Rohini Nakshatra
Lunar mansion 4 of 27 — ruled by Moon
Updated
Rohini is the 4th of the 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions) in Vedic astrology, spanning 40° to 53.333° sidereal in Vrishabha (Taurus). It is ruled by Moon, presided over by the deity Prajapati / Brahma, and its symbol is the cart / chariot.
Also spelled: Rohni, Rohinee, Brahmi, Aldebaran nakshatra
| Ruling planet | Moon |
|---|---|
| Deity | Prajapati / Brahma |
| Symbol | Cart / Chariot |
| Rashi (zodiac sign) | Vrishabha (Taurus) |
| Gana (temperament) | Manushya |
| Guna (nature) | Rajasic |
| Animal (yoni) | Male Serpent |
| Life aim (purushartha) | Moksha |
| Direction | North |
| Degrees (sidereal) | 40° to 53.333° sidereal |
| Naming syllables (namakshar) | O, Va, Vi, Vu |
| Gemstone (traditional) | Pearl for the Moon |
| Colour | White, cream, silver |
| Day | Monday |
| Vimshottari dasha lord | Moon |
Rohini mythology and symbolism
Rohini, whose name means "the red one" or "the growing one", is the best-loved of the Moon's wives in Indian tradition. The story goes that Chandra, the Moon god, was married to the twenty-seven daughters of Daksha, but he spent all his time with Rohini. The neglected sisters complained to their father, whose curse made the Moon wane, and the later softening of that curse gave us the waxing and waning cycle. Whatever one makes of the tale, it explains why the Moon is said to be at his strongest, exalted, in the sign of Taurus where Rohini lives.
Her presiding deity is Prajapati (Brahma), the lord of creatures and creator of living things. Her symbol is the ox-cart or chariot, a vehicle that carries harvest and household. The star group is marked by the bright red star Aldebaran, the "eye of the bull". Together these images show a nakshatra about growth, fertility, sweetness and settled abundance, a place where things take root and flourish.
Rohini nakshatra characteristics
People with the Moon in Rohini are often described as magnetic in a quiet, easy way. They tend to have an attractive, pleasant manner, a taste for beautiful surroundings and a talent for making others feel comfortable. The Moon's own rulership gives a rich emotional life, a good memory and strong attachments to home, family and familiar places.
They like things to grow and take shape. Rohini natives often have a gift for gardening, cooking, decorating, building or any pursuit that rewards patient, sensory attention. Taste, touch and sound matter to them, and many have a refined appreciation of music, fabric, fragrance and food. Because Rohini is in the Manushya gana, they combine worldly enjoyment with a sincere desire for stability and meaning.
The shadow side is possessiveness and a tendency to cling. Moods can be strong, and a Rohini native who feels insecure may become sulky, controlling or overly attached to comfort. Their growth lies in loosening their grip while keeping their warmth.
Strengths
- Charming, graceful and easy to be around
- Strong aesthetic sense and love of beauty
- Patient builder of homes, wealth and traditions
- Excellent memory and emotional intelligence
- Nurturing, generous with family and friends
- Good with speech: persuasive, melodious, warm
Challenges
- Possessiveness over people, places and things
- Moodiness and sensitivity to criticism
- Resistance to change once comfortable
- May indulge too freely in food, comfort or luxury
- Can be stubborn when feeling taken for granted
Career and work
Rohini suits work that grows something or serves the senses. Traditional associations include agriculture, horticulture and food production; hospitality, restaurants and catering; fashion, textiles and cosmetics; and the performing arts, especially singing and music. Real estate, interior design, banking and trade (anything that stores and multiplies value) fit the nakshatra's settled, abundant spirit. Teaching, child care and nursing draw on its nurturing side. Natives often do best in roles where steady relationships with clients and a pleasant environment let them build over time.
Relationships and compatibility
Rohini natives tend to be romantic, sensual and devoted, seeking a stable home and a reliable partner. They show love through care, food, gifts and presence, and they may need reassurance in return. Rohini belongs to the Manushya gana and the male serpent yoni, and its ideal yoni partner is Mrigashira, the female serpent. The traditional yoni enemy of the serpent is the mongoose, Uttara Ashadha. Manushya partners such as Bharani, Ardra, Purva Phalguni and Uttara Phalguni are generally comfortable matches. The full chart, particularly the Moon's sign and the seventh house, completes the picture.
Traditional texts often describe Rohini men as attractive, courteous and fond of comfort, and Rohini women as graceful, loving and family-centred. These are general cultural impressions only, and not a replacement for chart reading.
The four padas of Rohini
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 — Aries navamsa (Mars)
Pada 1 is in Taurus rashi with an Aries navamsa, ruled by Mars, and a Dharma emphasis. This quarter blends Rohini's sensuality with initiative. Natives are often more assertive and active than other Rohinis, and can be impatient when comforts are threatened.
Pada 2 — Taurus navamsa (Venus)
Pada 2 lies in Taurus rashi and Taurus navamsa, ruled by Venus, and carries an Artha emphasis. It is the most purely Rohini quarter: material comfort, beauty, music and security are strongly valued, and so are stubbornness and loyalty. Natives here often accumulate wealth and possessions steadily.
Pada 3 — Gemini navamsa (Mercury)
Pada 3 is in Taurus rashi with a Gemini navamsa, ruled by Mercury, and a Kama emphasis. Wit, curiosity and communication are added to Rohini's charm. Natives are often skilled with words, commerce, writing or teaching, and they may be restless under the surface of calm.
Pada 4 — Cancer navamsa (Moon)
Pada 4 sits in Taurus rashi with a Cancer navamsa, ruled by the Moon, and a Moksha emphasis. It is the most emotional and nurturing quarter, with deep family ties and strong intuition. Natives may be devotional, imaginative and protective, although moodiness is also stronger.
Health (traditional associations)
Rohini is traditionally linked with the throat, neck, tongue and the fluids of the body, reflecting the Moon's association with water and Taurus's rulership of the neck. Traditional advice stresses moderation in sweets and rich food, and attention to the voice. This is cultural symbolism and not a medical claim; consult a physician for specific concerns.
Remedies and practices
Devotional practice for Rohini includes "Om Prajapataye Namah" or "Om Brahmane Namah", along with the Moon mantra "Om Chandraya Namah", particularly on Mondays. Offering milk, rice or flowers, and tending a plant or garden, is considered fitting. Favourable colours are white, cream and silver; pearl is the traditional Moon gem, worn only after consulting a qualified astrologer. Quiet evenings by moonlight, music practice, and generous but moderate sharing of food are gentle ways to honour the nakshatra.
Rohini 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 Rohini means for your temperament, relationships, career timing and Vimshottari dasha — because the nakshatra lord (Moon) also opens your dasha sequence.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Moon exalted in Rohini?
The Moon is exalted in Taurus, with its peak at 3 degrees (in the neighbouring Krittika), and its moolatrikona runs from 4 to 20 degrees Taurus, which covers most of Rohini (10 to 23°20'). Tradition also calls Rohini the Moon's favourite wife, so the nakshatra is seen as the Moon's most comfortable home.
Is Rohini a good nakshatra for marriage?
Rohini is traditionally regarded as one of the favourable nakshatras for marriage because of its association with stability, affection and family life. Like all nakshatras, the result depends on the full chart, including the seventh house, Venus and Jupiter, and on matching with a partner's chart.
What is Aldebaran and how does it relate to Rohini?
Aldebaran is the bright red star in the constellation Taurus, often called the eye of the bull. It is the principal star of Rohini, and its reddish colour is reflected in the nakshatra's name, which means red or growing. The cart or chariot symbol is a separate image for the same star group.
What are the naming letters for Rohini?
The traditional syllables are O, Va, Vi and Vu for padas 1 to 4. Families following namakshar choose a name starting with the syllable for the Moon's pada at birth, for example Omkar (O), Vandana (Va), Vikram (Vi) or Vusha (Vu). Check the exact pada from the chart.
Who is the ruling planet of Rohini nakshatra?
Rohini nakshatra is ruled by Moon. This planet also begins the Vimshottari dasha sequence for anyone born under Rohini.
Which rashi does Rohini nakshatra belong to?
Rohini spans 40° to 53.333° sidereal, which lies in Vrishabha (Taurus). It is the 4th of the 27 nakshatras.
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