Verified by Pandit Ramachandra Sharma · M.A. Sanskrit, Jyotisha Visharada · Updated 2026-05-13

Ashwini Nakshatra

అశ్విని (अश्विनी)

Nakshatra #1 of 27 · 0°00' – 13°20' Mesha (Aries) · Ruled by Ketu

Symbol
Horse's head
Presiding Deity
Ashwini Kumaras (divine horse-headed twin physicians)
Ruling Planet
Ketu
Rashi Span
0°00' – 13°20' Mesha (Aries)
Gana
Deva
Yoni
Horse (male)

Baby Name Letters (Akshara)

If a child is born under Ashwini nakshatra, the traditional starting syllable for the name depends on the pada (quarter) the moon was in at birth:

Pada 1
Chu
Pada 2
Che
Pada 3
Cho
Pada 4
La

Find more Vedic names organized by nakshatra: Browse baby names.

About Ashwini Nakshatra

Swift, pioneering, healing-oriented, youthful, impulsive. Natural initiators with athletic energy, quick intelligence, and a strong urge to rescue others. Independent but restless; thrive on movement and new beginnings.

Best Activities for Ashwini

Ashwini is considered auspicious for the following activities:

Mythology & Significance

In the Vedic narrative, the 27 nakshatras are wives of Chandra (Moon) — daughters of Daksha Prajapati. Ashwini's presiding deity is Ashwini Kumaras, the cosmic principle whose qualities natives of this nakshatra most strongly express. The symbol "Horse's head" encapsulates the energy: meditate on it to access this nakshatra's blessing.

Marriage Compatibility (Ashtakoota)

In Vedic marriage matching, Ashwini's qualifying characteristics are:

Use our free Ashtakoota Guna Milan calculator for full 36-point compatibility analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ashwini nakshatra?

Ashwini (అశ్విని) is the 1st of the 27 nakshatras. Symbol: Horse's head. Ruling deity: Ashwini Kumaras (divine horse-headed twin physicians). Span: 0°00' – 13°20' Mesha (Aries). Quality: Auspicious.

What is the ruling planet of Ashwini nakshatra?

Ketu rules Ashwini nakshatra per the Vimshottari dasha system. Natives born under Ashwini experience Ketu's mahadasha effects most prominently.

What are baby name letters (akshara) for Ashwini nakshatra?

For naming a child born under Ashwini nakshatra, the four traditional starting letters (one per pada) are: Chu, Che, Cho, La. The specific letter depends on which pada (quarter) of the nakshatra the moon was in at birth.

What is the gana of Ashwini nakshatra?

Ashwini is classified as Deva gana. In marriage matching (Ashtakoota), gana compatibility carries 6 of 36 points — Deva gana is best matched with same Deva or compatible classification.

What is the yoni of Ashwini nakshatra?

The yoni (animal symbol) of Ashwini is Horse (male). In yoni koota marriage matching, animal pairs are evaluated for natural friendship vs natural enmity (4 of 36 points).

Browse All 27 Nakshatras

All nakshatra data sourced from Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra (BPHS), Phaladeepika, and Saravali. Editorial methodology reviewed by Pandit Ramachandra Sharma (Jyotisha Visharada, M.A. Sanskrit). For personalized analysis based on your janma nakshatra, please consult a qualified astrologer.

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