Magha Nakshatra

Magha is the tenth of the 27 nakshatras, spanning sidereal Leo 0° to 13°20′, the first part of Leo. Its Vimshottari lord is Ketu and its deity the Pitris (ancestors). In the sky it is associated with the star Regulus. If the Moon occupied this span at birth, Magha is the birth nakshatra.

Key facts

Magha in tradition

"Magha" means "the great" or "the bountiful". Its symbol is a royal throne, so tradition links it with lineage, heritage, honour and gratitude to ancestors. During Pitru Paksha many families treat the day of Magha nakshatra as special for shraddha. Classical texts count it among the "ugra" (fierce) and "gandmool" nakshatras, and some families hold a traditional shanti puja for it. That is a custom, not a cause for fear.

Padas and naming syllables

Every nakshatra has four padas of 3°20′ each. The traditional syllables for Magha’s four padas are Ma, Mi, Mu, Me. Many families use them when choosing a name; this is a cultural preference, not an obligation.

Magha and Vimshottari dasha

If the Moon was in Magha at birth, the Vimshottari dasha begins with the mahadasha of Ketu. 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: Singh (Leo) horoscope. Pocket Jyotish AI AI can explain terms, but it is not a human and may make mistakes.