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Vedic (Jyotisha) · Nakshatra 21

Uttara Ashadha

Elephant tusk, small bed

Uttara Ashadha, nakshatra 21 of 27 (26°40′ Dhanu – 10°00′ Makara), ruled by Sun, presided over by Vishvadevas; symbol: elephant tusk, small bed.

Uttara Ashadha is the 21st of the twenty-seven nakshatras, the lunar mansions of Indian astrology, spanning 26°40′ Dhanu – 10°00′ Makara of the sidereal zodiac. Its presiding deity is Vishvadevas, and its traditional symbol is the elephant tusk, small bed. In the Vimshottari system its ruling planet is Sun, so a person whose moon falls in Uttara Ashadha begins life in the Sun period (dasha).

Each nakshatra is classified by gana, or temperament — divine (deva), human (manushya) or demonic (rakshasa) — and Uttara Ashadha is counted manushya. 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

principled · responsible · enduring · loyal · ethical · steadfast

In Vedic astrology a person whose moon falls in Uttara Ashadha is described as principled, responsible and enduring, the bringer of 'later' or 'final' victory, as its name means. Its symbols are an elephant's tusk and a small bed, and its deities are the Vishvadevas, the 'all-gods' who represent universal virtues such as truth, goodness and steadfastness.

Traditional descriptions credit Uttara Ashadha natives with integrity, patience, a strong sense of duty and the ability to lead by example; they are said to win lasting success through persistence rather than quick gains, and to be respected for their honesty. Their weaknesses are said to be rigidity, stubbornness, an over-serious manner, impatience with others' failings and a habit of taking on too much responsibility.

In relationships Uttara Ashadha is portrayed as loyal, sincere and committed, a dependable partner who keeps promises. In work it is linked with government, administration, law, the military, teaching and leadership in any large enterprise. Counted among the human (manushya) temperaments, its Vimshottari lord is the Sun, whose Navaratna stone is the ruby; as always, the full birth chart refines the picture.

Stone: Ruby

Sources and further reading