Hasta Nakshatra — Meaning, Deity, Traits & Padas

Hasta means 'hand'. The five stars of the asterism are seen as the fingers of an open hand, symbolising skill, craftsmanship and the ability to grasp and give.

About Hasta

Hasta is the thirteenth nakshatra, spanning Kanya 10°00′ to 23°20′ entirely within Virgo. Its stars form the small constellation Corvus (the crow). The Moon is its Vimshottari lord and Mercury rules the sign, a combination associated with dexterity, wit and practical intelligence.

Hasta is a kshipra (swift) nakshatra, recommended for trade, crafts, starting studies, medical treatment, travel and the making of ornaments. It is also one of the eleven classical marriage nakshatras. The Sun's transit through Hasta in late September to October marks the 'Hasta' rains in parts of South India, traditionally significant for agriculture.

Traditional characteristics

Hasta natives are described as skilful, industrious, witty, resourceful and fond of humour, with clever hands and a practical mind. They are said to be good at crafts, healing and commerce, and to make friends easily. Restlessness and a tendency to cleverness bordering on cunning are noted as weaknesses. Artisans, healers, writers and traders are traditionally linked with this star.

These descriptions reflect traditional beliefs recorded in Jyotisha literature. Astrologers read the birth nakshatra together with the whole horoscope, and these attributes are not scientific findings.

Deity and mythology

The deity is Savitar, the Vedic solar god of the morning and evening who 'impels' all beings into activity. The famous Gayatri mantra of the Rigveda (3.62.10) is addressed to Savitar. He is often depicted with golden hands, linking the deity to Hasta's symbol and its association with creative effort and blessing.

The four padas of Hasta

Each pada spans 3°20′ and corresponds to one navamsa (D9) sign. Hasta holds padas 49 to 52 of the 108 in the zodiac.

1. Pada 1: Mesha (Aries) navamsa — Kanya 10°00′ – 13°20′; navamsa lord Mars, emphasising initiative, courage and a pioneering, self-starting drive. Name syllable: Pu.
2. Pada 2: Vrishabha (Taurus) navamsa — Kanya 13°20′ – 16°40′; navamsa lord Venus, emphasising steadiness, comfort, material security and an eye for beauty. Name syllable: Sha.
3. Pada 3: Mithuna (Gemini) navamsa — Kanya 16°40′ – 20°00′; navamsa lord Mercury, emphasising curiosity, communication, adaptability and quick learning. Name syllable: Na.
4. Pada 4: Karka (Cancer) navamsa — Kanya 20°00′ – 23°20′; navamsa lord the Moon, emphasising nurturing, emotional sensitivity and attachment to home and family. Name syllable: Tha.