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26° 40’ Dhanur – 10° 00’ Makara In the Sky
Uttarashadha Nakshatra, pinnacle of solar energy, is represented in celestial firmament by four bright stars, which ancients saw as resembling an elephant’s tusk. In modem astronomy they are known as Sigma Sagittarii (Ascella), Tau Sagittarii, Phi Sagittarii & Zeta Sagittarii (Nunki). These four stars lie in end portion of astronomical constellation of Dhanur. However, it must be noted that this asterism’s influence extends into first ten degrees of zodiacal Rasi of Makara as well. Nunki, having a visual magnitude of 2.07, is brightest among them. According to legend, these stars correspond to celestial area where godly forces got their final victory over demonic forces.
Name
”Uttarashada” translates into ”latter invincible one” or ”latter unconquered”. This meaning reveals crux of this asterism, which has more to do with term ”final victory” than any other asterism. It also reveals that it forms a pair with its predecessor Purvashadha, in same way as Purvaphalguni and Uttaraphalguni form a pair.
Symbol
Its primary symbol is an ”elephant’s tusk”. Tusk is most prized part of an elephant’s anatomy. Elephants are usually very conscious of their tusks and zealously guard them. Researchers have found that type, color and size of tusk has something to do with who becomes leader of an elephant tribe. It follows that Uttarashadha has a lot to do with leadership issues.
Besides ornamentation, tusk is useful to elephants for only one practical purpose - fighting. Just like its predecessor, Purvashadha, Uttarashadha has a lot to do with aggressive actions like declarations of war. As mentioned earlier, Purvashadha and Uttarashadha form a pair, and some scholars regard tusk of an elephant as a symbol for Purvashadha as well. They see left tusk as belonging to Purvashadha and right tusk to Uttarashadha.
In most ancient cultures where elephants were known, they were used as symbols of royal insignia. All kings, including Indra, king of gods, were supposed to ride on elephants during processions and sometimes even during warfare, Uttarashadha, therefore, has a direct relationship with kingship and all responsibilities it entails. In a way, ”responsibility” is most important keyword for this Nakshatra.
For obvious reasons, an elephant’s tusk is also regarded as a symbol of penetration. It signifies penetrating mental insight and ability to enter new fields of endeavor. It also conveys a certain sense of fearlessness and a go ahead spirit.
Deity
Uttarashadha has ten ruling deities known as ”Ten Vishvadevas”. Vishvadevas means Universal Gods. Names of these ten celestial beings translate into - ”goodness”, ”truth”, ”willpower”, ”skill”, ”time”, ”desire”, ”firmness”, ”ancestors”, ”brightness” and ”peak”. It is clear that all these ten gods are extremely benevolent and are representative of primary virtues of original, Divine creative spark. They can be said to be guardians of all that represents word ”good” in Universe. In same way, Uttarashadha represents all that is good and benign on our planet.
All qualities expressed through names of Vishvadevas, find expression through Uttarashadha. This is what sets Uttarashadha apart from Purvashadha, even though most of Purvashadha’s qualities and functionings apply to it as well. As a result of qualities like willpower and firmness, Uttarashadha has far greater permanence than its predecessor. It is easy to see that all these qualities are borne out of honest introspection, which makes Uttarashadha more introspective in comparison to extroverted, flamboyant Purvashadha.
It is interesting to note that one of these gods is named ”ancestors”. This must relate Uttarashadha to traditions as well as one’s forefathers (see Magha). Uttarashadha is first Nakshatra which tries to encompass qualities of all its predecessors (Dhanishta and Revati do same). One can associate will power with Ardra and Krittika; skillfulness with Hasta and Chitra; time with Bharani and Anuradha; desire with Bharani, Rohini, Mrigashira and Ashlesha; goodness with Aswini, Punarvasu and Pushya; truth with Uttaraphalguni, firmness with Uttaraphalguni, Vishakha and Jyestha; ancestors to Magha; brightness with Rohini, Mrigashira, Purvaphalguni and Chitra; and peak with Mula and Purvashadha.
Ganesha, elephant headed god, is final presiding deity of this Nakshatra. Ganesha is only deity with an elephant’s head. Story behind his getting an elephant’s head reveals a lot relating to Uttarashadha’s essence (refer to esoteric section). Ganesha is always portrayed as having a full right tusk and a cut left tusk. This symbolizes that Uttarashadha has a more complete and coherent energy in comparison to its mate Purvashadha. Ganesha can thus be seen as being strongly connected to both Ashadhas. Ganesha is seen as ”Lord of beginnings” and ”remover of obstacles”, and his blessings are sought in all beginnings. Uttarashadha therefore relates to all kinds of beginnings. It is seen that activities, started under positive influence of this Nakshatra, are blessed with success and permanence.
Nature & Functioning
Many of Magha’s qualities like elegance, traditionalism, authority and respect for courtesies are similar to Uttarashadha. However, Uttarashadha has a more positive, introspective and enduring aspect. It shows a person of very good qualities, who may be valued for their advice. It gives a talent for commencing new enterprises and seeing them through to completion. It is a very practical and pioneering type of energy, as most of its quarters fall in practical and achievement orientated Rasi of Makara. It is a Nakshatra very concerned with structures, order and makes one adhere to activities and behavior which are seen as respectable and sometimes conformist.
Its association with ancestors shows a deep respect for traditional values and a desire to advocate these values in one’s behavior and life. However, saturnine influence on this Nakshatra can make a person rigid and harsh, just as piercing symbol of elephant’s tusk suggests. It can show an intolerance for anything which does not follow normal respectable lines. Spiritual and philosophical motivations are directed towards finding practical solutions to life’s problems
Sexual animal of this Nakshatra, mongoose, is one of few animals which can defeat a snake. In a way, Uttarashadha can be seen as very opposite of all that Ashlesha stands for. Since they are placed opposite each other (6th / 7th / 8th Bhava relationship), there is open enmity and warfare between these two Nakshatras. This Nakshatra has little tolerance for underhanded or deceptive influences. However, mongoose is cunning in its own way and its symbol suggests that one is courageous and clever in finding ways to forge ahead in difficult, dangerous or complex situations. Natives under strong influence of Uttarashadha tend to gravitate towards or attract situations in life which represent a lot of challenges. On a spiritual level, it makes one very determined to pierce through veil of illusion to uncover one’s true soul nature.
In universal scheme of things, Uttarashadha relates to ”Apradhrishya Shakti”- power to give permanent victory. Its symbolism has achievable goals above and strength to achieve those goals below. This imagery is self-explanatory. Only thing worth mentioning is that this strength is not personal strength, but collective strength, which comes about due to an alliance with higher forces of good, when one is wholeheartedly and unselfishly trying to establish righteousness over unrighteousness.
Mode of Functioning
Uttarashadha is considered to be a balanced Nakshatra. This self-evident classification does not require too much commentary. A centre is needed for any kind of balance and Uttarashadha, amongst all Nakshatras, relates most closely to this centre, from both a universal and personal perspective. It is said that ”road to excess leads to palace of wisdom”, but one must remember that this palace of wisdom has balance as its foundation.
Caste
It belongs to Kshatriya (warrior) caste. This Nakshatra is mostly concerned with attaining a place of position or strength in society. As we have already seen, it relates to leadership and ruling class. According to Manu (lawgiver for our planet), all kings and leaders came under Kshatriya caste. Uttarashadha has brahminical tendencies, but they often seem to manifest within a Kshatriya framework. A good king is akin to a Sage, but is still not a Sage. In fact, Janak is only earthly king to have been awarded a brahminical title (refer to Vedic legend Ramayana).
Gender
It is a female Nakshatra. This classification defies all common sense, as all of Uttarashadha’s ruling deities and planetary rulers are male. Only way we can comprehend this is by considering fact that all ten good qualities are seen in a feminine light in Vedic texts. Vedic texts regard all qualities as being part of ”nature”, which in end is considered to be feminine principle of Absolute. Uttarashadha is a Nakshatra which has more to do with benign functionings of Maya rather than male observer essence of Absolute.
Body Parts & Humor
Thighs and waist are body parts related to this Nakshatra.
It is a primarily ”Kapha” (watery) Nakshatra. Elephants (closely associated with this Nakshatra) are supposed to be main representatives of Kapha humor. Kapha is a constitution, which is derived from combination of earth and a little bit of water element. Earth element is provided by Rasi Makara (which most of Uttarashadha lies in) and little bit of water element is provided by Guru (part of Uttarashadha falls in Dhanur, Guru’s Rasi).
Direction
It is related primarily to South, West, North-East and East.
Padas
First Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Dhanur) falls in Dhanur Navamsa and is ruled by Guru. Righteousness, confidence and expansiveness are hallmarks of this Pada. Nothing seems impossible when one is working through energies of this Pada. It has supreme faith in its ability, knowledge and understanding. Being both a Pushkara Navamsa Pada and a Vargottama Pada, Grahas placed here give strong material / spiritual results. Surya, Guru, Mangal and Ketu are especially potent here. Guru gives best results.
Second Pada of this asterism (00° 00’ - 3° 20’ Makara) falls in Makara Navamsa ruled by Sani. Emphasis here is on concretization and material expression of one’s thoughts, plans and desires. Grahas placed here give nerves of steel. Most of issues of this Pada circle around one’s own self and personality and how it is expressed in outer world. It is goal rather than means which becomes important here. An exaggerated attention or attachment to worldliness and power structures can be noticed. Mangal and Sani have ability to best utilize energies of this Pada.
Third Pada of this asterism (3° 20’ - 6° 40’ Makara) falls in Kumbha Navamsa ruled by Sani. Emphasis here is on accumulation, whether it be knowledge or material possessions. A strong attachment to concept of family can be noticed in this Pada. Grahas here give good results if one works towards one’s goals through involving other people. Group and team work are essential for proper functioning of this Pada. Rahu, Budh and Sani feel comfortable in this Pada. Sani gives strongest results.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (6° 40’ - 10° 00’ Makara) falls in Meena Navamsa ruled by Guru. This Pada promotes physical prowess, short travels, courage and philanthropy. There’s a constant conflict between material and spiritual values, as native strives to achieve a balance. In present times, more often than not, materiality prevails. Grahas placed here give abundant energy for pursuing one’s goals. Chandr , Mangal and Sani seem best equipped to handle energies of this Pada.
Professions
Preachers, priests; counselors; astrologers; lawyers (of an ethical nature); judges; government officials; psychologists; military professions; equine professions; pioneers; explorers; wrestlers, sword fighters and other combat sports; athletes; elephant trainers; business executives; organizers; defense industry; authority figures of all types; teachers; guards, high class servants; bird watchers & enthusiasts; body guards, security personnel; rangers; hunters; construction industry; cricketers; holistic physicians; politicians (as good as they get in present day and age); all professions requiring a sense of responsibility and ethics.
Places
Prairies; flat savannahs; mountainous forests; national parks; wildlife sanctuaries; bird sanctuaries; reservations; government buildings & grounds; courts; temples, churches and other religious buildings; universities; college campuses; military bases; traditionalistic towns & cities; elite gentlemen clubs & societies; sports stadiums; cricket grounds; all professions connected with above places.
Guna & Tatva
It is supposed to be a Satvic Nakshatra. Satvic and benevolent nature of this Nakshatra can be seen clearly through its ruling deity, Ten Vishvadevas.
It belongs to air element. This definitely must relate to its connection with airy Graha Sani. Besides ether, air is most all encompassing element. Uttarashadha, which has more to do with responsibility, equality and justice, has to have an all encompassing framework to manifest its ten golden qualities.
Gana
It is considered a Manusha (human) Nakshatra. Fact that its ruling deities are known as Vishvadevas, coupled with fact that Vishva is one of common terms used for terrestrial affairs on our planet, reveals intensive involvement of this Nakshatra with human affairs on earthly realm. It is said that one can only truly understand and develop ten qualities associated with Uttarashadha in a human birth. It is for this reason that a lot of astral beings like demigods are vying for earthly incarnations under suitable conditions.
Orientation & Disposition
It is upward Nakshatra. All upward Nakshatras are considered good for things which grow or progress over time. We have already mentioned that all activities commenced under positive influence of Uttarashadha grow in leaps and bounds and achieve permanence. Another way of looking at it is that Uttarashadha takes its cue from up above.
It is a Dhruva (fixed or permanent) Nakshatra. If there is any Nakshatra which can be considered as ”doyan of permanence”, it is Uttarashadha. In fact, all qualities associated with character Dhruva (son of a demon king who was an ardent worshipper of Vishnu), are same as those belonging to Uttarashadha. In honor of this character, pole star was known as Dhruvatara in Vedic texts. In same vein, one can understand that Uttarashadha is pivot of good qualities around which game of life revolves.
Lunar Month & Tithi
It relates to second half of lunar month of Ashadha, a period which usually falls in late July in solar calendar.
Uttarashadha is also related to Purnima (15th Tithi or Full Chandr day) of waxing phase of Chandr’s monthly cycle.
Auspicious Activities
Planning new beginnings; laying out plans for anything; initial plans for any activity; beginning things anew; laying foundations; all spiritual / religious activities & rituals; putting one’s affairs in order; activities requiring great discernment and correct judgment; all types of business affairs; signing contracts; promotions; acting authoritatively; artistic ventures; marriage; sexual activity; entering a new residence; dealing with authority; public, political or legal matters; one of best Nakshatras for initiating any kind of activity.
Inauspicious Activities
Unfavorable for travel; not good for concluding matters / endings. Uttarashadha is generally good for everything except committing unlawful activities. Unethical, rude, impetuous and primitive behavior is not allowed here.
Lords
Surya is main planetary Lord of this Nakshatra. Solar principle, which was born in Krittika, reaches its zenith in this Nakshatra. Theoretically it is suffice to say that Surya does not exist after this Nakshatra. It means that soul’s ability to effect its surroundings reaches a peak in this Nakshatra. In its highest aspect, individual will is completely tuned with universal will and thus all actions on a worldly plane are taken without involvement of ego and selfishness. Sense of right and wrong, which is required here, is not related to personal human laws but to Divine laws of universal mind. This is Nakshatra where ego and individuality is sacrificed for sake of greater good.
Since this Nakshatra lies in Rasis Dhanur and Makara, Guru and Sani have a strong relationship with it. We can note that Guru and Sani also rule four Padas of this Nakshatra. Combination of expansive Guru and contractive Sani signifies moderation and practicality. Since Guru reaches maximum debilitation in Makara part of this Nakshatra, it is implied that this part of Nakshatra is not suited for too much hope, idealism, expansiveness or outer religious displays and rituals. In simple language, this is place for action, not words.
Concrete practical action, which takes place here, shapes material world according to universal laws.
Guru - Sani, Surya - Guru, Surya - Sani & Surya – Guru - Sani conjunctions carry energies similar to Uttarashadha. Grahas Budh, Sukr and Guru, unless operating from their higher aspect, can make one too materialistic if placed in Makara part of this Nakshatra. All Grahas, when placed in this Nakshatra, are prone to excessive and misplaced idealism, unless individual will is working in harmony with universal will. Every error one makes under influence of this Nakshatra is magnified, due to enormous capacity of this Nakshatra to influence material world.
Vowels & Alphabets
First Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Dhanur) corresponds to ”Be” as in Beth.
Second Pada of this asterism (00° 00’ - 3° 20’ Makara) corresponds to ”Bo” as in Bohemian.
Third Pada of this asterism (3° 20’ - 6° 40’ Makara) corresponds to ”Ja” as in Jardine.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 10° 00’ Makara) corresponds to ”Ji” as in Jimi.
In Sanskrit alphabet, Uttarashadha corresponds to ”Bha”, consequently its Mantra is ”Om Bham”.
Sexual Type & Compatibility
Sexual animal related to this Nakshatra is mongoose. Uttarashadha is not very sexual in first place, which is clear from fact that mongoose has no compatible sexual animal amongst other Nakshatras. To put it simply, sexuality is not Uttarashadha’s domain.
For sexual & marital compatibility with other Nakshatras, please refer to table at end of this document.
Esoteric
Legend of birth of Ganesha carries within itself all tragedy, valor, divinity, esotericism, enforced sacrifice, renewal and regeneration inherent in Uttarashadha. In short story goes like this:
”Parvati created a mind-borne son and instructed him to stand as a guard and not to let anyone in while she was bathing. Her husband Shiva, returning home, was barred entry by Parvati’s son. Shiva had not seen this boy before and did not know who he was, and boy in turn did not recognize Shiva. Harsh words were exchanged and a battle erupted. Shiva could not defeat this boy and had to retreat. He felt humiliated after being defeated by a mere child and sought help of Vishnu and other gods to defeat child.
In battle that ensued, all of gods together were unable to defeat him. Vishnu finally came up with a plan that someone should fight with boy from front, while he flew from behind to stealthily take mace out of boy’s hand. Vishnu’s theory was that boy couldn’t be defeated until mace was taken out of his hand. The plan worked, as Shiva was able to cut boy’s head with his trident as soon as Vishnu’s vehicle Garuda (celestial eagle) snatched mace.
Since he was Parvati’s mind-borne son, she immediately came to know of his death and whole story flashed before her mind’s eye. She became enraged and summoned all Shaktis (feminine forces) of Universe to create havoc on Vishnu, Shiva and rest of gods. Whole creation went completely haywire and all gods were scared out of their wits. Vishnu realized that whole Universe would collapse if Parvati was not appeased quickly. This could only be done if boy was brought back to life.
Vishnu instructed gods to descend on earth and bring back head of first thing they saw. They saw an elephant and swiftly returned with its head. Vishnu and Shiva attached elephant’s head to trunk of boy’s body, which resurrected him. Finally Parvati’s anger subsided and order was restored in Universe. Boy was named ”Ganesha”, which translates into ”leader of all tribes”, and was given boon to be worshipped first before any other gods.”
As 21st asterism, Uttarashadha relates to number 21. According to ancients, number 21 is called ”Crown of Magi. ”Crown” here obviously refers to seventh sacral centre, Sahastrara, which is final resting place of Kundalini. Pythagoreans see it as a special number because it is a multiple of two sacred numbers, 3 and 7. We know that there are three channels, Ida, Pingala and Sushumna, which carry life-force within our astral bodies through seven sacral centres. 21 can be seen as a summation of passage of these three channels through seven sacral centres. Uttarashadha therefore relates to perfection on all levels, physical, mental and spiritual.
In Tarot deck, 21st card is ”World”, which is seen to represent whole earthly plane of existence with all its complexities and diversities. It also represents perfection and finality from a universal perspective. We can easily relate this symbolism with Uttarashadha’s ruling deities, ”Ten Lords or overseers of world”.
Gotra
This Nakshatra is related to Sage Kratu, one of seven celestial Sages looking after affairs of our galaxy. Name of this Sage translates into ”inspirer”. In a way, inspiring others is one of main functions of Uttarashadha, as its own goodness sets examples for others to follow. Since Sage Kratu is associated only with benign Nakshatras, we can infer that he has a similar role in celestial circles.
Remedial
For those suffering from bad effects resulting from afflictions to this Nakshatra, best remedial measure is worship of Ganesha, remover of obstacles and bestower of wisdom.
Repetition of root Mantras of this Nakshatra - ”Om Bha” & ”Om Bham” - 108 times when Chandr transits this Nakshatra and in its corresponding lunar month, is sure to reduce suffering and bring enlightenment into a person’s life.
Persons who are benefiting from positive energy of this Nakshatra can also increase good effects through above mentioned ways. It is helpful for them to wear all orange, yellow and light blue colors and whites. They should use its directions, lunar month and days when Chandr transits Uttarashadha, to undertake all important actions.
Example
Swami Vivekananda was born with Uttarashadha rising on his Lagna. He exuded ten sterling qualities associated with Uttarashadha’s ruling deities through his personality and works.
Miscellaneous
According to Varahamihira, those born with Chandr in this Nakshatra are ”modest, graceful, grateful, fortunate, abide by Dharma and have many friends”.
