Mrigashira Nakshatra
Mrigashira is the 5th of the 27 nakshatras. Gentle seeker of truth. It is ruled by Mars and lies in Vrishabha (Taurus) and Mithuna (Gemini).
Mrigashira at a glance
| Ruling planet | Mars |
|---|---|
| Deity | Soma, the Moon |
| Symbol | a deer's head |
| Element | Earth |
| Quality | Soft |
| Zodiac span | 23°20′ Vrishabha to 6°40′ Mithuna |
| Rashi | Vrishabha (Taurus) and Mithuna (Gemini) |
The four padas of Mrigashira
Each pada covers 3°20′ and corresponds to one Navamsha sign.
| Pada | Zodiac span | Navamsha |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23°20′ Vrishabha – 26°40′ Vrishabha | Simha (Leo) |
| 2 | 26°40′ Vrishabha – 30°00′ Vrishabha | Kanya (Virgo) |
| 3 | 0°00′ Mithuna – 3°20′ Mithuna | Tula (Libra) |
| 4 | 3°20′ Mithuna – 6°40′ Mithuna | Vrishchika (Scorpio) |
Mrigashira and the Mars Dasha
In the Vimshottari system Mars rules Mrigashira, 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 Mrigashira. The other nakshatras ruled by Mars are Chitra and Dhanishtha.
Frequently asked questions
Which planet rules Mrigashira nakshatra?
Mars is the Vimshottari lord of Mrigashira. A person born with the Moon in Mrigashira 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 Mrigashira in?
Mrigashira spans 23°20′ Vrishabha to 6°40′ Mithuna of the sidereal zodiac, which lies in Vrishabha (Taurus) and Mithuna (Gemini).
What are the deity and symbol of Mrigashira?
The deity of Mrigashira is Soma, the Moon. Its symbol is a deer's head.
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.