Ashwini

Ashwini in the Vedas and other allied literature is always used in the dual number, signifying a dual deity, that is, the two Ashwini Kumaras. They are considered to be one of the ten sons of Lord Brahma, the creator. The Ashwini Kumaras are portrayed with the head of a horse or ram. The twenty-eight Tara or Nakshatras are considered to be their daughters.

Ashwini Nakshatra, resembling the heads of twin horses, is regarded as the starting point of the zodiac. The Rigveda mentions the Ashwini Kumaras nearly 400 times in different hymns, describing them as twin Vedic gods and physicians to the Devas. According to the Mahabharata and the Puranas, the Ashwinau first formulated Chyawanprash and taught it to Sage Chyavana at his ashram. Therefore, healing and rejuvenating capabilities are naturally inherent in this Nakshatra. They are always active, ever-young, and charming.

Those born under Ashwini possess the ability to initiate pioneering ideas and activities. Ashwini is known as the quickest of all Nakshatras and behaves in a direct and to-the-point manner, just like an untamed horse. They can be confident and independent but do not like to be told what to do. Ashwini Nakshatra natives are beautiful, bright, intelligent, fortunate, efficient, rich, and popular. The Nakshatra is believed to first activate in the 24th year of the native's lifetime, in whichever house this Nakshatra is placed or with which planets it is associated.

During November to December, Ashwini Mandala can be seen in the mid-sky region above the head of an observer after 21 hours, continuing toward midnight and progressively moving down toward the western horizon.

Ashwini is the first Nakshatra out of the 27 Nakshatras and is known as a healer. One interesting aspect of Ashwini Nakshatra is that sages and many classical texts describe certain effects of the Nakshatra in relation to the very moment when a girl experiences her first menstrual cycle. If Ashwini Nakshatra is active at that time, it is traditionally believed to indicate the bliss of progeny.

As the physicians of the Gods, the Ashwini Kumaras are associated with knowledge of herbs and medicines. They have an attractive personality and are believed to possess divine powers to heal or mitigate physical as well as mental suffering. Natives may exhibit qualities such as rapid execution of tasks, a hasty nature, interest in medicine, herbs, healing, treatment, infertility treatment, music, literature, hard work, alertness, a fast gait, slower ageing, patience, nurturing qualities, friendly behaviour, and a tendency toward self-medication.

Ashwini Lagna may make a native greedy, strict, and secretive in nature. Typical Ashwini Nakshatra behavioural characteristics include a trademark innocence, sportsmanship, and childlike inclinations. Apart from being lavish in their lifestyle, they may also be lavish in their display of courage and chivalry. Daringness and a willingness to abstain from excessive caution lie at the basis of their behavioural characteristics. They can be daringly courageous in the pursuit of life's challenging missions.

Ashwini natives may experience ups and downs in their careers. However, they may be comparatively more successful among their siblings and tend to calculate their own profit and loss wisely before taking action.

During the transit of the Moon through Ashwini, the following activities are traditionally considered favourable: training animals such as horses, elephants, or pets; manufacturing or repairing vehicles; laying the foundation of a building; treatment of diseases; rejuvenation; beginning exercise for physical or mental improvement; installing deities in temples; buying or selling; wearing new jewellery or clothes; and crowning a king.

Career Options

As far as career options are concerned, people born under the guiding influence of Ashwini Nakshatra generally excel as physicians, entrepreneurs, and in areas involving adventure sports. With their zeal for renewal and courage, they may excel in careers involving heroic exploits. Career options such as the military or armed forces, law enforcement, and athletics are traditionally considered favourable avenues for Ashwini natives.

Remedies for Ashwini Nakshatra

Chant the following mantras daily:

ॐ ह्रीं अश्वनौ नमः

ॐ अश्विनौ तेजसाचक्षुः प्राणेन सरस्वतीवीर्य्यम् वाचेन्द्रो बलेनेन्द्रायदद्युरिन्द्रियम् । ॐ अश्विनी कुमाराभ्यो नमः

Natives should worship the Ashwini Gods and offer flowers, rice grains, sandal paste, and other traditional offerings on a Shiva Linga.

They may also include the following in their diet: chestnuts, betel leaves, bananas, coconut, coconut water, Triphala powder, honey, dry fruits, and milk products.

Once a month, they may donate medicines or offer one strip of common medicines to Lord Shiva. They may also observe Aikashan Vrata, having only one meal on Ekadashi.

The specific remedy for Ganda Moola or Gandanta, as applicable, may be performed once in a lifetime. For such rituals and remedies, readers are advised to consult or book a consultation with a qualified Pandit.