Ashlesha Nakshatra

Ashlesha is the ninth of the 27 nakshatras, spanning sidereal Cancer 16°40′ to 30°, the last part of Cancer. Its Vimshottari lord is Mercury and its deity the Nagas. If the Moon occupied this span at birth, Ashlesha is the birth nakshatra.

Key facts

Ashlesha in tradition

"Ashlesha" means "to entwine" or "embrace". Tradition links it with deep insight, grip and intuition. Classical texts count it among the "tikshna" (sharp) and "gandmool" nakshatras, and some families hold a traditional shanti puja for it. That is a custom, not a cause for fear; no single nakshatra decides anyone’s future.

Padas and naming syllables

Every nakshatra has four padas of 3°20′ each. The traditional syllables for Ashlesha’s four padas are Di, Du, De, Do. Many families use them when choosing a name; this is a cultural preference, not an obligation.

Ashlesha and Vimshottari dasha

If the Moon was in Ashlesha at birth, the Vimshottari dasha begins with the mahadasha of Mercury (Budh). The balance of that first dasha depends on how far the Moon had travelled through the nakshatra, so it relies on an accurate birth time.

Keep perspective

A nakshatra is one part of a birth chart, not the whole story. Its name alone cannot settle anyone’s nature, health or future. Read how to find your nakshatra or make a free kundli. Related signs: Kark (Cancer) horoscope. Pocket Jyotish AI AI can explain terms, but it is not a human and may make mistakes.