Nakshatra 14 of 27 · 23°20' Virgo - 6°40' Libra
Chitra Nakshatra
Citrā
Chitra is the fourteenth nakshatra, straddling Virgo and Libra from 23°20' Virgo to 6°40' Libra. Its presiding deity is Tvashtar (sometimes Vishvakarma), the celestial architect and divine craftsman, and its ruling planet is Mars. The name Chitra means "the brilliant" or "the picture," and the asterism is associated with the bright star Spica, one of the brightest in the night sky.
- Ruling planet
- Mars
- Deity
- Tvashtar (the celestial architect)
- Symbol
- A bright jewel; a pearl
- Rashi
- Virgo-Libra
- Gana / Yoni / Nadi
- Rakshasa · Tiger · Madhya
- Caste (varna)
- Vaishya
Symbolism
The bright jewel symbolises beauty that is also crafted: the pearl that the oyster makes around an irritation, the gem cut from rough stone. Chitra natives have a particular ability to make beautiful things, often professionally. The asterism is associated with design, architecture, and the careful crafting of appearances.
Personality of Chitra natives
Personality of Chitra natives: charismatic, attractive, design-conscious, ambitious, sometimes vain, and often gifted at presentation. The Mars rulership gives them drive; Tvashtar's influence gives them craft. They tend to dress well, present well, and care about how things look. Their challenge is the gap between brilliant exterior and interior depth.
The four padas
The four padas of Chitra fall in Virgo-Leo (1st pada, Sun navamsa, regal), Virgo-Virgo (2nd, Mercury on Mercury, the most analytical and detail-focused), Libra-Libra (3rd, Venus on Venus, the most artistic and partnership-oriented), and Libra-Scorpio (4th, Mars, the most intense and investigative).
Career inclinations
Career inclinations: architecture and design, fashion and modelling, gemology and jewellery, photography and visual arts, advertising and brand design, interior design, engineering (the design side), film and theatre, and any vocation where visual brilliance is the deliverable.
Marriage compatibility
Marriage compatibility: Chitra's gana is Rakshasa, yoni is tiger, nadi is Madhya, varna is Vaishya. Tiger-yoni mate is Vishakha. Chitra natives are often sought-after partners for their attractiveness and capability. Marriage tends to involve a partner who appreciates aesthetic life.
Classically compatible
- Vishakha (Tiger yoni)
- Mrigashira (Serpent yoni)
- Shravana (Monkey yoni)
Compatibility hints follow standard ashtakoot (yoni, gana, nadi, dina). For a full match score, use the kundali matching tool.
Health themes
Health themes: digestion (Virgo portion), kidney health (Libra portion), skin sensitivity, eye strain from detail work, and Mars-ruled inflammatory conditions. Generally robust; benefits from balanced rest.
Spiritual orientation
Spiritually, Chitra teaches that beauty, made well, is a form of devotion. Tvashtar is the divine craftsman who shapes form for the gods' use. Many architects and designers have a strong Chitra emphasis.
Classical sources
BPHS assigns Mars as Chitra's dasha lord. Phaladeepika emphasises Chitra's associations with design, beauty, and craftsmanship. Brihat Samhita lists Chitra among the misra (mixed) nakshatras.
The dasha lord Mars starts every Chitra native's Vimshottari sequence. Read the Mars Mahadasha effects page for what this Mahadasha brings.
Frequently asked questions about Chitra Nakshatra
What is the ruling planet of Chitra Nakshatra?+
Mars rules Chitra. The deity is Tvashtar, the celestial architect and divine craftsman.
What does Chitra Nakshatra mean?+
Chitra means "the brilliant" or "the picture." The asterism is associated with the bright star Spica and with the work of design, architecture, and visual craftsmanship.
Is Chitra good for marriage?+
Chitra natives are often sought-after for their attractiveness and capability. Tiger-yoni mate is Vishakha. Marriage tends to involve a partner who appreciates aesthetic life.
What career suits a Chitra native?+
Architecture and design, fashion and modelling, gemology and jewellery, photography and visual arts, advertising, interior design, engineering, film and theatre, and any vocation where visual brilliance is the deliverable.
When is Chitra Mahadasha?+
Chitra natives begin life with the Mars Mahadasha (the asterism's ruling planet). The Mars Mahadasha lasts 7 years.
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