In astrology, there are 27 stars or Nakshatras and 12 zodiac signs. When a person is born, a particular star will be dominant. This is referred to as the zodiac star. There is a deity associated with each star, and it is believed that worshipping them can bring good fortune and success in life.
Nakshatra means “that which does not decay”. The moon goes around the earth in around 27 days. During this time, the moon follows a path around the sky. The ancient sages who gave us Vedic astrology divided this lunar path into 27 units. Each unit was given the name of a nakshatra, constellation, or nakshatras’ group.
Each Nakshatra comes with its own power. To benefit from this power, we need to worship the deity who governs the Nakshatra or Nakshatra Devata. The 27 nakshatras comprise 9 groups, and each group contains 3 nakshatras. A specific ‘Graha’ or planet also rules the Nakshatra.
Thus, the Nakshatra Devatha for Ashwini Nakshatra is the Aswini Devatas, while the Graha, which rules it, is Ketu. The Nakshatra Devatha for Bharani nakshatra is Lord Yama, and the planet is Shukra or Venus.
Hindu sages have spoken of the importance of worshipping both the Nakshatra Devata and the planets for a good life.
This article speaks about 3 Nakshatras or stars and their deities or Nakshatra Devatas. They are Hastham/Hasta, Chithirai/Chitra, and Swathi Nakshatra.
Hastham / Hasta – Gayatri Devi
Hasta is a star that belongs to Deva gana. People who belong to Deva gana have a pleasant nature and are fortunate in life. But they may be proud and have a sense of entitlement.
This is the 13th nakshatra, and its symbol is a clenched fist. Hasta nakshatra embodies brilliance, beauty, strength, and knowledge. Togetherness and power are also part of its general attributes. Hasta nakshatra represents conquest, wisdom, knowledge, and control. Hasta nakshatra natives will be interested in music and spirituality, in general.
These natives tend to be loyal, kind, and sincere. They are also vivacious, generous, and flamboyant. Tall, good-looking, and well-built, they exude poise and calmness. They are helpful people and may display abilities for craftsmanship.
The ruling deity of Hastham is Gayatri Devi, who is a form of Goddess Saraswati, Lord Brahma’s consort. She symbolizes Shakti (strength) and Knowledge, Purity, and Virtue. Saraswati is also the patron goddess of the Arts. As Gayatri Devi, she supposedly gave the four Vedas to mankind.
Chithirai / Chitra - Sri Chakrathalwar
Chitra nakshatra is the 14th star and belongs to the Rakshasa gana. Its symbol is a Pearl. People in this group are generally rigid and stubborn. Chitra nakshatra natives are assertive, intuitive, and strong-willed. They may be short-tempered and prone to violence.
Chitra-born natives have a striking personality that makes them stand out in a crowd. They are often fashionable, beautiful, and charismatic. They shine in social gatherings. Personal charm and conversational skills ensure that they have many friends.
They like beautiful things, people, and places. They are very artistic and creative. They keep their surroundings clean and have a sharp eye.
Curiosity makes them life-long learners. They like to read and are quite intelligent. Talkative and sociable, they are well-liked. But that is not all. They will be able to accomplish much as they are very motivated and pursue their goals energetically. They are also brave and will stand up for things they believe in.
Lord Chakrathalwar or Sudarshanar is the deity for this star. This deity protects those who face danger, removes sins, and helps us achieve a great level. He is a powerful deity who gets rid of evil thoughts and evil people. Reciting his sloka relives one from mental stress. Also, doing Sudharshana Homam is very beneficial for the entire world as a whole. Tamilnadu boasts many Chakratalwar temples in places like Coimbatore and Srirangam in Kumbakonam.
Swathi – Sri Narasimha Murthy
The 15th star, Swathi Nakshatra, belongs to Deva gana. The nakshatra symbol is a fresh blade of grass. Swati-born natives are very independent and self-motivated. They are confident and adventurous. They are flexible and adjusting. They have a happy-go-lucky nature.
Their compassion, modesty, and generosity endear them to others. They have good communication skills and are honest and charming. They wield a lot of influence. For Swati-born, doing the right thing matters a lot. At the same time, they are liberal-minded and accepting of differences. Many Swath-born natives may go the spiritual way later in their lives.
Lord Narasimha is the deity of this star. He is an avatar of Vishnu. He is half-man and half-lion. Vishnu took this form to protect his devotee, Prahlad, the son of the demon, Hiranyakashipu. He is called the ‘Great Protector’ and is believed to defend and protect his devotees from harm. Tamilnadu boasts many Narasimha swamy temple in places like Chennai, Kerala and Karnataka.
These 3 deities are believed to have incarnated under the respective Nakshatras, so worshipping them helps to invoke their blessings and power.
