IAST: Mṛgaśīrṣā | Meaning: The Deer's Head / The Searching Soul
The celestial wanderer. Governed by Mars and presided over by Soma, Mrigashirsha balances adventurous questing with serene spiritual thirst.
Soma (The Nectar of Consciousness / Chandra)
Mars (Mangala)
Deer's Head
Deva / Rajas
ॐ सोमाय नमः (Om Somāya Namaḥ)
ॐ क्षीरपुत्राय विद्महे अमृतत्वाय धीमहि तन्नः सोमः प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Kṣīraputrāya Vidmahe Amṛtattvāya Dhīmahi Tannaḥ Somaḥ Pracodayāt॥
Meaning: May we contemplate the nectarous son of the ocean, embodiment of immortality; may Soma awaken our inner peace.
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 | 23°20' – 26°40' Vrishabha | Simha (Leo) | Sun | Ve (वे) |
| Pada 2 | 26°40' – 30°00' Vrishabha | Kanya (Virgo) | Mercury | Vo (वो) |
| Pada 3 | 0°00' – 3°20' Mithuna | Tula (Libra) | Venus | Ka (का) |
| Pada 4 | 3°20' – 6°40' Mithuna | Vrishchika (Scorpio) | Mars | Kee (की) |
Chant the canonical hymns dedicated to the cosmic rulers of the Nakshatras.
The deer represents the ceaseless search of the human mind for higher nectar (Soma) and the delicate spiritual sensitivity required on the path.
