Nakshatra 5 of 27 · 23°20' Taurus - 6°40' Gemini
Mrigashira Nakshatra
Mṛgaśīrṣā
Mrigashira is the fifth nakshatra, straddling the boundary of Taurus and Gemini from 23°20' Taurus to 6°40' Gemini. Its presiding deity is Soma, the Moon-god in the form of nectar, and its ruling planet is Mars. The asterism's name means "deer's head," referring to the constellation's appearance as a fawn's muzzle pointed forward in search.
- Ruling planet
- Mars
- Deity
- Soma (the Moon-god as ambrosia)
- Symbol
- A deer's head; a searcher's lantern
- Rashi
- Taurus-Gemini
- Gana / Yoni / Nadi
- Deva · Serpent · Madhya
- Caste (varna)
- Brahmin
Symbolism
The deer's head and searcher's lantern point to seeking. Mrigashira natives are perpetual searchers: they question, investigate, travel to know, and rarely settle for received answers. Soma's presence as deity gives the search a quality of nectar-tasting: they sample many things and become discerning.
Personality of Mrigashira natives
Personality of Mrigashira natives: curious, gentle, restless, intellectually omnivorous, often charming, sometimes scattered. They are friendly without being effusive, and they tend to be lifelong learners. The Mars rulership gives them more drive than their gentle exterior suggests. They are easily bored by routine and need variety in work and relationships.
The four padas
The four padas of Mrigashira fall in Taurus-Leo (1st, Sun navamsa, more dramatic), Taurus-Virgo (2nd, Mercury, methodical, the busiest with detail), Gemini-Libra (3rd, Venus, the most diplomatic and partnership-oriented), and Gemini-Scorpio (4th, Mars on Mars, the most investigative and intense).
Career inclinations
Career inclinations: research, journalism, travel writing, exploration, sales (consultative), academia, surveying and cartography, marketing, anthropology, food critic, and any vocation that pays for sustained curiosity. Many writers, researchers, and travel professionals have Mrigashira prominent.
Marriage compatibility
Marriage compatibility: Mrigashira's gana is Deva, yoni is serpent (same as Rohini), nadi is Madhya, varna is Brahmin. The classical Rohini-Mrigashira pairing is one of the highest-scoring serpent-yoni matches in ashtakoot. Mrigashira natives often marry between 25 and 30, frequently to a partner who shares their love of travel and learning.
Compatibility hints follow standard ashtakoot (yoni, gana, nadi, dina). For a full match score, use the kundali matching tool.
Health themes
Health themes: skin sensitivity, allergies, throat (in Taurus portion), respiratory (in Gemini portion), and nervous-system over-stimulation. The Mars rulership gives a tendency to small accidents and cuts; the Mercury portion (Gemini) gives nervous fatigue.
Spiritual orientation
Spiritually, Mrigashira is the seeker's asterism. Many philosophers, comparative-religion scholars, and serious students of multiple traditions have a strong Mrigashira emphasis. The teaching is that the search itself is the practice.
Classical sources
BPHS assigns Mars as Mrigashira's dasha lord. Phaladeepika notes Mrigashira natives' restless intelligence and travel-readiness. Saravali emphasises the searcher quality.
The dasha lord Mars starts every Mrigashira native's Vimshottari sequence. Read the Mars Mahadasha effects page for what this Mahadasha brings.
Frequently asked questions about Mrigashira Nakshatra
What is the ruling planet of Mrigashira Nakshatra?+
Mars rules Mrigashira in the Vimshottari system. The deity is Soma, the Moon-god as nectar.
What does Mrigashira Nakshatra mean?+
Mṛgaśīrṣā translates as "deer's head," referring to the constellation's shape. The asterism's symbolism is the seeker, the curious investigator who samples many things and becomes discerning.
Is Mrigashira good for marriage?+
Mrigashira pairs especially well with Rohini in classical ashtakoot (both serpent-yoni). The native often marries someone who shares their love of travel and learning.
What career suits a Mrigashira native?+
Research, journalism, travel writing, exploration, consultative sales, academia, surveying, marketing, anthropology, food and travel criticism, and any work that pays for sustained curiosity.
When is Mrigashira Mahadasha?+
Mrigashira natives begin life with the Mars Mahadasha (the asterism's ruling planet). The Mars Mahadasha lasts 7 years.
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