Astronomy:Ashvini

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Short description: 1st lunar mansion of Hindu astrology
Aries constellation showing Ashivini

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 aśvayúj, "harnessing horses".[2]

Astrology

Ashvini 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

References

  1. "Atharva Veda: Book 19: Hymn 7: A Prayer to the Lunar Mansions and other Powers for protection and prosperity". http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/av/av19007.htm. 
  2. "അശ്വതി നക്ഷത്രക്കാരുടെ പൊതുസ്വഭാവം" (in ml). https://www.manoramaonline.com/astrology/astro-news/2021/02/15/aswathy-birth-star-characteristics.html. 
  3. Hart De Fouw, Robert Svoboda. ‘’Light on Life: An Introduction to the Astrology of India.’’ 2003: pg. 204. ISBN:0-940985-69-1
  4. Ralph Griffith, The Rig Veda 1895
  5. Dennis M. Harness. The Nakshatras: The Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology. Lotus Press, 1999. ISBN:0-914955-83-7. pg. 2
  6. "Baby names". mypanchang.com. http://www.mypanchang.com/nakshatras.html.