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

Vishakha Nakshatra ranges from 20 degrees in Tula Rasi to 3 degrees and 20 minutes in Vrischika rasi. The presiding deity for Vishakha nakshatra is Indragni that is Lord Agni and Lord Indra are collectively known as Indragni. Vishakha nakshatra symbol is Potters wheel. The planetary ruler is Jupiter.

Vishakha Nakshatra:

Vishakha comes from the Sanskrit word Vi means "Divided", and Shakha means “Branch”.  Vishakha means “the branched one” indicating creativity, intelligence, many talents, and vitality.

The symbol is the Potters wheel or decorated archway. indicates the cycle of life, the wheel of dharma, karma, and creativity. Decorated Archway indicates the gateway of life which is procreation.

The presiding deity is Indragni.  That is Lord Agni and Lord Indra together are the presiding deities of Vishakha nakshatra. These two indicate the inner fire to rise up.  Highly charged with very great ideas.  A sense of ever-active nature precisely electrically charged atmosphere.

The planetary ruler is Jupiter.  Jupiter is associated with wisdom, knowledge, philosophy, and spirituality

Characteristics:

Vishakha nakshatra natives will have good communication skills.  They will be intelligent, focused, and good in various subjects.  They will respect and make friends with those who have great intelligence and knowledge. They will have a big circle of friends and will have a good social life.  They will be driven and outgoing.  This will make you to be overactive, overthinking, and restless most of the time.  They will show interest in working for world causes and will even expect recognition for the same.  They are very strong in their thought/actions, and they believe in truth and a righteous path, at times this will be very overbearing for many.  Some of them will show deep interest in spiritual/religious matters and some will get deeply into alcohol and such vices. 

Vishaka natives end up feeling jealous and envious easily.  They tend to have a fault-finding nature, this may result in some differences with friends/family.  They will be very talking and indecisive, they make a decision and immediately change it.  They will be very indecisive especially when it comes to making important decisions in life. 

Physical characteristics:

Vishakha nakshatra natives both male and female will have mostly fair complexion.  They will have sharp eyes and angled features.  They will be either slightly plumpy or will be very lean.     

Padas of Vishakha Nakshatra:

1^st pada or Mesha navamsa: When the native is born in Vishakha nakshatra, between 20 degrees to 23 degrees and 20 minutes in Tula Rasi, they are in the first pada of Vishakha Nakshatra.  The first pada is ruled by Mars(Kuja).  Those born in the first pada will be adamant, strong, energetic, and impulsive people.  They will have an old school of thought and will generally not like to change a lot.  They will be slightly short-tempered and may have differences with family members because of their straightforward talk and strong behavior.  They will be passionate and romantic. 

2^nd pada or Vrishbha navamsa - When the native is born in Vishakha nakshatra, between 23 degrees 20 minutes to 26 degrees 40 minutes in Tula Rasi, they are in the second pada of Vishakha nakshatra.  The second pada is ruled by Venus (Shukra). Those born in the second pada of Vishakha nakshatra will be intelligent, talented, skilled, and creative people.  They will be slightly overly passionate and may have several romantic relationships.  They will show interest in the entertainment industry.  They like their private space and will not reveal their true self in public. 

3^rd pada or Mithuna Navamsa - When the native is born in Vishakha nakshatra, between 26 degrees forty minutes to 30 degrees of  Tula Rasi they are in the third pada of Vishakha nakshatra.  The third pada is ruled by Mercury(Budha). Those born in the third pada will have an interest in acquiring knowledge on various topics.  They will have an interest in spiritual/religious matters.  They will have an interest in business and prefer to work individually if in the work environment. 

4^th pada or Karkataka Navamsa - When the native is born in Vishakha nakshatra between 0 degrees to 3 degrees to 20 minutes in Karkataka Navamsa, they are in the fourth pada of Vishakha nakshatra.  The fourth pada is ruled by Moon(Chandra). Those born in fourth pada will be good in helping others transform their lives and wade through difficult situations like medical doctors, therapists of various types, trauma care, psychologists, etc.  They will be ever on their toes.  They will be jealous and greedy and will own a lot of property/save money.  Those born in this pada will be preachers/life path leaders.  They will have ulterior motives in helping others.

Auspicious activities:

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

• Making new jewelry
• Registration of an asset
• Construction works
• Arbitration
• Manufacturing
• Starting a spiritual activity
• Childbearing
• War
• Initiating legal cases
• Overthinking/stress-related ailments

Professions suitable:

Professions suitable for Vishakha nakshatra natives are

• Scientist
• Media – TV anchors, RJs, etc
• Priest/religious preachers
• Counselor
• Healers, psychics, clairvoyants
• Entertainment and fashion
• Defense and embassy

 Health:

Primary body parts represented by Vishakha nakshatra is arms and Breast.

 Ailments related to Vishakha nakshatra are:

1. Kidneys
2. Gallbladder
3. Lower abdomen
4. Pancreatic glands
5. Prostate glands
6. Uterus
7. Renal

Other information:

Gana             Rakshasa

Colour          Golden

Planet Lord    Jupiter

Guna           Sattwic

Nadi             Kapha

Gender          Female

Nature          Moveable

Element        Fire   

Direction      North

Varna           Mlechha

Animal         Tiger

Bird              Sparrow with red tail

Tree             Wood apple

Syllables       Ti,Tu,Te,To

Mythology #1

Indira and Agni are the two ruling deities of Vishakha nakshatra.  Indra is the king of Gods.  He is known to indulge in all the vices and represents the desires, impulsive nature & insecurity of humankind.  In order to protect his position as king, he keeps disturbing the penance of the rishis and pujas of earthly kings.

Once when roaming in the Khandava Vana, Arjuna and Krishna met the god of fire, Agni.  Agni was in great hunger and needed to burn down the entire Khadava Vana to quench his hunger.  But Takshaka, the serpent king lived in the same forest and was a friend of Indira.  So the Indra brought down heavy rains to thwart Agni’s plans to burn the woods.  Agni requested Krishna and Arjuna to help him quench his hunger. Arjuna requested Agni for Gandiva and Divine Chariot for the purpose.  The three of them then invoked Varuna, the God of the oceans, who blessed Arjuna with the Gandiva (The bow created by Brahma). Agni also gave Arjuna a Chariot with four horses yoked and bearing a flag that would one day be occupied by Lord Hanuman.  Arjuna also obtained his famous conch.

Sith Krishna using Sudarshana Chakra Arjuna and Krishna waged a successful battle against Indra and Helped Agni burn down the entire Khandava Vana.  Indra was angered, but being the father of Arjuna and filled with pride at Arjuna’s success he overcame the anger and bestowed greater powers to Arjuna.