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Vedic (Jyotisha) · Nakshatra 23

Dhanishta

Drum

Dhanishta, nakshatra 23 of 27 (23°20′ Makara – 6°40′ Kumbha), ruled by Mars, presided over by Eight Vasus; symbol: drum.

Dhanishta is the 23rd of the twenty-seven nakshatras, the lunar mansions of Indian astrology, spanning 23°20′ Makara – 6°40′ Kumbha of the sidereal zodiac. Its presiding deity is Eight Vasus, and its traditional symbol is the drum. In the Vimshottari system its ruling planet is Mars, so a person whose moon falls in Dhanishta begins life in the Mars period (dasha).

Each nakshatra is classified by gana, or temperament — divine (deva), human (manushya) or demonic (rakshasa) — and Dhanishta is counted rakshasa. Astrologers use the nakshatra of the moon at birth for naming (each pada has its own syllable), for matching horoscopes before marriage and for choosing auspicious times (muhurta). The descriptions of each nakshatra in Sanskrit texts such as the Brihat Samhita and in modern handbooks vary, and are best read as traditional associations of its deity and symbol.

Personality

ambitious · musical · generous · energetic · prosperous · rhythmic

In Vedic astrology a person whose moon falls in Dhanishta is described as ambitious, energetic and generous, with a natural sense of rhythm. Its name means 'the wealthiest', its symbol is a drum, and its deities are the eight Vasus, the elemental gods of earth, water, fire, wind, space, sun, moon and stars, so it is associated with abundance, music and fame.

Traditional descriptions credit Dhanishta natives with courage, organisational skill, musical or rhythmic talent, generosity and the ability to acquire wealth and recognition; they are said to work well in groups and to be adaptable. Their weaknesses are said to be pride, greed or materialism, impatience, a quarrelsome streak and difficulties in married life that some traditional texts mention.

In relationships Dhanishta is portrayed as generous and lively but independent, sometimes putting career before love. In work it is linked with music and dance, sport, real estate, finance, science and group enterprises. Counted among the rakshasa temperaments, its Vimshottari lord is Mars, whose Navaratna stone is red coral; Jyotisha reads these associations together with the rest of the birth chart.

Stone: Coral (Precious Coral)

Sources and further reading