Krittika Nakshatra
Lunar mansion 3 of 27 — ruled by Sun
Krittika is the 3rd of the 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions) in Vedic astrology, spanning 26.667° to 40° sidereal. It is ruled by Sun, presided over by the deity Agni, and its power symbol is the razor / flame.
Krittika nakshatra characteristics
People born with the Moon in Krittika tend to reflect the nature of its ruling planet, Sun — authority, vitality and a strong sense of self. Its Manushya gana gives a balanced and human — a mix of material drive and higher aims disposition, while its Rajasic guna colours how that energy expresses in daily life. The core life aim (purushartha) of Krittika is Kama — desire, pleasure and relationship.
| Ruling planet | Sun |
|---|---|
| Deity | Agni |
| Symbol | Razor / Flame |
| Gana (temperament) | Manushya |
| Guna (nature) | Rajasic |
| Animal (yoni) | Male Goat |
| Life aim (purushartha) | Kama |
| Direction | North |
| Degrees (sidereal) | 26.667° to 40° sidereal |
The four padas of Krittika
Each nakshatra is divided into four quarters (padas) of 3°20′ each, mapping onto the Navamsa (D9) chart. In Krittika, the padas carry these emphases:
- Pada 1 — Dharma emphasis, a Sun-ruled quarter of Krittika.
- Pada 2 — Artha emphasis, a Sun-ruled quarter of Krittika.
- Pada 3 — Kama emphasis, a Sun-ruled quarter of Krittika.
- Pada 4 — Moksha emphasis, a Sun-ruled quarter of Krittika.
Krittika in your chart
Your birth (Janam) nakshatra is set by the Moon's exact sidereal position at birth, so knowing your Krittika placement means knowing your Moon's degree. Navagraha computes this precisely with the Swiss Ephemeris and explains what Krittika means for your temperament, relationships, career timing and Vimshottari dasha — because the nakshatra lord (Sun) also opens your dasha sequence.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the ruling planet of Krittika nakshatra?
Krittika nakshatra is ruled by Sun. This planet also begins the Vimshottari dasha sequence for anyone born under Krittika.
Which deity rules Krittika nakshatra?
The presiding deity of Krittika is Agni, and its power symbol is the razor / flame.
What are the degrees of Krittika nakshatra?
Krittika spans 26.667° to 40° sidereal, the 3rd of the 27 nakshatras.
Is Krittika a good nakshatra?
Every nakshatra has strengths and challenges — Krittika carries a Manushya gana and a life aim of Kama. What matters most is how its lord Sun is placed in your full birth chart, which Navagraha reads for you.
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