Nakshatra 1 of 27

Ashwini Nakshatra

The first star: speed, initiative and the gift of healing.

Ashwini opens the zodiac and carries the energy of a beginning. Natives move fast, decide by instinct and are happiest starting something new. Ketu as lord adds intuition and a certain indifference to outcomes, while Mars, lord of Aries, supplies courage.

InitiativeHealingSpeed

Span: Aries 0°00′ – Aries 13°20′
Ruling planet: Ketu
Deity: Ashwini Kumaras
Symbol: Horse's head
Gana: Deva
Yoni: Horse (male)

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What is your nakshatra?

Find your Janma Nakshatra

Your birth star is the nakshatra the Moon occupied when you were born. It sets your first Dasha, your naming syllable and much of Kundli matching.

Calculated with the sidereal zodiac and the Lahiri ayanamsa.

Today's nakshatra (at sunrise, New Delhi) is Purva Ashadha. See today's Panchang →

At a glance

Ashwini nakshatra facts

Meaning of the name	Born of a horse, or possessing horses
Zodiac span	Aries 0°00′ to Aries 13°20′ (sidereal)
Sign	Aries
Ruling planet (Vimshottari lord)	Ketu · Mahadasha of 7 years
Presiding deity	Ashwini Kumaras
Symbol	Horse's head
Gana (temperament)	Deva
Yoni (animal)	Horse, male
Nadi	Adi (Vata)
Nature (for muhurta)	Kshipra (swift): good for quick tasks, trade, medicine, travel and learning
Naming syllables	Chu, Che, Cho, La

The Ashwini Kumaras, twin horsemen and physicians of the gods, preside here, which links the star to rescue, recovery and remedies that work quickly. The horse's head stands for speed and the urge to run free.

Personality

Ashwini traits

Strengths

Quick to act when others hesitate
Natural helper in emergencies
Youthful energy and optimism
Learns by doing rather than theorising

Challenges

Impatience and leaving things unfinished
Restlessness under routine or control
Acting before thinking through consequences

Careers that suit Ashwini

Medicine and emergency careSports and fitnessTransport, driving and aviationStart-ups and launchesDefence and rescue workVeterinary work with horses

Four quarters

The four padas of Ashwini

Pada 1

Syllable “Chu”

Aries 0°00′ – Aries 3°20′ · Navamsa Aries (lord Mars)

Aries navamsa (Mars): the boldest pada, physically energetic and competitive, with a short fuse.

Pada 2

Syllable “Che”

Aries 3°20′ – Aries 6°40′ · Navamsa Taurus (lord Venus)

Taurus navamsa (Venus): steadier and more practical, drawn to comfort, money and design.

Pada 3

Syllable “Cho”

Aries 6°40′ – Aries 10°00′ · Navamsa Gemini (lord Mercury)

Gemini navamsa (Mercury): quick-witted and communicative; good at sales and travel, can scatter focus.

Pada 4

Syllable “La”

Aries 10°00′ – Aries 13°20′ · Navamsa Cancer (lord Moon)

Cancer navamsa (Moon): caring and family-minded; strong pull towards nursing and healing.

Love and marriage

Ashwini in relationships

Affectionate, lively partners who need freedom and a quick pace. A partner who is slow to decide or very controlling tests their patience.

Gana

Deva

Temperament match (6 points)

Yoni

Horse

Same yoni: Shatabhisha

Nadi

Adi (Vata)

Same nadi (Nadi dosha): Ardra, Punarvasu, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta…

Check full 36-guna compatibility with a partner →

Wellbeing and practice

Health and spiritual practice

Health

Prone to minor injuries, head knocks and stress from rushing; regular meals and sleep help.

Traditional practice

Honouring the Ashwini Kumaras and Lord Ganesha, and channelling energy into service, suits this star.

Traditional associations, not medical advice.

Common questions

Ashwini FAQs

Which planet rules Ashwini nakshatra?

Ketu. People born with the Moon in Ashwini begin life in Ketu Mahadasha, which lasts 7 years in full; the balance at birth depends on how far the Moon had travelled through the star.

What are the naming syllables for Ashwini?

Chu (pada 1), Che (pada 2), Cho (pada 3), La (pada 4). Traditionally a child's name begins with the syllable of the Moon's pada at birth.

Which zodiac sign is Ashwini in?

Ashwini lies wholly in Aries, from Aries 0°00′ to Aries 13°20′.

What is the gana, yoni and nadi of Ashwini?

Gana: Deva. Yoni: male horse. Nadi: Adi (Vata). These are three of the eight factors (kootas) in Ashtakoota Kundli matching.

Is Ashwini a good nakshatra?

Every nakshatra has strengths and challenges. Ashwini is a Kshipra nakshatra, traditionally suited to quick tasks, trade, medicine, travel and learning. A person's results depend on the whole birth chart, not the birth star alone.