Krittika Nakshatra
Krittika is the 3rd of the 27 nakshatras. Sharp, purifying fire. It is ruled by Sun and lies in Mesha (Aries) and Vrishabha (Taurus).
Krittika at a glance
| Ruling planet | Sun |
|---|---|
| Deity | Agni, the sacred fire |
| Symbol | a razor or flame |
| Element | Fire |
| Quality | Mixed |
| Zodiac span | 26°40′ Mesha to 10°00′ Vrishabha |
| Rashi | Mesha (Aries) and Vrishabha (Taurus) |
The four padas of Krittika
Each pada covers 3°20′ and corresponds to one Navamsha sign.
| Pada | Zodiac span | Navamsha |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26°40′ Mesha – 30°00′ Mesha | Dhanu (Sagittarius) |
| 2 | 0°00′ Vrishabha – 3°20′ Vrishabha | Makara (Capricorn) |
| 3 | 3°20′ Vrishabha – 6°40′ Vrishabha | Kumbha (Aquarius) |
| 4 | 6°40′ Vrishabha – 10°00′ Vrishabha | Meena (Pisces) |
Krittika and the Sun Dasha
In the Vimshottari system Sun rules Krittika, so a person born with the Moon here begins life in a Sun Mahadasha. A full Sun Mahadasha lasts 6 years; how much of it remains at birth depends on how far the Moon had moved through Krittika. The other nakshatras ruled by Sun are Uttara Phalguni and Uttara Ashadha.
Frequently asked questions
Which planet rules Krittika nakshatra?
Sun is the Vimshottari lord of Krittika. A person born with the Moon in Krittika starts life in a Sun Mahadasha, and the part still left at birth depends on how far the Moon has travelled through the nakshatra. A full Sun Mahadasha lasts 6 years.
Which rashi is Krittika in?
Krittika spans 26°40′ Mesha to 10°00′ Vrishabha of the sidereal zodiac, which lies in Mesha (Aries) and Vrishabha (Taurus).
What are the deity and symbol of Krittika?
The deity of Krittika is Agni, the sacred fire. Its symbol is a razor or flame.
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.