Vishakha Nakshatra
Lunar mansion 16 of 27 — ruled by Jupiter
Vishakha is the 16th of the 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions) in Vedic astrology, spanning 200° to 213.333° sidereal. It is ruled by Jupiter, presided over by the deity Indra-Agni, and its power symbol is the triumphal arch.
Vishakha nakshatra characteristics
People born with the Moon in Vishakha tend to reflect the nature of its ruling planet, Jupiter — wisdom, optimism and a natural pull toward meaning and growth. Its Rakshasa gana gives a intense, self-willed and powerful ("demonic" only in the sense of forceful) disposition, while its Rajasic guna colours how that energy expresses in daily life. The core life aim (purushartha) of Vishakha is Dharma — purpose, duty and right living.
| Ruling planet | Jupiter |
|---|---|
| Deity | Indra-Agni |
| Symbol | Triumphal Arch |
| Gana (temperament) | Rakshasa |
| Guna (nature) | Rajasic |
| Animal (yoni) | Male Tiger |
| Life aim (purushartha) | Dharma |
| Direction | South |
| Degrees (sidereal) | 200° to 213.333° sidereal |
The four padas of Vishakha
Each nakshatra is divided into four quarters (padas) of 3°20′ each, mapping onto the Navamsa (D9) chart. In Vishakha, the padas carry these emphases:
- Pada 1 — Dharma emphasis, a Jupiter-ruled quarter of Vishakha.
- Pada 2 — Artha emphasis, a Jupiter-ruled quarter of Vishakha.
- Pada 3 — Kama emphasis, a Jupiter-ruled quarter of Vishakha.
- Pada 4 — Moksha emphasis, a Jupiter-ruled quarter of Vishakha.
Vishakha in your chart
Your birth (Janam) nakshatra is set by the Moon's exact sidereal position at birth, so knowing your Vishakha placement means knowing your Moon's degree. Navagraha computes this precisely with the Swiss Ephemeris and explains what Vishakha means for your temperament, relationships, career timing and Vimshottari dasha — because the nakshatra lord (Jupiter) also opens your dasha sequence.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the ruling planet of Vishakha nakshatra?
Vishakha nakshatra is ruled by Jupiter. This planet also begins the Vimshottari dasha sequence for anyone born under Vishakha.
Which deity rules Vishakha nakshatra?
The presiding deity of Vishakha is Indra-Agni, and its power symbol is the triumphal arch.
What are the degrees of Vishakha nakshatra?
Vishakha spans 200° to 213.333° sidereal, the 16th of the 27 nakshatras.
Is Vishakha a good nakshatra?
Every nakshatra has strengths and challenges — Vishakha carries a Rakshasa gana and a life aim of Dharma. What matters most is how its lord Jupiter is placed in your full birth chart, which Navagraha reads for you.
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