Nakshatra 8 of 27 · 3°20' - 16°40' Cancer
Pushya Nakshatra
Puṣya
Pushya is the eighth nakshatra, occupying 3°20' to 16°40' of Cancer. Its presiding deity is Brihaspati, the guru of the gods, and its ruling planet is Saturn. Pushya is widely considered the most auspicious nakshatra in the lunar zodiac: classical muhurta texts treat Pushya as the universally good day for almost any activity (the only exception being marriage, where Pushya's nourishing-without-romance quality is sometimes thought to lack passion).
- Ruling planet
- Saturn
- Deity
- Brihaspati (the guru of the gods, lord of dharma and counsel)
- Symbol
- A cow's udder; a flower; an arrow
- Rashi
- Cancer
- Gana / Yoni / Nadi
- Deva · Sheep · Madhya
- Caste (varna)
- Kshatriya
Symbolism
The cow's udder symbolises nourishment, abundance, and the steady flow of sustenance. The flower symbolises the blossoming that comes after patient cultivation. Pushya is the asterism of feeding others: parents, teachers, leaders who care for those in their charge.
Personality of Pushya natives
Personality of Pushya natives: nurturing, dependable, dharmic, conservative in the best sense (preserving what is worth preserving), and unusually loyal. They are often called the asterism of caretakers. Saturn rulership gives them patience and structure; Brihaspati gives them wisdom and ethical orientation. They are slow to anger and slow to forgive when wronged.
The four padas
The four padas of Pushya fall in Cancer-Leo (1st pada, Sun navamsa, regal), Cancer-Virgo (2nd, Mercury, methodical and detail-oriented), Cancer-Libra (3rd, Venus, the most diplomatic and social), and Cancer-Scorpio (4th, Mars, the most intense and protective).
Career inclinations
Career inclinations: government and civil service, teaching, religious leadership, agriculture and dairy, healthcare and nursing, hospitality, banking and finance (the conservative side), traditional medicine, social work, and any vocation where steady caretaking is the deliverable.
Marriage compatibility
Marriage compatibility: Pushya's gana is Deva, yoni is sheep, nadi is Madhya, varna is Kshatriya. Sheep-yoni mate is Krittika. Pushya natives marry well but can be slow to choose; once chosen, they are unusually committed. Pushya itself as a marriage muhurta is debated: most muhurta texts say avoid for marriage despite Pushya being otherwise the best day.
Classically compatible
- Krittika (Sheep yoni)
- Punarvasu (Cat yoni)
- Uttara Phalguni (Cow yoni)
Compatibility hints follow standard ashtakoot (yoni, gana, nadi, dina). For a full match score, use the kundali matching tool.
Health themes
Health themes: chest and stomach (Cancer rulerships), tendency to weight gain, retention of fluids, oral and dental health, and Saturn-ruled bone density issues later in life. Generally robust, but Pushya natives benefit from regular physical activity.
Spiritual orientation
Spiritually, Pushya is the asterism of the dharmic teacher. Many revered gurus and spiritual leaders have a strong Pushya emphasis. The teaching is that genuine nourishment is the highest service.
Classical sources
BPHS assigns Saturn as Pushya's dasha lord. Phaladeepika and Brihat Samhita both treat Pushya as the most auspicious nakshatra for new ventures, travel, study, and most life events except marriage. Saravali emphasises the nurturing quality.
The dasha lord Saturn starts every Pushya native's Vimshottari sequence. Read the Saturn Mahadasha effects page for what this Mahadasha brings.
Frequently asked questions about Pushya Nakshatra
What is the ruling planet of Pushya Nakshatra?+
Saturn rules Pushya. The deity is Brihaspati, guru of the gods and lord of dharma.
Is Pushya the most auspicious nakshatra?+
In classical muhurta texts, yes, for almost any activity. The only commonly cited exception is marriage, where Pushya's nourishing-without-passion quality is thought to lack romantic spark. Pushya Yoga days are favoured for new ventures, travel, study, and major purchases.
What career suits a Pushya native?+
Government and civil service, teaching, religious leadership, agriculture and dairy, healthcare and nursing, banking, social work, and any vocation where steady caretaking is the deliverable.
Why is Pushya not recommended for marriage?+
Classical muhurta texts hold that Pushya's nourishing energy is excellent for almost everything except the romantic spark of marriage. The texts treat the asterism as parental rather than passionate.
When is Pushya Mahadasha?+
Pushya natives begin life with the Saturn Mahadasha (the asterism's ruling planet). The Saturn Mahadasha lasts 19 years, the second-longest in Vimshottari.
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