musings.page

An argument for Kṛttikā as the first nakṣatra

By Nirandas ·

It always begins with Agni. If this is so, then the Vedic zodiac too should begin with Agni. Since the deity associated with Kṛttikā is Agni, it is only natural to consider Kṛttikā as the starting point of the zodiac.

Taking this idea further, let us examine the exaltation points of the planets in this Kṛttikā-based zodiac:

Sun — Kārttikā

It fits perfectly that the Sun should be exalted in Kārttikā, a nakṣatra ruled by Agni. The solar principle resonates naturally with fire, brilliance, and initiation.

Moon — Makīryam

The Moon (Soma) is the deity of Makīryam, making this placement intuitive and harmonious. In the Aśvatī-based zodiac, the Moon's exaltation falls in Kārttikā, which feels conceptually mismatched.

Mars — Pūratṭādhī

Pūratṭādhī is an ugra nakṣatra, far more suitable for Mars than Avittam, where Mars would exalt in the Aśvatī-based system. Its intensity and force align well with Martian energy.

Mercury — Chōthi

The deity of Chōthi is Vāyu — swift, sharp, and intellectual. These qualities resonate strongly with Mercury, more so than with Atham.

Jupiter — Makham

Makham is associated with the Pitṛs. Jupiter, the kāraka of happiness, hope, wisdom, and righteousness, exalting here is easy to comprehend, as Jupiter governs continuity, lineage, and beneficence.

Venus — Bharaṇī

This placement is less obvious at first glance. Bharaṇī's deity is Yama, and Venus appears unrelated. However, a deeper examination offers some connections:

  1. If Jupiter is linked to the Pitṛs, then the other guru, Shukra, can be associated with Yama.
  2. Shukrācārya's knowledge of the Sañjīvanī mantra, which restores the dead to life, creates a symbolic link between Venus and Yama, the lord of death.

Saturn — Anizham

Anizham is ruled by Mitra. Saturn can function well here, as Mitra embodies order, stability, and the absence of ego — qualities that align with Saturn's discipline and structure.

(Reference: Mitra in Hindu tradition)

Examination of certain signs

Aries — In this system, Aries fully contains Kārttikā and Rohiṇī, ruled by Agni and Prajāpati respectively. Both deities align beautifully with Aries attributes — beginnings, energy, creation — and also resonate with Martian vigor.

Pisces — Pisces fully contains Aśvatī and Bharaṇī, ruled by the Aśvins and Yama. The sign's themes — healing, liberation from disease (Aśvins), and mokṣa, death, and endings (Yama) — fit remarkably well.

Scorpio — Scorpio fully contains Mūlam and Pūradam, ruled by Nirṛti and the Waters (Āpas). Destruction and regeneration are the core themes here, making this combination highly appropriate for the eighth sign.

For deeper insights into nakṣatras and their deities, see: Shaktis of the Nakshatras

← musings.page