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Vedic (Jyotisha) · Nakshatra 16

Vishakha

Triumphal arch

Vishakha, nakshatra 16 of 27 (20°00′ Tula – 3°20′ Vrishchika), ruled by Jupiter, presided over by Indra and Agni; symbol: triumphal arch.

Vishakha is the 16th of the twenty-seven nakshatras, the lunar mansions of Indian astrology, spanning 20°00′ Tula – 3°20′ Vrishchika of the sidereal zodiac. Its presiding deity is Indra and Agni, and its traditional symbol is the triumphal arch. In the Vimshottari system its ruling planet is Jupiter, so a person whose moon falls in Vishakha begins life in the Jupiter period (dasha).

Each nakshatra is classified by gana, or temperament — divine (deva), human (manushya) or demonic (rakshasa) — and Vishakha 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

determined · ambitious · focused · courageous · competitive · passionate

In Vedic astrology a person whose moon falls in Vishakha is described as determined, ambitious and single-minded, fixed on a goal and willing to work long for it. Its name means 'forked' or 'branched', its symbol is a triumphal arch decorated with leaves, and its deities are Indra and Agni together, the king of the gods and the sacrificial fire.

Traditional descriptions credit Vishakha natives with courage, energy, perseverance, intelligence and a capacity for leadership; they are said to achieve success later in life after long effort, and to be capable of great devotion to a cause. Their weaknesses are said to be jealousy, impatience, a competitive streak that sees rivals everywhere, frustration when goals are delayed and a tendency to let ends justify means.

In relationships Vishakha is portrayed as passionate and loyal but demanding, sometimes torn between love and ambition. In work it is linked with politics, research, law, the military, religion and advocacy, and any career with a clear target to win. Counted among the rakshasa temperaments, its Vimshottari lord is Jupiter, whose Navaratna stone is yellow sapphire; the full chart qualifies this picture.

Stone: Sapphire

Sources and further reading