Nakshatra 7 of 27 · 20°00' Gemini - 3°20' Cancer
Punarvasu Nakshatra
Punarvasū
Punarvasu is the seventh nakshatra, straddling Gemini and Cancer from 20°00' Gemini to 3°20' Cancer. Its presiding deity is Aditi, the mother of the Adityas (the twelve solar gods) and goddess of boundlessness, and its ruling planet is Jupiter. The name Punarvasu means "return of the bright" or "return home," and the asterism is associated with renewal, restoration, and second chances.
- Ruling planet
- Jupiter
- Deity
- Aditi (mother of the gods, goddess of boundlessness)
- Symbol
- A quiver of arrows; a returning home
- Rashi
- Gemini-Cancer
- Gana / Yoni / Nadi
- Deva · Cat · Adi
- Caste (varna)
- Vaishya
Symbolism
The quiver of arrows points to renewable resources: arrows are spent and replenished. The returning-home theme runs through all the asterism's significations. Punarvasu natives often return: to a place, to a person, to a vocation they had set aside. The asterism specialises in second tries.
Personality of Punarvasu natives
Personality of Punarvasu natives: optimistic, philosophical, generous, family-oriented, and resilient. They are often wise teachers and counsellors. The Jupiter rulership gives them dharmic instincts; the Aditi influence gives a strongly maternal or paternal quality regardless of gender. They forgive easily and bounce back from setbacks unusually well.
The four padas
The four padas of Punarvasu fall in Gemini-Aries (1st pada, Mars navamsa, energetic), Gemini-Taurus (2nd, Venus, sensual and steady), Gemini-Gemini (3rd, Mercury on Mercury, the most intellectual), and Cancer-Cancer (4th, Moon on Moon, the most domestic and emotionally rich). The Cancer pada straddles the gandanta cusp.
Career inclinations
Career inclinations: teaching and academia, philosophy, counselling, religious vocations, publishing, travel and hospitality, sales (especially advisory sales), historical scholarship, and any vocation where wisdom and patience compound. Many notable teachers and philosophers have Punarvasu prominent.
Marriage compatibility
Marriage compatibility: Punarvasu's gana is Deva, yoni is cat, nadi is Adi, varna is Vaishya. Cat-yoni mate is Ashlesha. Marriage often comes at a steady age (mid-to-late twenties) and tends to last; Punarvasu natives are forgiving partners.
Compatibility hints follow standard ashtakoot (yoni, gana, nadi, dina). For a full match score, use the kundali matching tool.
Health themes
Health themes: lungs and chest (Gemini portion), digestion (Cancer portion), weight gain through good living, and Jupiter-ruled liver and pancreatic concerns later in life. Punarvasu natives are generally robust but benefit from dietary discipline.
Spiritual orientation
Spiritually, Punarvasu is the asterism of the returning seeker. Many spiritual teachers who left worldly life and came back to teach have strong Punarvasu emphasis. The teaching: every fall is also a seed for return.
Classical sources
BPHS assigns Jupiter as Punarvasu's dasha lord. Phaladeepika emphasises Punarvasu natives' wisdom and resilience. Saravali links the asterism to the renewal cycle.
The dasha lord Jupiter starts every Punarvasu native's Vimshottari sequence. Read the Jupiter Mahadasha effects page for what this Mahadasha brings.
Frequently asked questions about Punarvasu Nakshatra
What is the ruling planet of Punarvasu Nakshatra?+
Jupiter rules Punarvasu. The deity is Aditi, mother of the gods and goddess of boundlessness. Lord Rama is traditionally said to be born under Punarvasu.
What does Punarvasu mean?+
Punarvasū translates as "return of the bright" or "return home." The asterism specialises in renewal, restoration, and second chances.
Is Punarvasu good for marriage?+
Yes, generally. Punarvasu natives are forgiving and steady partners. Cat-yoni mate is Ashlesha. Marriage tends to come at a steady age and last.
What career suits a Punarvasu native?+
Teaching, academia, philosophy, counselling, religious vocations, publishing, travel and hospitality, advisory sales, and any vocation where wisdom and patience compound.
When is Punarvasu Mahadasha?+
Punarvasu natives begin life with the Jupiter Mahadasha (the asterism's ruling planet). The Jupiter Mahadasha lasts 16 years.
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