Nakshatra 3 of 27
Krittika Nakshatra
Krittika belongs to Agni, the sacred fire. Classical descriptions emphasise its cutting, purifying quality: discernment, directness and the courage to separate truth from falsehood.
Zodiac range26°40′ Aries – 10°00′ Taurus
Ruling planetSun
DeityAgni
SymbolRazor or flame
GanaRakshasa
RashiAries / Taurus
Traditional themes
Krittika is traditionally associated with purification, sharp intellect, courage. Its ruling planet, Sun, is also the lord of the first Vimshottari Dasha for anyone born with the Moon in Krittika, who begins life in the Sun Mahadasha (6 years in full, of which only a balance remains at birth).
The Rakshasa gana places Krittika among the rakshasa (intense, independent) temperaments used in nakshatra-based compatibility checks.
The four padas of Krittika
| Pada | Range | Navamsa sign | Name syllable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pada 1 | 26°40′ Aries – 0°00′ Taurus | Sagittarius | A |
| Pada 2 | 0°00′ Taurus – 3°20′ Taurus | Capricorn | I |
| Pada 3 | 3°20′ Taurus – 6°40′ Taurus | Aquarius | U |
| Pada 4 | 6°40′ Taurus – 10°00′ Taurus | Pisces | E |
Name syllables (namakshar) are traditionally used to choose the first sound of a baby’s name: A, I, U, E. Find yours.
Is Krittika your birth star? Your Janma Nakshatra depends on the Moon's exact position at birth. Use the Nakshatra calculator to find yours and its pada.