Shatabhisha Nakshatra — Meaning, Deity, Traits & Padas

Śatabhiṣā (also Śatatārakā) means 'a hundred physicians' or 'a hundred stars', from śata, 'hundred', and bhiṣaj, 'healer'. It conveys healing and multitude.

About Shatabhisha

Shatabhisha is the twenty-fourth nakshatra, spanning Kumbha 6°40′ to 20°00′ in Aquarius. Its principal star is Lambda Aquarii, in a faint region of the sky, matching the image of an empty circle filled with many dim stars. Rahu is its Vimshottari lord and Saturn rules the sign, giving a reputation for unconventional, secretive and scientific pursuits.

Shatabhisha is a chara (movable) nakshatra, considered favourable for travel, buying vehicles, gardening, education and especially for starting medical treatment, given its 'hundred healers' name. It falls within the Panchaka period, so certain construction activities are traditionally avoided.

Traditional characteristics

Shatabhisha natives are described as truthful, independent, philosophical and sometimes reclusive, with a scientific or mystical inclination. They are said to be outspoken, good at solving puzzles and devoted to their own principles. Medicine, astronomy, research, technology and alternative healing are commonly associated 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 Varuna, the Vedic god of the cosmic waters, the sky and moral law (rita). Varuna sees all, binds wrongdoers with his noose and releases the repentant. Many Rigvedic hymns ask Varuna for forgiveness and healing, which links him to Shatabhisha's healing nature.

The four padas of Shatabhisha

Each pada spans 3°20′ and corresponds to one navamsa (D9) sign. Shatabhisha holds padas 93 to 96 of the 108 in the zodiac.

1. Pada 1: Dhanu (Sagittarius) navamsa — Kumbha 6°40′ – 10°00′; navamsa lord Jupiter, emphasising idealism, learning, dharma and a philosophical outlook. Name syllable: Go.
2. Pada 2: Makara (Capricorn) navamsa — Kumbha 10°00′ – 13°20′; navamsa lord Saturn, emphasising discipline, ambition, responsibility and patient effort. Name syllable: Sa.
3. Pada 3: Kumbha (Aquarius) navamsa — Kumbha 13°20′ – 16°40′; navamsa lord Saturn, emphasising independent thinking, humanitarian ideals and group endeavour. Name syllable: Si. This pada is vargottama (rashi and navamsa coincide), traditionally considered a strengthening placement.
4. Pada 4: Meena (Pisces) navamsa — Kumbha 16°40′ – 20°00′; navamsa lord Jupiter, emphasising compassion, imagination, devotion and spiritual inclination. Name syllable: Su.