In the series of Nakshatras the Fourteenth nakshatra is Chitra.  Detailed information on the Nakshatra, its characteristic, gender, gana and all the details is given below:

Chitra Nakshatra ranges from 23 degrees and 20 minutes Kanya Rasi to 6 degrees to 40 minutes Tula Rasi. The presiding deity for Chitra nakshatra is Viswakarma.  Chitra nakshatra symbol is Pearl. The planetary ruler is Mars.

Chitra Nakshatra:

Chitra means “Brilliant” and “Shining light” or “Bright jewel”.  This is one of the brightest stars.

The symbol Pearl indicates beauty, charisma, purity and divineness.

The presiding deity is  Vishwakarma and Tvastr. He is the architect of the universe.  He is the builder of all the mansions of God as well as all the instruments of God like Vajrayudha of Lord Indra, and Trishul of Lord Shiva.

The planetary ruler is Mars. He is red in colour and is God of war, passion, ambition and aggression.

Characteristics:

Chitra nakshatra natives will have dynamic energy and striking appearance.  They will be beautiful and charismatic.  They will be linguists and good communicators as well.  They will be well-read and will be intelligent.  They will be social butterflies and can impress anyone in a crowd.  They will be self-motivated and will accomplish things with determination. They like to be surrounded by beautiful things and people.  They will be good at making their surroundings looks beautiful.  They will like to stand for righteous deeds and help those in need.  They will be creative, artistic and imaginative people.  They will be strong in imagination and visualization.  They also will be highly intuitive and spiritual. They will follow meditation/yoga etc.

They will be self-indulgent and their desires are more important.  They even try to break rules to achieve their goals.  Arrogance is another major weakness. Others may perceive them as smug and shallow.  They will be outspoken, often speaking without thinking.  They will be argumentative and will be ready to give their judgement. 

 Physical characteristics:

Chitra nakshatra male will be lean and will have a commanding presence.  The female will be medium height and fleshy with long hair.    

Padas of Chitra Nakshatra:

1^st pada or Simha navamsa: When the native is born in Chitra nakshatra, between 23 degrees 20 minutes to 26 degrees 40 minutes in Kanya Rasi, they are in the first pada of Chitra Nakshatra.  The first pada is ruled by Sun(Ravi).  Those born in the first pada will be natural leaders, will have great inner power and physically attractive. You will have good self-control. You will be authoritative, straightforward and dictating.

2^nd pada or Kanya navamsa - When the native is born in Chitra nakshatra, between 26 degrees 40 minutes to 30 degrees in Kanya Rasi, they are in the second pada of Chitra nakshatra.  The second pada is ruled by Mercury (Budha). Those born in second pada of Chitra nakshatra will have good intellectual abilities with very fertile imagination.  You will be a linguist and a good communicator.  You will have a strong will to accomplish things.

3^rd pada or Tula  Navamsa - When the native is born in Chitra nakshatra, between 00degrees to 3 degree 20 minutes=Tula Rasi they are in the third pada of Chitra nakshatra.  The third pada is ruled by Venus(Shukra). Those born in the third pada will be courageous and will do the right things.  You are patient with great confidence.  You like to live a lavish lifestyle and be surrounded by beautiful things.

4^th pada or Vrischika Navamsa - When the native is born in Chitra nakshatra between 3 degrees 20 minutes to 6 degrees 40 minutes in Vrischika Navamsa, they are in fourth pada of Chitra nakshatra.  The fourth pada is ruled by Mars(Kuja). Those born in the fourth pada will be temperamental, easily agitated and hard to predict.  You boldly do things even if they are illegal/immoral.  They will be secretive, sensual, emotional and sensitive as well. 

Auspicious activities:

The below are auspicious events that can be performed in Chitra nakshatra.

• Start learning craft-making, and artistic things
• Decorating
• Travelling
• Enjoying with friends
• Healing and Yoga
• Undergoing surgeries
• Conceiving a child
• Purchasing new clothes or beautiful articles.

Professions suitable:

Professions suitable for Chitra nakshatra natives are

1. Business
2. Economics
3. Artists
4. Tehcnology
5. Architects
6. Interior Designer
7. Landscaper
8. Media persons

Health:

Primary body parts represented by Chitra nakshatra is the neck and forehead.

 Ailments related to Chitra nakshatra are:

1. Thyroid
2. Lymphatic nodes
3. Stomach ulcers,
4. Kidney ailments
5. Skin rashes
6. Insect/pet bites
7. Rosacea
8. Chronic genetic ailments

Other information:

Gana             Rakshasa

Colour          Black

Planet Lord    Mars

Guna            Tamas

Nadi             Pitta

Gender          Female

Nature          Soft/Gentle

Element        Fire   

Direction      West

Varna           Shudra

Animal         Female Tiger

Bird              Woodpecker

Tree             Bilva, Bael

Syllables       Pay, po, ra, ree

 

Mythology #1

Tvashtr – Celestial Architect

Tvashtr is the artisan god.  The purusha sukta refers to the Purusha as Tvastr, who is the visible form of creativity emerged from the navel of the invisible Vishwakarma. In the Yajurveda, Purusha sukta amd Rigveda, his character and attributes are merged with the concept of Hiranyagharbha/Prajapaty or Brahma.  Tvashtr is the heavenly builder, and the maker of divine implements like Indra’s Vajra etc. He is invoked when desiring offspring, hence, he is also called Garbha Pati or the lord of the womb. 

 

Mythology #2

Lord Ayyappa:

Lord Ayyappa is known as Hari Hara Sudan that is son of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva). The demoness Mahishi was very angry at the death of her brother Mahishasura at the hands of Goddess Durga.  Thus, Mahishi began performing a fearsome set of austerities and pleased the creator Brahma.  She asks for the boon of invulnerability, but Brahma said that it is not possible, hence Mahisi asked death by the son of Shiva and Vishnu(both are male and there is no possibility of a birth of a child). Brahma bestows her that boon.  Mahishi with new armour in hand started plundering the world and began conquering.

The Gods seek the help of Shiva and Vishnu to save them from Mahishi.  Vishnu finds a possible solution to the pronle.  Vishnu when takes Kurma avatar, he also had to manifest as Mohini, the enchantress, to save the nectar of immortality(Amrit) from the demons who were not willing to share it with Gods.  In the form of Mohini and with the power of Shiva a divine child can be formed with the powers of Goddess Durga to kill Mahishi.  Thus Lord Ayyappa was born. 

Lord Ayyappa was also known as Manikandan.  He was found in the pampa forest to the King Raja Rajashekara.  At the same time Queen was pregnant and she did not want Manikanta to be the heir to the royal throne.  So she faked a mysterious disease that could be cured only by the milk of a tigress.  Manikandan was asked to go to the forest to fetch tigress milk, thinking that he will be killed in the forest.  But, days later, Manikandan comes back to the palace riding a fierce tigress followed by pack of cubs.  The king and queen realise that Manikandan is not an ordinary being.  And they pray to him to be with them for the safety of kingdom and their salvation.  However, Manikandan leaves the palace.  He asks the King to construct a temple at Sabarimala, north of the holy river pampa and install his diety.  He further explains how the pilgrimage to Sabarimala to be done and the benefits of the darshan.