-1 points)

Enemy Yonis:

• Cat vs Rat
• Dog vs Cat
• Tiger vs Cow/Buffalo
• Serpent vs Mongoose

God to Worship for Each Nakshatra - நட்சத்திரம் தெய்வங்கள்

Presiding Deities for Worship

Each Nakshatra has a specific deity to worship for blessings and removing afflictions:

How to Worship:

• Visit the respective deity’s temple on your Nakshatra day
• Perform Archana with your Nakshatra name
• Light lamps and offer flowers
• Chant the deity’s mantras 108 times
• Especially beneficial during your birth Nakshatra or on special occasions

Gayatri Mantras for 27 Nakshatras - நட்சத்திர காயத்ரி மந்திரங்கள்

Powerful Mantras for Each Nakshatra

Each Nakshatra has a specific Gayatri Mantra for its presiding deity. Chanting these mantras brings prosperity, removes afflictions, and invokes divine blessings.

Note: The words Vidmahe (வித்மஹே), Dhimahi (தீமஹி), Tanno (தன்னோ), and Prachodayat (ப்ரசோதயாத்) are standard Gayatri framework words meaning: “We meditate upon,” “May we contemplate,” “May that [deity],” and “Inspire/guide us.” Only deity-specific word meanings are provided below.

1. Ashwini (அஸ்வினி) - Saraswati Devi (சரஸ்வதி தேவி)

1
ॐ वाग्देव्यै च विद्महे
2
ब्रह्मपत्न्यै च धीमहि
3
तन्नो वाणी प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் வாக்தேவ்யைச வித்மஹே
2
பிரஹ்மபத்ன்யைச தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ வாணீஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Vāgdevyai ca vidmahe
2
Brahmapatnyai ca dhīmahi
3
Tanno Vāṇī prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Vāgdevyai (वाग्देव्यै) = To the Goddess of Speech (Vāk = speech, Devī = goddess)
• Brahmapatnyai (ब्रह्मपत्न्यै) = To the consort of Brahma (Brahma = Creator God, Patnī = wife)
• Vāṇī (वाणी) = Goddess of speech and learning (another name for Saraswati)

2. Bharani (பரணி) - Durga Devi (துர்கா தேவி) - Eight-Armed

1
ॐ कात्यायनाय विद्महे
2
कन्याकुमारि धीमहि
3
तन्नो दुर्गा प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் காத்யாயனய வித்மஹே
2
கன்யாகுமாரி தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ துர்கா ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Kātyāyanāya vidmahe
2
Kanyākumāri dhīmahi
3
Tanno Durgā prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Kātyāyanāya (कात्यायनाय) = To Katyayani (form of Durga, daughter of sage Katyayana)
• Kanyākumāri (कन्याकुमारि) = The virgin maiden, eternal virgin goddess
• Durgā (दुर्गा) = The invincible one, destroyer of demons (Dur = difficult, Gā = to go beyond)

3. Krittika (கிருத்திகை) & Vishakha (விசாகம்) - Murugan (முருகப்பெருமான்)

Mantra 1:

1
ॐ तत् पुरुषाय विद्महे
2
महेश्वर पुत्राय धीमहि
3
तन्नो सुब्रह्मण्य प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் தத் புருசாய வித்மஹே
2
மகேஷ்வர புத்ராய தீமஹி
3
தந்நோ சுப்ரமண்ய ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Tat Puruṣāya vidmahe
2
Maheśvara Putrāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Subrahmaṇya prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Tat Puruṣāya (तत् पुरुषाय) = To that Supreme Being/Cosmic Person
• Maheśvara Putrāya (महेश्वर पुत्राय) = To the son of the Great Lord (Maheśvara = Shiva, Putra = son)
• Subrahmaṇya (सुब्रह्मण्य) = The auspicious Brahmin/Spiritual Teacher (Su = good/auspicious, Brahmaṇya = divine wisdom)

Mantra 2:

1
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे
2
महा सेनाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो षण्मुखः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் தத்புருஷாய வித்மஹே
2
மஹா சேநாய தீமஹி
3
தந்நோ சண்முக: ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Tatpuruṣāya vidmahe
2
Mahā Senāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Ṣaṇmukhaḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Mahā Senāya (महा सेनाय) = To the Great Commander of divine armies (Mahā = great, Senā = army)
• Ṣaṇmukhaḥ (षण्मुखः) = The six-faced one (Ṣaṭ = six, Mukha = face)

4. Rohini (ரோகிணி) - Krishna (கிருஷ்ணன்)

1
ॐ देवकी नन्दनाय विद्महे
2
वासु देवाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो कृष्ण प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் தேவகி நந்தனாய வித்மஹே
2
வாசு தேவாய தீமஹி
3
தந்நோ க்ருஷ்ண ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Devakī Nandanāya vidmahe
2
Vāsu Devāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Kṛṣṇa prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Devakī Nandanāya (देवकी नन्दनाय) = To the son of Devaki (Nandana = son, delighter)
• Vāsu Devāya (वासु देवाय) = To Vasudeva, son of Vasudeva (Vāsu = dwelling everywhere, radiating)
• Kṛṣṇa (कृष्ण) = The dark/blue-complexioned one, the all-attractive one

5. Mrigashira (மிருகசீரிஷம்), Ardra (திருவாதிரை) - Shiva (சிவபெருமான்)

Shatabhisha (சதயம்) - Mrityunjaya (மிருத்யுஞ்ஜேஸ்வரர்)

Purva Bhadrapada (பூரட்டாதி) - Ekapada (ஏகபாதர்)

Uttara Bhadrapada (உத்திரட்டாதி) - Maheswara (மகேஸ்வரர்)

Mantra 1:

1
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे
2
महादेवाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் தத்புருஷாய வித்மஹே
2
மஹாதேவாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ ருத்ரஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Tatpuruṣāya vidmahe
2
Mahādevāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Rudraḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Tatpuruṣāya (तत्पुरुषाय) = To that Supreme Being
• Mahādevāya (महादेवाय) = To the Great God (Mahā = great, Deva = god)
• Rudraḥ (रुद्रः) = The Howler, destroyer of sorrows (Rud = to cry/roar)

Mantra 2:

1
ॐ सदाशिवाय विद्महे
2
जटाधराय धीमहि
3
तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் சதாசிவாய வித்மஹே
2
ஜடாதராய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ ருத்ரஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Sadāśivāya vidmahe
2
Jaṭādharāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Rudraḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Sadāśivāya (सदाशिवाय) = To the Eternal Auspicious One (Sadā = always, Śiva = auspicious)
• Jaṭādharāya (जटाधराय) = To the one who bears matted locks (Jaṭā = matted hair, Dhara = bearer)

Mantra 3:

1
ॐ पञ्चवक्त्राय विद्महे
2
अतिशुद्धाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் பஞ்சவக்த்ராய வித்மஹே
2
அதிசுத்தாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ ருத்ரஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Pañcavaktrāya vidmahe
2
Atiśuddhāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Rudraḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Pañcavaktrāya (पञ्चवक्त्राय) = To the five-faced one (Pañca = five, Vaktra = face)
• Atiśuddhāya (अतिशुद्धाय) = To the supremely pure one (Ati = very/supreme, Śuddha = pure)

Mantra 4:

1
ॐ गौरीनाथाय विद्महे
2
सदाशिवाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो शिवः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் கௌரீநாதாய வித்மஹே
2
சதாசிவாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ சிவஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Gaurīnāthāya vidmahe
2
Sadāśivāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Śivaḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Gaurīnāthāya (गौरीनाथाय) = To the Lord of Gauri/Parvati (Gaurī = fair one/Parvati, Nātha = lord/master)
• Śivaḥ (शिवः) = The Auspicious One

Mantra 5:

1
ॐ शिवोत्तमाय विद्महे
2
महोत्तमाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो शिवः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் சிவோத்தமாய வித்மஹே
2
மஹோத்தமாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ சிவஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Śivottamāya vidmahe
2
Mahottamāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Śivaḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Śivottamāya (शिवोत्तमाय) = To the Supreme Shiva (Śiva + Uttama = highest/supreme)
• Mahottamāya (महोत्तमाय) = To the supremely great one (Mahā + Uttama = greatest)

Mantra 6:

1
ॐ तन्महेशाय विद्महे
2
वाक्विचित्ताय धीमहि
3
तन्नो शिवः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் தன்மஹேசாய வித்மஹே
2
வாக்விசித்தாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ சிவஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Tanmaheśāya vidmahe
2
Vākvicittāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Śivaḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Tanmaheśāya (तन्महेशाय) = To that Great Lord (Tat + Mahā + Īśa = that supreme lord)
• Vākvicittāya (वाक्विचित्ताय) = To the one beyond speech and thought (Vāk = speech, Vicitta = beyond thought/wondrous)

Mantra 7:

1
ॐ महादेवाय विद्महे
2
रुद्रमूर्तये धीमहि
3
तन्नो शिव प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் மஹாதேவாய வித்மஹே
2
ருத்ரமூர்த்யே தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ சிவ ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Mahādevāya vidmahe
2
Rudramūrtaye dhīmahi
3
Tanno Śiva prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Rudramūrtaye (रुद्रमूर्तये) = To the one in the form of Rudra (Rudra + Mūrti = form/embodiment)

Mantra 8:

1
ॐ भस्मायुधाय विद्महे
2
तीक्ष्णदंष्ट्राय धीमहि
3
तन्नो शिवः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் பஸ்மாயுதாய வித்மஹே
2
தீக்ஷ்ணதம்ஷ்ட்ராய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ சிவஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Bhasmāyudhāya vidmahe
2
Tīkṣṇadaṃṣṭrāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Śivaḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Bhasmāyudhāya (भस्मायुधाय) = To the one whose weapon is sacred ash (Bhasma = sacred ash, Āyudha = weapon)
• Tīkṣṇadaṃṣṭrāya (तीक्ष्णदंष्ट्राय) = To the one with sharp teeth/tusks (Tīkṣṇa = sharp, Daṃṣṭra = teeth/tusks)

Mantra 9:

1
ॐ शूलहस्ताय विद्महे
2
महा देवाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो ईशः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் சூலஹஸ்தாய வித்மஹே
2
மஹா தேவாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ ஈசஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Śūlahastāya vidmahe
2
Mahā Devāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Īśaḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Śūlahastāya (शूलहस्ताय) = To the one who holds the trident (Śūla = trident, Hasta = hand)
• Īśaḥ (ईशः) = The Supreme Lord, Controller

6. Punarvasu (புனர்பூசம்) - Rama (ராமர்)

1
ॐ दाशरथाय विद्महे
2
सीता वल्लभाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो रामः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் தாசரதாய வித்மஹே
2
ஸீதா வல்லபாய தீமஹி
3
தந்நோ ராமஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Dāśarathāya vidmahe
2
Sītā Vallabhāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Rāmaḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Dāśarathāya (दाशरथाय) = To the son of Dasharatha (Daśaratha’s son)
• Sītā Vallabhāya (सीता वल्लभाय) = To the beloved of Sita (Vallabha = beloved, husband)
• Rāmaḥ (रामः) = The pleasing one, the embodiment of dharma

7. Pushya (பூசம்) - Dakshinamurthy (தட்சிணாமூர்த்தி)

Mantra 1:

1
ॐ दक्षिणामूर्तये विद्महे
2
ध्यानस्थाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो धीशः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் தக்ஷிணாமூர்தியே வித்மஹே
2
தியானஸ்தாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ தீசஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Dakṣiṇāmūrtaye vidmahe
2
Dhyānasthāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Dhīśaḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Dakṣiṇāmūrtaye (दक्षिणामूर्तये) = To the south-facing form (Dakṣiṇa = south, Mūrti = form) - Shiva as the supreme teacher
• Dhyānasthāya (ध्यानस्थाय) = To the one established in meditation (Dhyāna = meditation, Stha = established)
• Dhīśaḥ (धीशः) = Lord of intellect/wisdom (Dhī = intellect, Īśa = lord)

Mantra 2:

1
ॐ ज्ञानमुद्राय विद्महे
2
तत्त्वबोधाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो देवः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் ஞானமுத்ராய வித்மஹே
2
தத்வபோதாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ தேவஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Jñānamudrāya vidmahe
2
Tattvabodhāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Devaḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Jñānamudrāya (ज्ञानमुद्राय) = To the one showing the gesture of knowledge (Jñāna = knowledge, Mudrā = hand gesture)
• Tattvabodhāya (तत्त्वबोधाय) = To the teacher of ultimate truth (Tattva = truth/essence, Bodha = teaching/enlightenment)
• Devaḥ (देवः) = The radiant/divine one

Mantra 3:

1
ॐ ऋषभध्वजाय विद्महे
2
कृणिहस्ताय धीमहि
3
तन्नो गुरुः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் ரிஷபத்வஜாய வித்மஹே
2
க்ருணிஹஸ்தாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ குருஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Ṛṣabhadhvajāya vidmahe
2
Kṛṇihastāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Guruḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Ṛṣabhadhvajāya (ऋषभध्वजाय) = To the one whose flag bears the bull (Ṛṣabha = bull, Dhvaja = flag)
• Kṛṇihastāya (कृणिहस्ताय) = To the one holding a gesture/mudra in the hand
• Guruḥ (गुरुः) = The supreme teacher (Gu = darkness, Ru = remover)

8. Ashlesha (ஆயில்யம்) - Adisesha (ஆதிசேஷன்)

1
ॐ सहस्र शीर्षाय विद्महे
2
विष्णु तल्पाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो आदिशेष प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் ஸஹஸ்ர சீர்ஷாய வித்மஹே
2
விஷ்ணு தல்பாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ ஆதிசேஷ ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Sahasra Śīrṣāya vidmahe
2
Viṣṇu Talpāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Ādiśeṣa prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Sahasra Śīrṣāya (सहस्र शीर्षाय) = To the thousand-headed one (Sahasra = thousand, Śīrṣa = head)
• Viṣṇu Talpāya (विष्णु तल्पाय) = To the couch/bed of Vishnu (Talpa = bed/couch)
• Ādiśeṣa (आदिशेष) = The primordial serpent (Ādi = first/primordial, Śeṣa = remainder/eternal)

9. Magha (மகம்) - Surya Bhagavan (சூரிய பகவான்)

Mantra 1:

1
ॐ अश्वध्वजाय विद्महे
2
पाशहस्ताय धीमहि
3
तन्नो सूर्यः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் அஸ்வத்வஜாய வித்மஹே
2
பாசஹஸ்தாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ சூர்யஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Aśvadhvajāya vidmahe
2
Pāśahastāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Sūryaḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Aśvadhvajāya (अश्वध्वजाय) = To the one whose flag bears a horse (Aśva = horse, Dhvaja = flag)
• Pāśahastāya (पाशहस्ताय) = To the one holding a rope/noose (Pāśa = rope/noose, Hasta = hand)
• Sūryaḥ (सूर्यः) = The Sun God, illuminator

Mantra 2:

1
ॐ भास्कराय विद्महे
2
दिवाकराय धीमहि
3
तन्नो सूर्यः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் பாஸ்கராய வித்மஹே
2
திவாகராய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ சூர்யஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Bhāskarāya vidmahe
2
Divākarāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Sūryaḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Bhāskarāya (भास्कराय) = To the light-maker, radiant one (Bhās = light, Kara = maker)
• Divākarāya (दिवाकराय) = To the maker of day (Diva = day, Kara = maker)

10. Purva Phalguni (பூரம்) - Andal Devi (ஆண்டாள்)

1
ॐ तुलसी तोट्ट जनन्यै च विष्णु प्रिय विद्महे
2
श्री रङ्गनोत्रिणाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो गोदा प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் துளசி தோட்ட ஜனன்யைச விஷ்ணு ப்ரிய வித்மஹே
2
ஸ்ரீ் ரெங்கனொன்றினாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ கோதா ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Tulasī Toṭṭa Jananyai ca Viṣṇu Priya vidmahe
2
Śrī Raṅganotriṇāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Godā prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Tulasī Toṭṭa Jananyai (तुलसी तोट्ट जनन्यै) = To the one born in the Tulasi garden (Tulasī = holy basil, Toṭṭa = garden, Jananyai = born/mother)
• Viṣṇu Priya (विष्णु प्रिय) = Beloved of Vishnu (Priya = beloved)
• Śrī Raṅganotriṇāya (श्री रङ्गनोत्रिणाय) = To the one united with Sri Ranganatha
• Godā (गोदा) = Another name for Andal (Go = earth/cow, Dā = giver)

11. Uttara Phalguni (உத்திரம்) - Mahalakshmi (மகாலட்சுமி)

Mantra 1:

1
ॐ भूम् शक्त्यै च विद्महे
2
विष्णु पत्नी च धीमहि
3
तन्नो लक्ष्मी प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் பூம் சக்யே ச வித்மஹே
2
விஷ்ணு பத்னீ ச தீமஹி
3
தந்நோ லக்ஷ்மி ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Bhūm Śaktyai ca vidmahe
2
Viṣṇu Patnī ca dhīmahi
3
Tanno Lakṣmī prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Bhūm Śaktyai (भूम् शक्त्यै) = To the Earth power/energy (Bhū = earth, Śakti = divine feminine power)
• Viṣṇu Patnī (विष्णु पत्नी) = Consort of Vishnu (Patnī = wife)
• Lakṣmī (लक्ष्मी) = Goddess of wealth and prosperity (Lakṣa = goal/mark/auspiciousness)

Mantra 2:

1
ॐ अमृत वासिनी विद्महे
2
पद्म लोचनी धीमहि
3
तन्नो लक्ष्मी प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் அம்ருத வாசினி வித்மஹே
2
பத்ம லோசனி தீமஹி
3
தந்தோ லக்ஷ்மி ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Amṛta Vāsinī vidmahe
2
Padma Locanī dhīmahi
3
Tanno Lakṣmī prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Amṛta Vāsinī (अमृत वासिनी) = To the one dwelling in nectar/immortality (Amṛta = nectar/immortal, Vāsinī = dwelling)
• Padma Locanī (पद्म लोचनी) = To the lotus-eyed one (Padma = lotus, Locanī = eyes)

Mantra 3:

1
ॐ महादेव्यै च विद्महे
2
विष्णु बन्धाय च धीमहि
3
तन्नो लक्ष्मी प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் மகாதேவ்யை ச வித்மஹே
2
விஷ்ணு பந்தாய சதீமஹி
3
தந்நோ லக்ஷ்மி ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Mahādevyai ca vidmahe
2
Viṣṇu Bandhāya ca dhīmahi
3
Tanno Lakṣmī prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Mahādevyai (महादेव्यै) = To the Great Goddess (Mahā = great, Devī = goddess)
• Viṣṇu Bandhāya (विष्णु बन्धाय) = To the one bound/united with Vishnu (Bandha = bond/relation)

Mantra 4:

1
ॐ धन धान्यै विद्महे
2
श्री म्रादिप्रियायै धीमहि
3
ह्रीम् स्वाहा शक्तिप्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் தன தான்யை வித்மஹே
2
ஸ்ரீ ம்ராதிப்ரியாயை தீமஹி
3
ஹ்ரீம் ஸ்வாஹா சக்திப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Dhana Dhānyai vidmahe
2
Śrī Mrādipriyāyai dhīmahi
3
Hrīm Svāhā Śaktiprachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Dhana Dhānyai (धन धान्यै) = To the one of wealth and grains (Dhana = wealth, Dhānya = grains)
• Śrī Mrādipriyāyai (श्री म्रादिप्रियायै) = To the beloved of Sri (prosperity)
• Hrīm (ह्रीम्) = Bija mantra for Lakshmi (seed sound)
• Svāhā (स्वाहा) = Offering salutation

Mantra 5 (Same as Mantra 2)

12. Hasta (அஸ்தம்) - Gayatri Devi (காயத்திரி தேவி)

1
ॐ भूर् भुवः स्वः
2
तत्सवितुर् वरेण्यम्
3
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि
4
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் பூர் புவ: ஸ்வ:
2
தத்ஸவிதுர் வரேண்யம்
3
பர்கோ தேவஸ்ய தீமஹி
4
தியோ யோந: ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Bhūr Bhuvaḥ Svaḥ
2
Tat Savitur Vareṇyam
3
Bhargo Devasya Dhīmahi
4
Dhiyo Yo Naḥ Prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Bhūr (भूर्) = Earth realm, physical plane
• Bhuvaḥ (भुवः) = Atmosphere, astral plane
• Svaḥ (स्वः) = Heaven, celestial realm
• Tat Savitur (तत्सवितुर्) = That divine Sun (Savitṛ = Sun God, generator)
• Vareṇyam (वरेण्यम्) = Most worthy, adorable (Vareṇya = most excellent)
• Bhargo (भर्गो) = Effulgence, divine light (Bhar = to shine)
• Devasya (देवस्य) = Of the radiant one/deity
• Dhiyo (धियो) = Intellect, understanding (Dhī = intellect)
• Yo Naḥ (यो नः) = Who our, which our

13. Chitra (சித்திரை) - Sudarshana Chakra (சக்கரத்தாழ்வார்)

1
ॐ सुदर्शनाय विद्महे
2
ज्वाला चक्राय धीमहि
3
तन्नो चक्र प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் சுதர்ஸனாய வித்மஹே
2
ஜ்வாலா சக்ராய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ: சக்ர ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Sudarśanāya vidmahe
2
Jvālā Cakrāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Cakra prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Sudarśanāya (सुदर्शनाय) = To the auspicious vision/discus (Su = good, Darśana = vision/sight)
• Jvālā Cakrāya (ज्वाला चक्राय) = To the flaming discus (Jvālā = flame, Cakra = discus/wheel)
• Cakra (चक्र) = Discus weapon of Vishnu

14. Swati (சுவாதி) - Narasimha (நரசிம்மமூர்த்தி)

Mantra 1:

1
ॐ वज्र नखाय विद्महे
2
तीष्ण दंष्ट्राय धीमहि
3
तन्नो नरसिंह प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் வஜ்ர நகாய வித்மஹே
2
தீஷ்ண தம்ஷ்ட்ராய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ நரசிம்ஹ ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Vajra Nakhāya vidmahe
2
Tīṣṇa Daṃṣṭrāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Narasiṃha prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Vajra Nakhāya (वज्र नखाय) = To the one with diamond/thunderbolt nails (Vajra = diamond/thunderbolt, Nakha = nails/claws)
• Tīṣṇa Daṃṣṭrāya (तीष्ण दंष्ट्राय) = To the one with sharp tusks (Tīṣṇa = sharp, Daṃṣṭra = tusks)
• Narasiṃha (नरसिंह) = Man-lion incarnation (Nara = man, Siṃha = lion)

Mantra 2:

1
ॐ नरसिंहाय विद्महे
2
वज्रनखाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो सिंह प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் நரசிம்ஹாய வித்மஹே
2
வஜ்ரநகாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ ஸிம்ஹ ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Narasiṃhāya vidmahe
2
Vajranakhāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Siṃha prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Siṃha (सिंह) = Lion

15. Anuradha (அனுஷம்) - Lakshmi Narayana (லட்சுமி நாராயணர்)

1
ॐ श्रीदेव्य च नारायणाय विद्महे
2
शान्त मूर्तयाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो लक्ष्मी नारायण प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் ஸ்ரீ்தேவ்ய ச நாராயணாய வித்மஹே
2
சாந்த மூர்த்யாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ லக்ஷ்மி நாராயண ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Śrīdevya ca Nārāyaṇāya vidmahe
2
Śānta Mūrtyāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Lakṣmī Nārāyaṇa prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Śrīdevya ca Nārāyaṇāya (श्रीदेव्य च नारायणाय) = To Lakshmi and Narayana together (Śrīdevī = Lakshmi, Nārāyaṇa = Vishnu)
• Śānta Mūrtyāya (शान्त मूर्तयाय) = To the peaceful form (Śānta = peaceful, Mūrti = form)
• Lakṣmī Nārāyaṇa (लक्ष्मी नारायण) = Divine couple - Lakshmi and Narayana

16. Jyeshtha (கேட்டை) - Varaha (வராஹ பெருமாள்)

Mantra 1:

1
ॐ धनुर्धराय विद्महे
2
वक्र दंष्ट्राय धीमहि
3
तन्नो वराहः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் தநுர்த்தராய வித்மஹே
2
வக்ர தம்ஷ்ட்ராய தீமஹி
3
தந்நோ வராஹஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Dhanurdharāya vidmahe
2
Vakra Daṃṣṭrāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Varāhaḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Dhanurdharāya (धनुर्धराय) = To the bow-bearer (Dhanur = bow, Dhara = bearer)
• Vakra Daṃṣṭrāya (वक्र दंष्ट्राय) = To the one with curved tusks (Vakra = curved, Daṃṣṭra = tusks)
• Varāhaḥ (वराहः) = Boar incarnation (divine boar)

Mantra 2:

1
ॐ नारायणाय विद्महे
2
भूमिपालाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो वराह प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் நாராயணாய வித்மஹே
2
பூமிபாலாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ வராஹ ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Nārāyaṇāya vidmahe
2
Bhūmipālāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Varāha prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Nārāyaṇāya (नारायणाय) = To Narayana/Vishnu (Nāra = waters/beings, Ayaṇa = resting place/goal)
• Bhūmipālāya (भूमिपालाय) = To the protector of Earth (Bhūmi = earth, Pāla = protector)

17. Moola (மூலம்) - Hanuman (ஆஞ்சநேயர்)

1
ॐ श्रीआञ्जनेयाय विद्महे
2
वायुपुत्राय धीमहि
3
तन्नो हनुमन् प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் ஸ்ரீ்ஆஞ்சநேயா வித்மஹே
2
வாயுபுத்ராய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ ஹனுமன் பிரசோதயாத்

1
Om Śrī Āñjaneyāya vidmahe
2
Vāyuputrāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Hanuman prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Āñjaneyāya (आञ्जनेयाय) = To the son of Anjana (Añjanā = mother’s name)
• Vāyuputrāya (वायुपुत्राय) = To the son of Wind God (Vāyu = wind god, Putra = son)
• Hanuman (हनुमन्) = The one with prominent jaw (Hanu = jaw)

18. Purva Ashadha (பூராடம்) - Jambukeshwara (ஜம்புகேஸ்வரர்)

1
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे
2
महादेवाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो जम्बुकेश्वर प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் தத்புருஷாய வித்மஹே
2
மஹாதேவாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ ஜம்புகேஸ்வர ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Tatpuruṣāya vidmahe
2
Mahādevāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Jambukeśvara prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Jambukeśvara (जम्बुकेश्वर) = Lord of Jambu tree (Jambu = rose apple tree, Īśvara = lord) - Shiva worshipped at Thiruvanaikaval

19. Uttara Ashadha (உத்திராடம்) - Ganesha (விநாயகப் பெருமான்)

1
ॐ तत् पुरुषाय विद्महे
2
वक्र तुण्डाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो दन्ति प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் தத் புருஷாய வித்மஹே
2
வக்ர துண்டாய தீமஹி
3
நந்தோ தந்தி ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Tat Puruṣāya vidmahe
2
Vakra Tuṇḍāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Danti prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Vakra Tuṇḍāya (वक्र तुण्डाय) = To the one with curved trunk (Vakra = curved, Tuṇḍa = trunk/snout)
• Danti (दन्ति) = The one with tusks (Danta = tooth/tusk)

20. Shravana (திருவோணம்) - Hayagriva (ஹயக்ரீவர்)

1
ॐ वनिष्ठवराय विद्महे
2
हयग्रीवाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो हयग्रीवः प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் வனிஷவராய வித்மஹி
2
ஹயக்ரீவாய தீமஹி
3
தன்னோ ஹயக்ரீவஹ் ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Vaniṣṭhavarāya vidmahe
2
Hayagrīvāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Hayagrīvaḥ prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Vaniṣṭhavarāya (वनिष्ठवराय) = To the most eloquent/best speaker (Vaniṣṭha = most eloquent)
• Hayagrīvāya (हयग्रीवाय) = To the horse-necked one (Haya = horse, Grīva = neck)
• Hayagrīvaḥ (हयग्रीवः) = Horse-headed incarnation of Vishnu, lord of knowledge

21. Dhanishtha (அவிட்டம்) & Revati (ரேவதி) - Ananta Padmanabha (அனந்த சயனப் பெருமாள்) & Ranganatha (அரங்கநாதன்)

1
ॐ निरञ्जनाय विद्महे
2
निराभासाय धीमहि
3
तन्नो श्रीनिवास प्रचोदयात्

1
ஓம் நிரஞ்சனாய வித்மஹே
2
நிராபாஸாய தீமஹி
3
தந்நோ ஸ்ரீனிவாச ப்ரசோதயாத்

1
Om Nirañjanāya vidmahe
2
Nirābhāsāya dhīmahi
3
Tanno Śrīnivāsa prachodayāt

Word Meanings:

• Nirañjanāya (निरञ्जनाय) = To the spotless/pure one (Nir = without, Añjana = collyrium/blemish)
• Nirābhāsāya (निराभासाय) = To the one without illusion (Nir = without, Ābhāsa = appearance/illusion)
• Śrīnivāsa (श्रीनिवास) = Abode of Lakshmi (Śrī = Lakshmi, Nivāsa = dwelling place) - name for Vishnu

How to Chant Nakshatra Gayatri Mantras

Best Times:

• Morning after bath (Brahma Muhurtham or sunrise)
• On your Nakshatra day (when Moon transits your birth star)
• Thursdays (auspicious for all mantras)
• Full Moon & New Moon days

Method:

1. Sit facing East or North
2. Light a lamp and incense
3. Chant 108 times using a mala (prayer beads)
4. Offer flowers to the deity
5. Conclude with prostration and prayer

Benefits:

• Removes Nakshatra-related doshas
• Brings the deity’s blessings
• Enhances positive qualities of your Nakshatra
• Protection from malefic planetary influences
• Spiritual growth and material prosperity

Nakshatra Akshar - Name Letters (நட்சத்திர எழுத்துகள்)

Starting Syllables for Each Nakshatra Pada

In Tamil/South Indian tradition, babies are named based on the Nakshatra Akshar (starting syllable) of their birth star.

How to Use:

1. Find your birth Nakshatra
2. Find which pada (quarter) you’re born in (ask your astrologer or check Jathagam)
3. Use the corresponding syllable to start your name

Example:

• Born in Rohini Nakshatra, Pada 3 = Name should start with வீ (Vi)
• Examples: Vishnu (விஷ்ணு), Vijay (விஜய்), Vimal (விமல்)

Abhijit Nakshatra - அபிஜித் நட்சத்திரம் (28th Star)

The Special 28th Nakshatra

Abhijit (अभिजित्/அபிஜித்) is a special, intercalary Nakshatra that exists between Uttara Ashadha (உத்திராடம்) and Shravana (திருவோணம்).

Why 28 Nakshatras?

While the main system uses 27 Nakshatras, ancient Vedic texts also mention Abhijit as the 28th Nakshatra.

Position:

• Occupies the last pada (4th) of Uttara Ashadha and first pada (1st) of Shravana
• Spans approximately 6°40’ to 10°53’20” in Capricorn (Makara Rasi)
• Central star: Vega (Alpha Lyrae/வேகா) - one of the brightest stars in the sky

Sanskrit Meaning:

• Abhijit (अभिजित्) = “Victorious,” “Conqueror,” “The One who cannot be defeated”
• Root: Abhi (अभि) = towards, over + Jit (जित) = conquered, victorious

Ruling Deity: Brahma (பிரம்மா) - The Creator

Characteristics:

• Most auspicious Nakshatra
• Self-luminous, independent nature
• Brings victory and success
• Associated with truthfulness and dharma

Why Abhijit is Not in Daily Use

Historical Context:

According to Mahabharata:

• During the Kurukshetra war, when Krishna wanted to ensure victory for the Pandavas, he stopped time when the sun was in Abhijit Nakshatra
• This guaranteed victory (Abhijit = victorious)
• Since then, Abhijit became so auspicious that it’s considered always favorable - no need to calculate it separately

Modern Usage:

For Muhurtham (Auspicious Timing):

• Abhijit Muhurtham is calculated as the middle 1/15th part of the day
• Approximately 48 minutes around midday (noon)
• This time is always auspicious regardless of Tithi, Vara, or Nakshatra
• Used for emergency auspicious work when proper Muhurtham is not available

Calculation:

1
Sunrise to Sunset = Total day duration
2
Divide by 15 parts = Each part is 1 Muhurtham
3
8th Muhurtham (middle) = Abhijit Muhurtham

Example:

• Sunrise: 6:00 AM
• Sunset: 6:00 PM
• Day duration: 12 hours = 720 minutes
• Each Muhurtham: 720 ÷ 15 = 48 minutes
• 8th Muhurtham: 11:36 AM to 12:24 PM = Abhijit Muhurtham

When to Use Abhijit Muhurtham:

• Starting new ventures
• Signing important documents
• Property registration
• Business inaugurations
• Emergency auspicious work
• When proper Muhurtham is not available

Exception:

• Avoid Abhijit on Wednesdays (considered inauspicious combination in some traditions)
• Some also avoid on Saturdays

Why 27 Nakshatras, Not 28?

Mathematical Reason:

• The Moon’s sidereal period = 27.32 days
• 360° zodiac ÷ 27 Nakshatras = 13°20’ per Nakshatra (perfect division)
• 360° ÷ 28 = 12°51’26” (not a clean division)

Practical Reason:

• Abhijit is embedded within Uttara Ashadha and Shravana
• It’s not a separate full Nakshatra but a special segment
• For daily Panchangam, using 27 makes calculations easier

Spiritual Reason:

• 27 = Sacred number in Vedic tradition
• 27 = 3 × 9 (both sacred numbers)
• Represents the 27 Yoga Taras (wives of Moon/Chandra)

Current Practice:

• Jathagams use 27 Nakshatras for birth chart
• Abhijit Muhurtham used separately for timing auspicious events
• Best of both systems!

Sanskrit Names and Meanings - நட்சத்திர பெயர் பொருள்

Etymology of All 27 Nakshatra Names

Understanding the Sanskrit meanings reveals the deeper significance of each Nakshatra:

Naming Patterns:

Directional Names:

• Purva (पूर्व/பூர்வ) = Former, Eastern, First → Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, Purva Bhadrapada
• Uttara (उत्तर/உத்தர) = Latter, Northern, Higher → Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada

Descriptive Names:

• Based on appearance (Krittika = cutters, Hasta = hand)
• Based on qualities (Pushya = nourisher, Magha = mighty)
• Based on deities (Ashwini = twin horsemen)
• Based on symbolism (Rohini = red/growing, Moola = root)

Tamil/Vedic Time Measurement - காலக் கணக்கீடு

Ancient Time Calculation System

The Vedic/Tamil system of measuring time is incredibly precise and follows a cosmic to micro approach:

From Smallest to Largest Units:

Day and Night Divisions - பகல் & இரவுப் பிரிவுகள்

Important Time Units Explained

1. Nāḻikai (நாழிகை) - The Water Clock

Most Important Unit in Tamil Astrology!

Duration: 24 minutes

Origin:

• Ancient water clock (Ghaṭikā) that drips water
• Time taken for a specific quantity of water to drip through a small hole
• Still used in traditional Tamil Panchangams

Usage:

• Sunrise/sunset timings given in Nāḻikai
• Rāhu Kālam, Yama Gaṇṭam calculated in Nāḻikai
• Muhūrtam timing calculated in Nāḻikai

Example:

• “Sunrise at 15 Nāḻikai” = 15 × 24 minutes = 360 minutes = 6:00 AM (from midnight)

2. Viṇāḻikai (விநாழிகை) - 1/60th of Nāḻikai

Duration: 24 seconds (or 0.4 minutes)

Usage:

• Very precise timing in Panchangam
• Planet transits calculated to Viṇāḻikai accuracy

Calculation:

• 1 Nāḻikai = 60 Viṇāḻikai
• 1 Viṇāḻikai = 24 seconds

3. Muhūrttam (முகூர்த்தம்) - Auspicious Time

Duration: 48 minutes (2 Nāḻikai)

Daily Division:

• 15 Muhūrttams in daytime (sunrise to sunset)
• 15 Muhūrttams in nighttime (sunset to sunrise)
• Total: 30 Muhūrttams in 24 hours

Auspicious Muhūrttams:

1. Abhijit Muhūrttam - 8th Muhūrttam of the day (around noon) - Most auspicious
2. Vijaya Muhūrttam - Victory time
3. Brahma Muhūrttam - 2 Muhūrttams before sunrise (~4:30-5:30 AM) - Best for meditation

Calculation:

1
Day duration (sunrise to sunset) ÷ 15 = Each Muhūrttam duration
2
Example: 12 hours ÷ 15 = 48 minutes per Muhūrttam

4. Sāmam/Yāmam (சாமம்/ஜாமம்) - Time Watch

Duration: 3 hours (7.5 Nāḻikai)

8 Yāmas in a Day:

Daytime (4 Yāmas):

1. Pratah Yāma (காலை ஜாமம்) - Morning watch (~6 AM - 9 AM)
2. Saṅgava Yāma (முற்பகல் ஜாமம்) - Forenoon watch (~9 AM - 12 PM)
3. Madhyāhna Yāma (மத்தியான ஜாமம்) - Midday watch (~12 PM - 3 PM)
4. Aparāhṇa Yāma (பிற்பகல் ஜாமம்) - Afternoon watch (~3 PM - 6 PM)

Nighttime (4 Yāmas): 5. Sayāhna Yāma (மாலை ஜாமம்) - Evening watch (~6 PM - 9 PM) 6. Pradoṣa Yāma (முதல் இரவு ஜாமம்) - Early night watch (~9 PM - 12 AM) 7. Niśītha Yāma (நள்ளிரவு ஜாமம்) - Midnight watch (~12 AM - 3 AM) 8. Uṣā Yāma (அதி காலை ஜாமம்) - Pre-dawn watch (~3 AM - 6 AM)

Usage:

• Traditional time-keeping
• Temple rituals scheduled by Yāmas
• Rāhu Kālam falls in specific Yāmas on each day

5. Pakṣa (பக்ஷம்) - Lunar Fortnight

Duration: 15 Tithis (lunar days) ≈ 14-15 solar days

Two types:

1. Śukla Pakṣa (சுக்ல பக்ஷம்) = Bright fortnight (waxing moon) - Pratipad to Pūrṇimā (Full Moon)
2. Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa (கிருஷ்ண பக்ஷம்) = Dark fortnight (waning moon) - Pratipad to Amāvāsyā (New Moon)

Usage:

• Auspicious activities in Śukla Pakṣa (growing moon)
• Destructive/removing activities in Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa (diminishing moon)

6. Ṛtu (ருது/பருவம்) - Six Seasons

Duration: 2 months each

Six Seasons (ஆறு பருவங்கள்):

7. Ayana (ஆயனம்) - Solar Movement

Duration: 6 months (3 Ṛtus)

Two Ayanas:

1. Uttarāyaṇa (உத்தராயணம்)

• Northward movement of Sun
• Duration: Makara Saṅkrānti (mid-January) to Karka Saṅkrānti (mid-July)
• Seasons: Śiśira, Vasanta, Grīṣma
• Characteristics: Auspicious, positive energy, day-time of gods
• Activities: Marriages, new beginnings, spiritual practices highly beneficial

2. Dakṣiṇāyana (தக்ஷிணாயனம்)

• Southward movement of Sun
• Duration: Karka Saṅkrānti (mid-July) to Makara Saṅkrānti (mid-January)
• Seasons: Varṣā, Śarad, Hemanta
• Characteristics: Night-time of gods, introspection period
• Activities: Ancestor worship, pitṛ kārya, spiritual sadhana

Astrological Importance:

• Uttarāyaṇa considered more auspicious for most activities
• Pitṛ śrāddha (ancestor rituals) done in Dakṣiṇāyana
• Death in Uttarāyaṇa believed to grant easier liberation

Quick Time Conversion Table

Example Calculation:

• Rāhu Kālam on Monday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
• In Nāḻikai: 3.75 Nāḻikai duration (90 minutes ÷ 24 = 3.75)
• In Sāmam: Falls in Pratah Yāma (morning watch)

Summary and Next Steps

What We Covered in Part 1

✅ 27 Nakshatras with complete details:

• Animal symbols (விலங்கு)
• Yoni (Male/Female energy)
• Rasi mapping (which Nakshatra falls under which zodiac)
• Ruling deity and planet
• Associated trees and birds

✅ Nakshatra Characteristics:

• Guna (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas)
• Gana (Deva, Manushya, Rakshasa)
• Nadi (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)

✅ Yoni Compatibility for marriage matching

✅ Nakshatra Akshar for naming babies

Coming in Part 2

Part 2: 12 Rashis (Zodiac Signs) and 9 Planets (Navagrahas)

We’ll cover:

• Detailed attributes of 12 Rashis
• Tamil/Sanskrit names and symbols
• 9 Navagrahas (planets) and their significance
• Planetary friendships and enmities
• House (Bhava) system in Jathagam
• How planets influence different areas of life

Quick Reference - விரைவு குறிப்பு

To find your Nakshatra:

1. Know your birth date, time, and place
2. Consult a Panchangam or astrologer
3. Your Nakshatra is based on Moon’s position at birth

Most Important for Marriage Matching (Porutham):

• Nakshatra compatibility (10 Poruthams in Tamil tradition)
• Gana matching
• Yoni matching
• Rasi matching

For Daily Muhurtham:

• Check today’s Nakshatra in Panchangam
• Avoid your Janma Nakshatra (birth star) for important events
• Avoid Tripad (3rd, 5th, 7th Nakshatra from yours)