Ashvini

Ashvini (अश्विनी, IAST: aśvinī) is the first nakshatra (lunar mansion) in Indian astronomy, having a spread from 0°-0'-0" to 13°-20'. It corresponds to the head of Aries, including the stars β and γ Arietis, and possibly also α Arietis in the oldest versions of the asterism. Ashvini literally means "twin horse-man"; it is depicted as a horse's head and represents twin physician gods, the Ashvins.^[1] The name aśvinī is used by Varāhamihira (6th century). The older name of the asterism, found in the Atharvaveda (AVS 19.7; in the dual^[2]) and in Pāṇini (4.3.36), was aśvayúja, "harnessing horses".^[3] This nakshatra belongs to Mesha Rasi.

Ashvini is ruled by Ketu, the descending lunar node. In electional astrology, Ashvini is classified as a small constellation, meaning that it is believed to be advantageous to begin works of a precise or delicate nature while the moon is in Ashvini.^[4] Ashvini is ruled by the Ashvinas, the heavenly twin brother gods who served as physicians to the gods and goddesses.^[5] Ashvini is represented by the bee hive.^[6]

Traditional Indian names are determined by which pada (quarter) of a nakshatra the Ascendant was in at the time of birth. In the case of Ashvini, the given name would begin with the following syllables: Chu, Che, Cho, La.^[7]

• List of Nakshatras

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