Nakshatra 14 of 27
Chitra nakshatra (चित्रा)
Chitra, 'the brilliant', is the nakshatra of design and creation, spanning Virgo and Libra. Ruled by Mars and presided over by the divine architect, it makes beautiful, well-built things.
Chitra nakshatra at a glance
- Ruling planet
- Mars (Mangala)
- Zodiac sign
- Virgo and Libra
- Deity
- Tvashtar (Vishvakarma), the divine architect
- Symbol
- A bright jewel or pearl
- Gana
- Rakshasa
- Animal symbol
- Female tiger
- Dasha years
- 7 years (Mars mahadasha)
Chitra personality: strengths and challenges
Strengths
Creative skill, charisma, an eye for beauty and structure, and the drive to build something distinctive.
Challenges
Vanity, restlessness and a need to stand out. Can swing between perfectionism and boredom.
Career and relationships
Career
Architecture, design, fashion, jewellery, engineering, film and photography, and the creative industries.
Love and marriage
Attractive and magnetic, with a need for admiration. Lasting bonds come from shared projects and mutual respect.
Chitra padas and name letters
Each pada is 3°20'wide and falls in a different navamsa (D9) sign. Traditionally a child's name starts with the syllable of the pada the Moon was in.
| Pada | Name syllable | Navamsa sign |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pe | Leo |
| 2 | Po | Virgo |
| 3 | Ra | Libra |
| 4 | Ri | Scorpio |
Name syllables differ slightly between regional traditions.
Chitra nakshatra remedies
Worship Vishvakarma and Hanuman; steady creative practice and honest work are the traditional supports.
For the ruling planet Mars, Tuesdayis the traditional day and “Om Angarakaya Namah” the usual beej mantra. Treat these as supportive habits, not guarantees, and avoid anyone who asks for large payments for remedies.
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Chitra nakshatra: common questions
Which planet rules Chitra nakshatra?
Chitra is ruled by Mars (Mangala). In the Vimshottari dasha system, a person born in Chitra starts life in the Mars mahadasha, which lasts 7 years in total.
Which zodiac sign is Chitra nakshatra in?
Chitra lies in Virgo (23°20' to 30°00') and Libra (0°00' to 6°40') in the sidereal zodiac.
What are the name letters for Chitra nakshatra?
The traditional starting syllables for the four padas of Chitra are Pe, Po, Ra, Ri. These vary slightly between regional traditions.
What is the deity of Chitra nakshatra?
Tvashtar (Vishvakarma), the divine architect. The symbol is a bright jewel or pearl, and the nakshatra belongs to the Rakshasa gana.
Chitra is one factor in a chart. For a reading of your own kundli, including dasha timing, book a consultation.
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