Ashvini (अश्विनी, IAST: aśvinī) is the first nakshatra (lunar mansion) in Hindu astronomy having a spread from 0°-0'-0" to 13°-20', corresponding to the head of Aries, including the stars β and γ Arietis. The name aśvinī is used by Varahamihira (6th century). The older name of the asterism, found in the Atharvaveda (AVS 19.7; in the dual[1]) and in Panini (4.3.36), was aśvayúja, "harnessing horses".[2] This Nakshatra belong to the 'Mesha' Rashi. Notable personalities born in this Nakshatra are Sania Mirza, Bhimsen Joshi and Yukta Mookhey.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/Aries_constellation_map.svg/200px-Aries_constellation_map.svg.png)
Astrology
editAshvini is ruled by Ketu, the descending lunar node. In electional astrology, Asvini is classified as a small constellation, meaning that it is believed to be advantageous to begin works of a precise or delicate nature while the moon is in Ashvini.[3] Asvini is ruled by the Ashvins, the heavenly twins who served as physicians to the gods. Personified, Asvini is considered to be the wife of the Asvini Kumaras.[4] Ashvini is represented either by the head of a horse, or by honey and the bee hive.[5]
Traditional Hindu given names are determined by which pada (quarter) of a nakshatra the Ascendant/Lagna was in at the time of birth. In the case of Ashvini, the given name would begin with the following syllables: Chu, Che, Cho, La.[6]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Atharva Veda: Book 19: Hymn 7: A Prayer to the Lunar Mansions and other Powers for protection and prosperity".
- ^ "അശ്വതി നക്ഷത്രക്കാരുടെ പൊതുസ്വഭാവം". ManoramaOnline (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2021-02-17.
- ^ Hart De Fouw, Robert Svoboda. ‘’Light on Life: An Introduction to the Astrology of India.’’ 2003: pg. 204. ISBN 0-940985-69-1
- ^ Ralph Griffith, The Rig Veda 1895
- ^ Dennis M. Harness. The Nakshatras: The Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology. Lotus Press, 1999. ISBN 0-914955-83-7. pg. 2
- ^ "Baby names". mypanchang.com.