Shravana

Shravana Nakshatra

Shravana has three prominent stars forming a shape resembling Garuda. It is also known as Tarkshya and Garutman, representing Garuda ready to fly. The word Tarakashi means “consisting of three Riksha stars,” while Garutman is a synonym for Garuda.

Its ruling deity, therefore, in the Vedic tradition, is cited as Garuda or Tarkshya. The deity signifies space and velocity in the Vedas and is described with the adjective Arishtanemi, meaning “the one whose chariot has imperishable spokes.” This depicts the deity as the commander of commanders.

In the Puranas, its three stars are recognised as the three footsteps of Lord Vishnu. During the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Vamana, Lord Vishnu traversed the three worlds in three steps and was therefore also known as Trivikrama. Thus, the three stars of Shravana are associated with the three divine footsteps of Vishnu.

This Nakshatra is associated with learning through listening to the Guru. The word Shravana itself means “to listen,” making it the constellation of knowledge acquired through attentive hearing. People born under Shravana are therefore believed to have a remarkable ability to obtain, absorb, and preserve knowledge through listening. They constantly seek wisdom and may often travel to foreign countries for higher education. They possess strong focus towards achieving their goals and generally strive to complete the projects they undertake.

Stars and Visibility

Shravana is associated with a bright star that is approximately 16.7 light-years away from the Sun. It lies about 29 degrees north of the ecliptic and is approximately eleven times brighter than the Sun.

It is visible from June to September, approximately 90 minutes after sunset. Within a span of less than three hours, the star can be seen progressively moving from the western horizon towards the meridian. It appears as though it is flying eastwards through the Milky Way.

The Three Steps of Vishnu

According to the legend of Vamana Avatar, Vishnu descended in the form of a Brahmin. When the Devas were suffering under the power of demons, Vishnu approached King Bali and asked him to donate three feet of land.

As soon as King Bali approved the donation, Vishnu assumed a gigantic form. With his first step, Vishnu covered Urdhva Loka; with his second step, he covered Madhya Loka; and with his third and final step, he placed his foot upon the head of King Bali and sent him to Pataloka.

This event is associated with Shravana Nakshatra, giving it the symbol of three steps. The three-star group is therefore depicted in the Puranas as the three steps taken by Vishnu during the Vamana Avatar when he asked King Bali for three steps of land.

Meaning and Spiritual Significance

The meaning of Shravana is “to listen.” It is regarded as the constellation of knowledge and is considered an auspicious, Satvik, male constellation. The Nakshatra is ruled by Chandra (Moon), symbolising learning through listening to the Vedas, mantras, wind chimes, Satyanarayan Katha, and the Sundar Kand recitation of Hanumanji.

According to mythological belief, Sage Markandeya performed prolonged penance during the month of Shravan to please Lord Shiva and obtain a long life. Through his devotion, even the God of Death, Yamaraja, was defeated.

It is also believed that listening to or reciting the story of immortality narrated by Shiva to Parvati can free a person from sins. This is one of the reasons why the worship of Lord Shiva holds special significance during the month of Shravan.

The Nakshatra first activates in the 15th year, in whichever house this Nakshatra is present in the native’s birth chart.

Characteristics of the Natives

Natives born under Shravana are adventurous as well as religious. They are interested in listening to sermons and possess good hearing capability. They may have an inclination towards sports, adventure, speech, mantras, and higher levels of self-consciousness.

They may have long ears and can earn through vocal activities. Learning through listening, poetic ability, incorporating poems and couplets into their speeches, inquisitiveness, aspiring for fame, and early ageing are some of their other characteristics.

Some natives may not be easily impressed. Acting, writing, speech, debating, legal activities, teaching, preaching, consultancy, sports, languages, medication, medicines, and media-related activities may be suitable professional pursuits.

They are fond of travelling and may have professions that require them to travel extensively across the country or even abroad. They also possess the ability to listen to their inner voice and preserve the knowledge they acquire through listening.

Auspicious Activities

Activities recommended to be initiated during the transit of the Moon through Shravana Nakshatra include marriage and other benedictory activities, rituals, making resolutions, learning, installing deities, conception of a child, purchasing or wearing new clothes and ornaments, gardening, adventurous activities, participating in sports, exhibitions, social performances, social interactions, studying languages, and learning classical principles.