Nakshatra 5 of 27

Mrigashira Nakshatra

The searching star: curiosity, gentleness and the quest.

Mrigashira is the deer that is always seeking, sensing the next path. Natives are curious, gentle, intelligent and restless. Mars rules it, giving drive to the search, while it straddles Taurus and Gemini, combining comfort with communication.

CuriosityGentlenessSeeking

Span: Taurus 23°20′ – Gemini 6°40′
Ruling planet: Mars
Deity: Soma
Symbol: Deer's head
Gana: Deva
Yoni: Serpent (female)

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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

Mrigashira nakshatra facts

Meaning of the name	The deer's head
Zodiac span	Taurus 23°20′ to Gemini 6°40′ (sidereal)
Sign	Taurus and Gemini
Ruling planet (Vimshottari lord)	Mars · Mahadasha of 7 years
Presiding deity	Soma
Symbol	Deer's head
Gana (temperament)	Deva
Yoni (animal)	Serpent, female
Nadi	Madhya (Pitta)
Nature (for muhurta)	Mridu (soft): good for the arts, friendship, romance, new clothes and ornaments
Naming syllables	Ve, Vo, Ka, Ki

Soma, the Moon god and the nectar of immortality, presides here. The deer's head stands for gentleness, alertness and the endless search for something just ahead.

Personality

Mrigashira traits

Strengths

Inquisitive, quick learner
Kind and soft-spoken
Good researcher and traveller
Adaptable and witty

Challenges

Restlessness and indecision
Suspicion or nervousness
Moving on before finishing

Careers that suit Mrigashira

Research and scienceWriting and journalismTravel and tourismTeachingTextiles and perfumeReal estate and land

Four quarters

The four padas of Mrigashira

Pada 1

Syllable “Ve”

Taurus 23°20′ – Taurus 26°40′ · Navamsa Leo (lord Sun)

Leo navamsa (Sun), in Taurus: confident and proud; seeks recognition for its talents.

Pada 2

Syllable “Vo”

Taurus 26°40′ – Gemini 0°00′ · Navamsa Virgo (lord Mercury)

Virgo navamsa (Mercury), in Taurus: analytical and practical; strong in research and craft.

Pada 3

Syllable “Ka”

Gemini 0°00′ – Gemini 3°20′ · Navamsa Libra (lord Venus)

Libra navamsa (Venus), in Gemini: social, artistic and diplomatic; seeks harmony.

Pada 4

Syllable “Ki”

Gemini 3°20′ – Gemini 6°40′ · Navamsa Scorpio (lord Mars)

Scorpio navamsa (Mars), in Gemini: probing and intense; drawn to mysteries and hidden knowledge.

Love and marriage

Mrigashira in relationships

Sensitive, romantic partners who need mental connection. Doubt can make them anxious about commitment.

Gana

Deva

Temperament match (6 points)

Yoni

Serpent

Same yoni: Rohini

Nadi

Madhya (Pitta)

Same nadi (Nadi dosha): Bharani, Pushya, Purva Phalguni, Chitra…

Check full 36-guna compatibility with a partner →

Wellbeing and practice

Health and spiritual practice

Health

Nervous tension, throat and shoulders; time in nature calms them.

Traditional practice

Worship of the Moon (Soma) and of Parvati is traditionally linked with Mrigashira.

Traditional associations, not medical advice.

Common questions

Mrigashira FAQs

Which planet rules Mrigashira nakshatra?

Mars. People born with the Moon in Mrigashira begin life in Mars 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 Mrigashira?

Ve (pada 1), Vo (pada 2), Ka (pada 3), Ki (pada 4). Traditionally a child's name begins with the syllable of the Moon's pada at birth.

Which zodiac sign is Mrigashira in?

Mrigashira spans Taurus 23°20′ to Gemini 6°40′, so it falls in both Taurus and Gemini. Your Moon sign depends on the pada.

What is the gana, yoni and nadi of Mrigashira?

Gana: Deva. Yoni: female serpent. Nadi: Madhya (Pitta). These are three of the eight factors (kootas) in Ashtakoota Kundli matching.

Is Mrigashira a good nakshatra?

Every nakshatra has strengths and challenges. Mrigashira is a Mridu nakshatra, traditionally suited to the arts, friendship, romance, new clothes and ornaments. A person's results depend on the whole birth chart, not the birth star alone.