Pushya Nakshatra

Lunar mansion 8 of 27 — ruled by Saturn

Updated 19 October 2026

Pushya is the 8th of the 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions) in Vedic astrology, spanning 93.333° to 106.667° sidereal in Karka (Cancer). It is ruled by Saturn, presided over by the deity Brihaspati / Jupiter, and its symbol is the cow udder / flower.

Also spelled: Pooshya, Pusya, Tishya, Poosam, Pooyam

Pushya mythology and symbolism

Pushya means "to nourish", and the nakshatra is considered the most nourishing and auspicious of the twenty-seven. In the older texts it is also called Tishya. Its deity is Brihaspati, the guru of the gods, the lord of prayer and sacred speech, who stands for wisdom that is used for the benefit of others. Saturn, the planet of structure and patience, rules the nakshatra in the dasha system, so Pushya combines Jupiter-like guidance with Saturn-like steadiness.

The classical symbols are the cow's udder, the lotus, an arrow and a circle. The udder is the clearest: milk freely given, sustenance without expectation. Pushya lies at the heart of Cancer, the sign of the mother, and the Ramayana tells that Rama's coronation was set for a Pushya day. Over time Pushya became the traditional choice for beginnings in Indian practice, including the purchase of gold on Guru Pushya days, though such customs depend on belief and are not guaranteed.

Pushya nakshatra characteristics

People with the Moon in Pushya are often reliable, caring and quietly authoritative. They tend to be the dependable one in a family or workplace: the person others call when a problem needs patient handling. A strong sense of duty and a gentle manner often go together, and they usually prefer to help without fuss.

Saturn gives them discipline and a sober view of life, so even young Pushya natives can seem mature. They are often traditional, fond of rituals, family customs and trusted institutions, and they tend to value learning and mentors. Good manners, a sense of propriety and a respect for elders come naturally.

Their difficulties come from that same seriousness. Pushya natives can worry too much, take on others' burdens until they are exhausted, and cling to what feels safe. They may also be reserved about their own needs. Growth lies in receiving care as well as giving it, and in taking small risks.

Strengths

• Responsible and dependable in a crisis
• Naturally nurturing, supportive and generous
• Respectful of learning, teachers and tradition
• Disciplined and patient in pursuit of goals
• Calm, grounded demeanour that others find reassuring
• Good at guiding or counselling others

Challenges

• Carries others' burdens at the cost of own rest
• Can be rigid or overly cautious
• Worry and over-seriousness
• May resist change in family or custom
• Reluctant to ask for help or show vulnerability

Career and work

Pushya is associated with roles that nourish, teach and protect. Traditional fields include teaching and lecturing, counselling and spiritual guidance, medicine and nursing, food and dairy, and agriculture. The nakshatra also supports administration, civil service, law and priesthood, along with banking, accounting and trusteeship, where reliability is prized. Community and charitable work, social welfare and child care suit its caring side. Natives often rise slowly but steadily, with a good reputation for integrity.

Relationships and compatibility

Pushya natives are loyal, devoted partners who value commitment, family and a stable home. They show love by providing and caring, sometimes more than they speak of it. Pushya belongs to the Deva gana and the male sheep (goat) yoni; Krittika, the female sheep, is its ideal yoni partner, and the monkey (Purva Ashadha, Shravana) is the traditional enemy. Other Deva nakshatras such as Ashwini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Shravana and Revati generally match well in temperament. The full chart always has the final word.

Traditionally, Pushya men are portrayed as steady, honourable and family-oriented, while women are portrayed as warm, capable and grounded. As with all such descriptions, they are tendencies and not predictions.

The four padas of Pushya

Each nakshatra is divided into four quarters (padas) of 3°20′, and each pada maps onto one sign of the Navamsa (D9) chart.

Pada 1 — Leo navamsa (Sun)

Pada 1 is in Cancer rashi with a Leo navamsa, ruled by the Sun, and a Dharma emphasis. This quarter adds dignity and a sense of leadership to Pushya's caring nature. Natives often hold respected positions and take pride in their family name.

Pada 2 — Virgo navamsa (Mercury)

Pada 2 lies in Cancer rashi with a Virgo navamsa, ruled by Mercury, and an Artha emphasis. It is the most practical and detail-oriented quarter. Natives often serve through work, health, research or teaching, and tend toward careful budgets and tidy habits.

Pada 3 — Libra navamsa (Venus)

Pada 3 is in Cancer rashi with a Libra navamsa, ruled by Venus, and a Kama emphasis. Warmth, diplomacy and aesthetic taste are strong. Natives are often sociable, fair-minded and fond of harmony, with a talent for mediation.

Pada 4 — Scorpio navamsa (Mars)

Pada 4 sits in Cancer rashi with a Scorpio navamsa, ruled by Mars, and a Moksha emphasis. It is the most intense and private quarter, with deep emotion, perseverance and psychological insight. Natives may have strong protective instincts and a hidden strength that appears in hard times.

Health (traditional associations)

Pushya is traditionally associated with the chest, breasts, stomach and the digestive organs, reflecting Cancer's body symbolism and the nourishing udder. Older advice stresses regular meals and emotional ease, since this nakshatra tends to feel worry in the body. This is symbolic only and not medical advice.

Remedies and practices

Traditional practice includes chanting "Om Brihaspataye Namah" on Thursdays, or the Saturn mantra "Om Shanaischaraya Namah" on Saturdays. Serving teachers, donating books and feeding cows or the needy suit the nakshatra's nourishing spirit. Favourable colours are yellow, cream and dark blue; blue sapphire (Saturn) is a strong gem that should be tested only under the guidance of a qualified astrologer. Regular rest, a weekly day of true relaxation and gentle exercise help balance the tendency to carry too much.

Pushya in your chart

Your birth (Janma) nakshatra is set by the Moon's exact sidereal position at birth. Navagraha computes it precisely from astronomical data and explains what Pushya means for your temperament, relationships, career timing and Vimshottari dasha — because the nakshatra lord (Saturn) also opens your dasha sequence.

Frequently asked questions

Navagraha provides Vedic astrology for informational and reflective purposes only; it is not a substitute for professional advice.