In the series of Nakshatras the second nakshatra is Bharani.  Detailed information on the Nakshatra, its characteristics, gender, gana, and all the details are given below:

Bharani Nakshatra ranges from 13degrees 20 minutes to 26 degrees 40 minutes in the Mesha Rashi (Aries sign).  Venus, Guru of Asuras is the ruler of Bharani nakshatra.    Bharani nakshatra’s symbol is Yoni or the Vulva.

Bharani Nakshatra:

Bharani word means which bears or clay pot which symbolizes a womb.  Hence, the Bharani nakshatra symbol is a part of the female reproductive part “Yoni” which is a Sanskrit word for vagina and more specifically “Vulva” “mouth of the womb”.  Bharani nakshatra indicates feminism, to bear, foster, and create.

The ruling deity of Bharani nakshatra is Yama, the god of death or kala(time).  Goddess Parvati or Kali is also associated with Bharani nakshatra hence it is also known as “ugra” nakshatra.  Lord Yama is associated with righteous conduct, ancestors, the cycle of life & death, and binding to deeds. 

Characteristics:

Bharani nakshatra denotes the two extreme natures like life and death, which are entirely two opposite natures.  We find Bharani nakshatra natives have an oscillating mindset.  They like to explore their surroundings and will be very emotional.  In the process, they dive deep into any new activity without giving it a second thought.  This may result in chaos and confusion at times.  They will bounce back faster from any situation as they have a childlike or more teenage-like attitude.  On the positive side, Bharani nakshatra natives will be secretive in nature, ethical, philosophical, love their privacy, and with high morals. They even like to work for a social cause.  They will be very creative people, passionate, sexual, out of box thinking, and full of ideas. They love pleasures and luxuries in life and will be artistic in nature.   They give more importance to the right code of conduct and will think about soul transformation, life after death, and related matters.  They will generally like to marry early in life. 

If benefic planets are posited in Bharani nakshatra it gives all the above positive things.  Whereas, if more malefic planets are posited in Bharani nakshatra the person may be stubborn, will go against dharma, have less patience, get addicted to alcohol/drugs, have an excessive sexual indulgence, and will act without thinking.  They will be more judgmental which may not be appreciated by all. 

Physical characteristics:

They will have a seductive smile, expressive and playful eyes, and big head.  They will be of average height with slightly shorter hands, but may not have beautiful features. Usually, they will look calm and composed. 

Padas of Bharani Nakshatra:

1^st pada or Simha navamsa: When the native is born in Bharani nakshatra, between 13 degrees 20 minutes to 16 degrees 40 minutes, they are in the first pada of Bharani nakshatra.  The first pada is ruled by Sun (Ravi).  Those born in the first pada will have the business aptitude and will be successful in the profession. They will shoulder additional responsibility and will help others.  They will have artistic nature.  They will most likely go for early love marriage. They will be wide-eyed and golden-complexioned.

2^nd pada or Kanya Navamsa - When the native is born in Bharani nakshatra, between 16 degrees 40 minutes to 20 degrees, they are in the second pada of Bharani nakshatra.  The second pada is ruled by Mercury (Budha). Those born in the second pada of Bharani nakshatra will be intelligent, business-minded, agile, good at mathematics, and generally happy.  They will have a strong sense of duty.  They will have more friends of the opposite sex and will be more sexually active.

3^rd pada or Tula Navamsa - When the native is born in Bharani nakshatra, between 20 degrees to 23 degrees and 20 minutes, they are in the third pada of Bharani nakshatra.  The third pada is ruled by Venus (Shukra). Those born in the third pada will be energetic, well dressed, creative, impatient, liking for luxurious life, and more romantically inclined.  They will be good dancers, yogis, and musicians. Prone to skin diseases

4^th pada or Vrischika Navamsa - When the native is born in Bharani nakshatra between 23 degrees 20 minutes to 26degrees and 40 minutes, they are in the fourth pada of Bharani nakshatra.  The fourth pada is ruled by Mars(Kuja). Those born in the fourth pada will be the secretive, aggressive, energetic, small face, straightforward in speech and approach.  Will be placed in tricky/embarrassing situations because of sudden and risky decisions. 

Auspicious activities:

This nakshatra is auspicious to bring an end to any events like quitting the job, bringing an end to things, surgery, starting any rehab/detox program, completing any pending projects, taking action on enemies, making modifications to an asset, or tearing down construction for rebuilding.  Auspicious for digging wells, drilling for oil, or any such underground activity

Professions suitable:

Agriculture & horticulture

Hotel and food industry

Poultry, seafood (prawn and fish culture)

Entertainment and theatre fields

Gynecologists, midwives, nurses

Yoga and healing teachers

Architects and those in the planning fields

Slaughterhouse and Cemetery

Health:

Depression, anxiety, weak digestive system, blood, heart, lungs, body pain, and stiffness. Both extremes of sexual perversity and frigidity may be there.  Epilepsy, Parkinson disease, brain tumor, and memory problems are also found in Bharani nakshatra natives.

Other information:

Gana             Manushya

Colour          Blood Red, orange

Planet Lord   Venus

Gem stone    Diamond

Guna            Rajas

Nadi             Pitta or Bile

Gender         Female

Natur            Cherishing, nurturing

Element        Earth

Direction      West

Varna                      Mleccha

Animal         Male Elephant

Tree              Amla

Syllables       Li, Lu, Le, Lo

 

Mythology:

2. Yama is born to Saranyu and Vivasvant (marthanda the Sun). He is the younger stepbrother of Saturn and older brother to Ashwini kumaras. Yami is his twin sister.  She persuades Yama to have sex with her.  She offers many arguments as to why it would not be breaking dharma, but Yama knew that sexual intercourse with his own sister would go against dharma in the mortal world where every action has a reaction.  Because of his this strict moral nature and following dharma sincerely he was known as “Yama Dharmaraja”.
3. Yami found Yama lying under a tree very still, Yama voluntarily chose death to go to the land of his fathers. He thus became the first man to die.  Yami is said to have cried a river of tears that seems to be overwhelming for the Gods.  Then the Gods created a night to calm down Yami.  When it dawned the next day, Yami stopped crying and said that Yama died yesterday and there is new hope with the new day.  It is said that Yami became the river Yamuna. 

As Yama became the first mortal to find the path to heaven, he was given the authority to guide souls through their journey from the mortal world to the world of ancestors.  Yama judges each individual based on one’s deeds and determines whether the soul moves forward to the higher loka/heaven or is directed towards hell, where one faces the consequences of their actions.  Depending on the soul’s karma, the soul is then redirected back to the Earth so as to learn lessons and improve the karmic account. 

3. Yama is the father of Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, who always speaks truth hence also known as DharmaRaju. Yama once took the form of a Yaksha to test Yudhishthira’s righteousness.  He asks a series of riddles known as “Yaksha Prashna”.  Pleased with the answers of Yudhishthira, Yama gave again life and brought back two of the Pandava brothers who drank poisoned water.