Purva Phalguni

Purva Phalguni Nakshatra

Purva Phalguni is represented by the front legs of a cot and a fireplace, which signify rest, rejuvenation, pleasure, and comfort. The name Purva Phalguni is associated with a woman who has just reached adolescence or puberty.

Purva means “east” and is also understood as “former” or “earlier.” Phalguni can be associated with Phal, meaning “fruits,” and Guni, referring to the deeds of past life. Thus, another literal interpretation of Phalguni is the “fruits of the deeds or karmas of the previous birth.”

The ruling deity, Bhaga, represents wealth, prosperity, and sexual passion. Venus, the planetary ruler of this Nakshatra, brings an appreciation for relationships, beauty, pleasure, and luxury. This Nakshatra represents desire and the wish for recognition of one's accomplishments. It is truly a star of relaxation, recreation, and sometimes vanity, as it also represents a cot, couch, or marital conjugal bed.

Purva Phalguni denotes the energy of renewal and contentment through the love of art and creativity.

Visibility

The best possible visibility of Purva Phalguni occurs from April to June, from around 9 PM onwards. However, it can also be observed during other months, except September. In April, it remains visible approximately 45 degrees above the horizon.

The Story of Surya and the Moon

There is a story in the Rigveda which establishes that sunlight is metaphorically reflected within the Moon. The story tells of the daughter of the Sun being married to the Moon. Surya selected the Moon as his son-in-law and arranged for his daughter to be married to him.

Surya himself served as the chariot, with the sky forming the canopy of her chariot. The two bright celestial bodies, Venus and the Ashwini Kumaras, are said to have pulled the chariot as it travelled towards her husband's house.

On this occasion, Surya gifted hundreds of cows to the Moon. These cows were taken away in two lots during Magha and the two Phalguni Nakshatras. Here, the Sun's rays are collectively expressed as Surya's gift to the Moon, symbolising the dowry given to the newly married couple.

Such a huge quantity of rays, represented by the cows, was too difficult to carry away all at once, so the Moon received them in two stages.

This phenomenon was associated with the Bhadrapada month, when the two luminaries remain in Magha. It is the principal rainy season, when the Sun may remain hidden or invisible because of the rains. Hence, it was assumed that the rays had been taken away by the rain or remained reserved with the Moon.

These Nakshatras have two stars each, appearing like the head and legs of a bed or cot. Their ruling deities are respectively Bhaga, representing riches, and Aryaman, associated with exalted status and honour.

Since Vedic times and through the Ramayana age, Magha and the Phalguni Nakshatras were considered suitable for marriage. According to tradition, Lord Rama and Devi Sita were married under Purva Phalguni. Considering the subsequent ups and downs in their married life, Purva Phalguni was said to have been cursed by Lord Brahma.

Characteristics of the Natives

People born under Purva Phalguni tend to have an independent and, at times, autocratic nature. They love travelling and may be soft-spoken, generous, and action-oriented. Their independence is an important feature of their personality.

Other characteristics may include disobedience towards elders and authorities at times, a tendency to change jobs, an attractive personality, artistic abilities, accidental successes, a fondness for vehicles, and leadership qualities.

Suitable Activities

Activities that can be undertaken when Purva Phalguni Nakshatra is active include changing one's city or colony, treatment, purchasing luxury items, travelling, remedial activities, and similar pursuits associated with comfort, movement, renewal, and improvement.