Chitra Nakshatra
Lunar mansion 14 of 27 — ruled by Mars
Chitra is the 14th of the 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions) in Vedic astrology, spanning 173.333° to 186.667° sidereal. It is ruled by Mars, presided over by the deity Vishwakarma / Tvastar, and its power symbol is the pearl / jewel.
Chitra nakshatra characteristics
People born with the Moon in Chitra tend to reflect the nature of its ruling planet, Mars — drive, courage and a direct, action-first temperament. Its Rakshasa gana gives a intense, self-willed and powerful ("demonic" only in the sense of forceful) disposition, while its Rajasic guna colours how that energy expresses in daily life. The core life aim (purushartha) of Chitra is Kama — desire, pleasure and relationship.
| Ruling planet | Mars |
|---|---|
| Deity | Vishwakarma / Tvastar |
| Symbol | Pearl / Jewel |
| Gana (temperament) | Rakshasa |
| Guna (nature) | Rajasic |
| Animal (yoni) | Female Tiger |
| Life aim (purushartha) | Kama |
| Direction | South |
| Degrees (sidereal) | 173.333° to 186.667° sidereal |
The four padas of Chitra
Each nakshatra is divided into four quarters (padas) of 3°20′ each, mapping onto the Navamsa (D9) chart. In Chitra, the padas carry these emphases:
- Pada 1 — Dharma emphasis, a Mars-ruled quarter of Chitra.
- Pada 2 — Artha emphasis, a Mars-ruled quarter of Chitra.
- Pada 3 — Kama emphasis, a Mars-ruled quarter of Chitra.
- Pada 4 — Moksha emphasis, a Mars-ruled quarter of Chitra.
Chitra in your chart
Your birth (Janam) nakshatra is set by the Moon's exact sidereal position at birth, so knowing your Chitra placement means knowing your Moon's degree. Navagraha computes this precisely with the Swiss Ephemeris and explains what Chitra means for your temperament, relationships, career timing and Vimshottari dasha — because the nakshatra lord (Mars) also opens your dasha sequence.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the ruling planet of Chitra nakshatra?
Chitra nakshatra is ruled by Mars. This planet also begins the Vimshottari dasha sequence for anyone born under Chitra.
Which deity rules Chitra nakshatra?
The presiding deity of Chitra is Vishwakarma / Tvastar, and its power symbol is the pearl / jewel.
What are the degrees of Chitra nakshatra?
Chitra spans 173.333° to 186.667° sidereal, the 14th of the 27 nakshatras.
Is Chitra a good nakshatra?
Every nakshatra has strengths and challenges — Chitra carries a Rakshasa gana and a life aim of Kama. What matters most is how its lord Mars is placed in your full birth chart, which Navagraha reads for you.
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