Chitra Nakshatra
Chitra is the 14th of the 27 nakshatras. Brilliant craftsman's star. It is ruled by Mars and lies in Kanya (Virgo) and Tula (Libra).
Chitra at a glance
| Ruling planet | Mars |
|---|---|
| Deity | Tvashtar (Vishwakarma), the divine architect |
| Symbol | a bright jewel or pearl |
| Element | Fire |
| Quality | Soft |
| Zodiac span | 23°20′ Kanya to 6°40′ Tula |
| Rashi | Kanya (Virgo) and Tula (Libra) |
The four padas of Chitra
Each pada covers 3°20′ and corresponds to one Navamsha sign.
| Pada | Zodiac span | Navamsha |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23°20′ Kanya – 26°40′ Kanya | Simha (Leo) |
| 2 | 26°40′ Kanya – 30°00′ Kanya | Kanya (Virgo) |
| 3 | 0°00′ Tula – 3°20′ Tula | Tula (Libra) |
| 4 | 3°20′ Tula – 6°40′ Tula | Vrishchika (Scorpio) |
Chitra and the Mars Dasha
In the Vimshottari system Mars rules Chitra, so a person born with the Moon here begins life in a Mars Mahadasha. A full Mars Mahadasha lasts 7 years; how much of it remains at birth depends on how far the Moon had moved through Chitra. The other nakshatras ruled by Mars are Mrigashira and Dhanishtha.
Frequently asked questions
Which planet rules Chitra nakshatra?
Mars is the Vimshottari lord of Chitra. A person born with the Moon in Chitra starts life in a Mars Mahadasha, and the part still left at birth depends on how far the Moon has travelled through the nakshatra. A full Mars Mahadasha lasts 7 years.
Which rashi is Chitra in?
Chitra spans 23°20′ Kanya to 6°40′ Tula of the sidereal zodiac, which lies in Kanya (Virgo) and Tula (Libra).
What are the deity and symbol of Chitra?
The deity of Chitra is Tvashtar (Vishwakarma), the divine architect. Its symbol is a bright jewel or pearl.
How do I find my birth nakshatra?
It is the nakshatra the Moon occupies at the moment of birth, measured in the sidereal zodiac. Enter your date, time and place of birth in Shiv Parashara to see it, together with your pada.