Jyeshtha Nakshatra
Lunar mansion 18 of 27 — ruled by Mercury
Jyeshtha is the 18th of the 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions) in Vedic astrology, spanning 226.667° to 240° sidereal. It is ruled by Mercury, presided over by the deity Indra, and its power symbol is the umbrella / earring.
Jyeshtha nakshatra characteristics
People born with the Moon in Jyeshtha tend to reflect the nature of its ruling planet, Mercury — quick intellect, communication skill and adaptability. Its Rakshasa gana gives a intense, self-willed and powerful ("demonic" only in the sense of forceful) disposition, while its Tamasic guna colours how that energy expresses in daily life. The core life aim (purushartha) of Jyeshtha is Artha — wealth, security and worldly achievement.
| Ruling planet | Mercury |
|---|---|
| Deity | Indra |
| Symbol | Umbrella / Earring |
| Gana (temperament) | Rakshasa |
| Guna (nature) | Tamasic |
| Animal (yoni) | Male Deer |
| Life aim (purushartha) | Artha |
| Direction | South |
| Degrees (sidereal) | 226.667° to 240° sidereal |
The four padas of Jyeshtha
Each nakshatra is divided into four quarters (padas) of 3°20′ each, mapping onto the Navamsa (D9) chart. In Jyeshtha, the padas carry these emphases:
- Pada 1 — Dharma emphasis, a Mercury-ruled quarter of Jyeshtha.
- Pada 2 — Artha emphasis, a Mercury-ruled quarter of Jyeshtha.
- Pada 3 — Kama emphasis, a Mercury-ruled quarter of Jyeshtha.
- Pada 4 — Moksha emphasis, a Mercury-ruled quarter of Jyeshtha.
Jyeshtha in your chart
Your birth (Janam) nakshatra is set by the Moon's exact sidereal position at birth, so knowing your Jyeshtha placement means knowing your Moon's degree. Navagraha computes this precisely with the Swiss Ephemeris and explains what Jyeshtha means for your temperament, relationships, career timing and Vimshottari dasha — because the nakshatra lord (Mercury) also opens your dasha sequence.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the ruling planet of Jyeshtha nakshatra?
Jyeshtha nakshatra is ruled by Mercury. This planet also begins the Vimshottari dasha sequence for anyone born under Jyeshtha.
Which deity rules Jyeshtha nakshatra?
The presiding deity of Jyeshtha is Indra, and its power symbol is the umbrella / earring.
What are the degrees of Jyeshtha nakshatra?
Jyeshtha spans 226.667° to 240° sidereal, the 18th of the 27 nakshatras.
Is Jyeshtha a good nakshatra?
Every nakshatra has strengths and challenges — Jyeshtha carries a Rakshasa gana and a life aim of Artha. What matters most is how its lord Mercury is placed in your full birth chart, which Navagraha reads for you.
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