IAST: Aśvinī | Meaning: The Horse Woman / The Born of a Mare
The inaugural lunar mansion of the Vedic celestial wheel. Governed by Ketu and energized by Mars, Ashwini represents the cosmic spark of life, miraculous recovery, and pioneer spirit.
Ashwini Kumaras (Nasatya & Dasra)
Ketu (South Lunar Node)
Horse's Head
Deva / Rajas
ॐ अश्विनीकुमाराभ्यां नमः (Om Aśvinīkumārābhyāṁ Namaḥ)
ॐ अश्विनीकुमाराय विद्महे द्युमत्प्रियाय धीमहि तन्नोऽश्विनौ प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Aśvinīkumārāya Vidmahe Dyumatpriyāya Dhīmahi Tanno'śvinau Pracodayāt॥
Meaning: May we contemplate the radiant divine physicians, the Ashwini Kumaras; may they inspire our vital intellect and illuminate our prana.
Every Nakshatra is segmented into 4 quarters of 3°20' each. Each Pada activates a specific Navamsha rashi and planetary influence:
| Pada | Arc Span | Navamsha Rashi | Navamsha Lord | Auspicious Syllable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pada 1 | 0°00' – 3°20' Mesha | Mesha (Aries) | Mars | Chu (चु) |
| Pada 2 | 3°20' – 6°40' Mesha | Vrishabha (Taurus) | Venus | Che (चे) |
| Pada 3 | 6°40' – 10°00' Mesha | Mithuna (Gemini) | Mercury | Cho (चो) |
| Pada 4 | 10°00' – 13°20' Mesha | Karka (Cancer) | Moon | La (ला) |
Chant the canonical hymns dedicated to the cosmic rulers of the Nakshatras.
Ashwini is presided over by the twin Ashwini Kumaras (Nasatya and Dasra), the divine surgeons and healers of the cosmos who grant youthfulness and cure incurable afflictions.
Ashwini is ruled by Ketu (the South Lunar Node), giving it profound spiritual depth, fast karmic resolution, and introspective healing prowess.
