Ashvini (अश्विनी, IAST: aśvinī) is the first nakshatra (lunar mansion) in Indian astronomy, having a spread from 0°-0'-0" to 13°-20'. It corresponds to the head of Aries, including the stars β and γ Arietis, and possibly also α Arietis in the oldest versions of the asterism. Ashvini literally means "twin horse-man"; it is depicted as a horse's head and represents twin physician gods, the Ashvins.[1] The name aśvinī is used by Varāhamihira (6th century). The older name of the asterism, found in the Atharvaveda (AVS 19.7; in the dual[2]) and in Pāṇini (4.3.36), was aśvayúja, "harnessing horses".[3] This nakshatra belongs to Mesha Rasi.
Astrology
Ashvini is ruled by Ketu, the descending lunar node. In electional astrology, Ashvini 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.[4] Ashvini is ruled by the Ashvinas, the heavenly twin brother gods who served as physicians to the gods and goddesses.[5] Ashvini is represented by the bee hive.[6]
Traditional Indian names are determined by which pada (quarter) of a nakshatra the Ascendant 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.[7]
See also
References
- ↑ "Aśvini (अश्विनी)". All Skies Encyclopaedia. IAU Working Group on Star Names. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
- ↑ "Atharva Veda: Book 19: Hymn 7: A Prayer to the Lunar Mansions and other Powers for protection and prosperity".
- ↑ "അശ്വതി നക്ഷത്രക്കാരുടെ പൊതുസ്വഭാവം". ManoramaOnline (in മലയാളം). 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.