Pushya

Pushya Nakshatra

Pushya means to be nourished, nurtured, or taken care of. It is believed that Lord Rama and his younger brother Bharata were respectively born under Pushya. As its symbol or appearance is associated with aiming, shooting, and focusing, it relates to many aspects of human nature, such as motions, aspirations, desires, and ambitions. The arrow is also associated with pace, ventures, and motivation falling under a native's command.

On the positive side, generosity, mercy, the quest for knowledge and skill, attentiveness, extra care toward one's goals, protection, and material wants become important. Such natives are givers of what they have. They are generally intelligent, healthy, and wealthy. They possess strong willpower, which grows stronger with age. They continue working patiently and ultimately achieve success.

The cow is revered in Hindu tradition and religion and is a symbol of fertility and productivity. Prajapati is the ruling deity of Pushya Nakshatra and bestows the quality of benevolence. Saturn, the ruling planet, brings commitment and practicality.

People born under this Nakshatra have a strong sense of family, home, and community. These natives need a balanced approach toward life; however, in their attempt to maintain this balance, they may sometimes become too rigid. If Pushya Nakshatra falls on a Sunday or Thursday, buying and selling is considered auspicious. The Nakshatra is said to activate first in the 24th year, in whichever house it is placed in the native's birth chart.

Astronomical Significance

Pushya can be located from February. Its famous cluster, known as Cancer Minor and Hydra, exists in this region. During March, around 22:00 hours, one can witness the star crossing overhead from locations falling between 90° North and 60° South.

Jupiter, Moon, and Pushya Tara

We know that Jupiter takes almost one year to pass through a Rashi and may return to Pushya only after approximately 12 years. The Moon, however, can transit the same Nakshatra every month. There is an interesting story behind this association.

Dev Guru Jupiter is not capable of going beyond approximately one degree on either side of the ecliptic, while the Moon wanders up to about five degrees. Being the Guru of all Grahas or Gods, Jupiter, while setting out on a long journey of 12 years, asked the Moon—the most capable among the Grahas of making such frequent journeys—to take care of his wife, Guru Mata, in his absence.

Because of the Moon's frequent visits to Pushya Nakshatra, occurring approximately every month, people may have been inspired to develop the story of the Moon's deep involvement with Pushya Tara. During the course of Jupiter's next transit to Pushya, after a period of 12 years, Mercury in the meantime also became conjunct with Pushya Tara. This phenomenon formed the basis of the story describing Mercury as an offspring of the Moon, born to Pushya Tara.

In ancient India, the word Pushya was very popular and was also used in names such as King Pusha Madra, Pusha Gupta, and Pusha Raja.

Pushya and Marriage

Pushya is not recommended for marriage. It is said to have been discarded by Lord Brahma himself for marriage ceremonies. According to the traditional story, Brahma was captivated by the beauty of his daughter at the time of her marriage, assumed the form of a deer, and chased her. As a result, Brahma was punished and Pushya was cursed and subsequently disregarded for marriage ceremonies.

Auspicious Activities

Auspicious activities such as learning and educational pursuits, rituals, remedial acts, Yagna, medical treatment, preparation of medicines, conceiving a child, interviews with authorities, travel, and crowning ceremonies can be initiated during Pushya Nakshatra.

Apart from marriage, other benefic and auspicious activities—such as the construction of a house or building and similar undertakings—are traditionally believed to fructify when performed during Pushya Nakshatra.

Personality Traits

The personality traits of natives born under the nourishing influence of Pushya Nakshatra include an energized zeal to expand, care, and protect. With many of their activities centered on the domain of the material world, natives born under the birth star of Pushya are zealously protective of their family, society, or community to which they belong.

The intrinsic qualities of care, protection, kindness, nourishment, and benevolence dominate the personality traits of this Nakshatra. These qualities encourage Pushya natives to look beyond themselves and address issues pertaining to a larger social or community forum. Their natural tendency to nurture and protect often makes them dependable individuals who feel responsible not only for their own well-being but also for the welfare of those around them.