Dhanishta Nakshatra
Lunar mansion 23 of 27 — ruled by Mars
Dhanishta is the 23rd of the 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions) in Vedic astrology, spanning 293.333° to 306.667° sidereal. It is ruled by Mars, presided over by the deity Vasus, and its power symbol is the drum / flute.
Dhanishta nakshatra characteristics
People born with the Moon in Dhanishta 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 Dhanishta is Dharma — purpose, duty and right living.
| Ruling planet | Mars |
|---|---|
| Deity | Vasus |
| Symbol | Drum / Flute |
| Gana (temperament) | Rakshasa |
| Guna (nature) | Rajasic |
| Animal (yoni) | Female Lion |
| Life aim (purushartha) | Dharma |
| Direction | North |
| Degrees (sidereal) | 293.333° to 306.667° sidereal |
The four padas of Dhanishta
Each nakshatra is divided into four quarters (padas) of 3°20′ each, mapping onto the Navamsa (D9) chart. In Dhanishta, the padas carry these emphases:
- Pada 1 — Dharma emphasis, a Mars-ruled quarter of Dhanishta.
- Pada 2 — Artha emphasis, a Mars-ruled quarter of Dhanishta.
- Pada 3 — Kama emphasis, a Mars-ruled quarter of Dhanishta.
- Pada 4 — Moksha emphasis, a Mars-ruled quarter of Dhanishta.
Dhanishta in your chart
Your birth (Janam) nakshatra is set by the Moon's exact sidereal position at birth, so knowing your Dhanishta placement means knowing your Moon's degree. Navagraha computes this precisely with the Swiss Ephemeris and explains what Dhanishta 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 Dhanishta nakshatra?
Dhanishta nakshatra is ruled by Mars. This planet also begins the Vimshottari dasha sequence for anyone born under Dhanishta.
Which deity rules Dhanishta nakshatra?
The presiding deity of Dhanishta is Vasus, and its power symbol is the drum / flute.
What are the degrees of Dhanishta nakshatra?
Dhanishta spans 293.333° to 306.667° sidereal, the 23rd of the 27 nakshatras.
Is Dhanishta a good nakshatra?
Every nakshatra has strengths and challenges — Dhanishta carries a Rakshasa gana and a life aim of Dharma. What matters most is how its lord Mars is placed in your full birth chart, which Navagraha reads for you.
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