Nakshatra 3 of 27
Krittika nakshatra (कृत्तिका)
Krittika is the 'cutter', the nakshatra of the blade and the purifying flame. It spans the end of Aries and the start of Taurus. Its energy discriminates, burns away what is false and gives a sharp critical mind.
Krittika nakshatra at a glance
- Ruling planet
- Sun (Surya)
- Zodiac sign
- Aries and Taurus
- Deity
- Agni, the fire god
- Symbol
- Razor or flame
- Gana
- Rakshasa
- Animal symbol
- Female sheep
- Dasha years
- 6 years (Sun mahadasha)
Krittika personality: strengths and challenges
Strengths
Honesty, clarity, leadership and a protective streak. It speaks plainly and holds people to a standard.
Challenges
Sharp tongue, anger and a habit of criticizing. Its intensity can wound those it means to help.
Career and relationships
Career
Leadership roles, the armed forces, surgery, cooking and food, editing, teaching and any work that demands precision.
Love and marriage
Devoted and protective, but needs to soften criticism. Does best with a partner who is secure enough to take straight talk.
Krittika 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 | A | Sagittarius |
| 2 | I | Capricorn |
| 3 | U | Aquarius |
| 4 | E | Pisces |
Name syllables differ slightly between regional traditions.
Krittika nakshatra remedies
Offer water to the Sun at sunrise on Sundays and light a lamp for Agni; keeping speech measured is the most useful practice.
For the ruling planet Sun, Sundayis the traditional day and “Om Suryaya 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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Krittika nakshatra: common questions
Which planet rules Krittika nakshatra?
Krittika is ruled by Sun (Surya). In the Vimshottari dasha system, a person born in Krittika starts life in the Sun mahadasha, which lasts 6 years in total.
Which zodiac sign is Krittika nakshatra in?
Krittika lies in Aries (26°40' to 30°00') and Taurus (0°00' to 10°00') in the sidereal zodiac.
What are the name letters for Krittika nakshatra?
The traditional starting syllables for the four padas of Krittika are A, I, U, E. These vary slightly between regional traditions.
What is the deity of Krittika nakshatra?
Agni, the fire god. The symbol is razor or flame, and the nakshatra belongs to the Rakshasa gana.
Krittika is one factor in a chart. For a reading of your own kundli, including dasha timing, book a consultation.
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