Shatabhisha Nakshatra

Lunar mansion 24 of 27 — ruled by Rahu

Updated 19 October 2026

Shatabhisha is the 24th of the 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions) in Vedic astrology, spanning 306.667° to 320° sidereal in Kumbha (Aquarius). It is ruled by Rahu, presided over by the deity Varuna, and its symbol is the empty circle.

Also spelled: Satabhisha, Shatataraka, Shatabhishak, Sadayam, Chathayam

Shatabhisha mythology and symbolism

Shatabhisha means "a hundred healers" or "a hundred physicians" (shata, hundred, and bhishaj, healer), and in an alternative name, Shatataraka, "a hundred stars". The presiding deity is Varuna, the Vedic lord of the cosmic waters and the guardian of rta, the moral order of the universe. Varuna is the god who sees everything, the one before whom no lie is hidden, and he is also the one who can forgive. His noose, the pasha, binds wrongdoers but also holds the world in order.

The symbol is an empty circle, which can be read as the void, the open sky, or the sphere of a hundred stars. It is a nakshatra of vastness and secrecy, set in the sign of Aquarius, the water-bearer, where Rahu's influence adds an unconventional edge. The healer motif is old: the hundred physicians are said to gather the medicines of a hundred plants, a reminder that healing requires more than a single remedy, and that the best cures often come from patient, wide-ranging study.

Shatabhisha nakshatra characteristics

People with the Moon in Shatabhisha often have a distinct, independent character. They tend to be private, reflective and unconventional, with a strong need for personal space and a mind that looks beyond the obvious. Rahu's rule gives a modern, experimental streak, and the Rakshasa gana gives a will of their own. They are often fascinated by science, mysteries, the occult and alternative thinking.

They are known as seekers of truth who do not like to be told what to believe. Shatabhisha natives frequently hold unusual views, work alone for long periods and see patterns that others miss. They can be warm and generous once trust is established, but may appear aloof or enigmatic to strangers. Healing is a recurring theme: many are drawn to alternative medicine, research or caring for others in quiet ways.

The empty circle can also mean emptiness. Shatabhisha natives may struggle with isolation, secrecy, or the sense of not being understood. They may swing between detachment and intensity, or hold back from sharing their inner life. Their growth lies in opening to a few trusted companions and applying their curiosity to useful, healing work.

Strengths

• Independent, original and scientifically curious
• Strong research ability and attention to hidden detail
• Quietly compassionate, often drawn to healing
• Honest and unafraid to hold unconventional views
• Comfortable with solitude and deep concentration
• Resilient, able to endure long stretches alone

Challenges

• Secretive and slow to open up to others
• Can seem aloof, detached or hard to read
• Tendency to isolate or brood
• Stubbornness in holding to own views
• Mood swings between intense focus and withdrawal

Career and work

Shatabhisha is associated with research, healing and technology. Traditional fields include medicine, pharmacy and alternative therapies; science, astronomy and space; computing, electronics and engineering; and investigation or intelligence work. Varuna's link supports water-related occupations, such as shipping, oceanography and chemistry. Rahu's influence favours innovation, aviation, telecommunications, astrology and the occult. Natives often thrive in independent or specialist roles such as researchers, physicians, inventors, analysts and consultants.

Relationships and compatibility

Shatabhisha natives tend to be loyal but private partners who need space and intellectual connection. They may take time to commit, and often prefer a partner who respects their solitude. Shatabhisha belongs to the Rakshasa gana and the female horse yoni; Ashwini, the male horse, is the ideal yoni partner, and the buffalo (Hasta, Swati) is the classical enemy. Other Rakshasa nakshatras such as Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishakha, Jyeshtha, Moola and Dhanishta tend to share its intensity. The full chart must always be considered.

Shatabhisha men are traditionally described as independent, studious and reserved, and Shatabhisha women as perceptive, self-reliant and quietly strong. These are only broad cultural impressions.

The four padas of Shatabhisha

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 — Sagittarius navamsa (Jupiter)

Pada 1 lies in Aquarius rashi with a Sagittarius navamsa, ruled by Jupiter, and a Dharma emphasis. It is the most philosophical and idealistic quarter. Natives are often principled, scholarly and drawn to teaching, healing and travel.

Pada 2 — Capricorn navamsa (Saturn)

Pada 2 lies in Aquarius rashi with a Capricorn navamsa, ruled by Saturn, and an Artha emphasis. It is the most disciplined and cautious pada. Natives often build slowly, with a serious, reserved manner and a hunger for security.

Pada 3 — Aquarius navamsa (Saturn)

Pada 3 lies in Aquarius rashi and Aquarius navamsa (vargottama), ruled by Saturn, and has a Kama emphasis. It is the most thoroughly Shatabhisha quarter: unconventional, intellectual and detached. Natives are often original thinkers with strong interest in science and humanity.

Pada 4 — Pisces navamsa (Jupiter)

Pada 4 lies in Aquarius rashi with a Pisces navamsa, ruled by Jupiter, and a Moksha emphasis. It is the most compassionate, mystical and imaginative pada. Natives may be gentle healers, artists or seekers, though prone to escapism and emotional overwhelm.

Health (traditional associations)

Shatabhisha is traditionally associated with the calves and ankles, matching Aquarius, and with the circulatory and nervous systems. Older advice emphasises regular movement, adequate rest and social contact to counter the tendency toward isolation. This is symbolic and not medical advice; consult a qualified doctor for specific concerns.

Remedies and practices

Traditional practice includes "Om Varunaya Namah" and the Rahu mantra "Om Rahave Namah" on Saturdays. Offering water to plants, helping the sick, supporting a medical or research cause and spending time near water honour Varuna and the hundred healers. Favourable colours are sea green, blue and silver-grey; hessonite (gomed) is the traditional Rahu gem, worn only after consulting a qualified astrologer. Making a point of regular contact with friends, and a steady sleep routine, help balance the pull towards isolation.

Shatabhisha 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 Shatabhisha means for your temperament, relationships, career timing and Vimshottari dasha — because the nakshatra lord (Rahu) 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.