Shravana Nakshatra — Meaning, Deity, Traits & Padas

Śravaṇa means 'hearing' or 'listening', from śru, 'to hear'. It refers to learning through listening, the way the Vedas (śruti, 'what is heard') were transmitted.

About Shravana

Shravana is the twenty-second nakshatra, spanning Makara 10°00′ to 23°20′ in Capricorn. Its main star is Altair (Alpha Aquilae) with its two flanking stars, forming the three footprints of Vishnu. The Moon is its Vimshottari lord and Saturn rules the sign. The lunar month Shravana (Sawan) is named after it.

Shravana is a chara (movable) nakshatra, favourable for travel, vehicles, learning, listening to teachings and starting education. Many important observances are linked with it: Onam is celebrated on Thiruvonam, when the Moon is in Shravana in the month of Chingam, and Raksha Bandhan and Upakarma fall on the Shravana full moon. Vishnu worship is considered especially fruitful on Shravana days.

Traditional characteristics

Shravana natives are described as learned, attentive, generous, famous, prosperous and devoted. They are said to be good listeners and wise counsellors, valuing knowledge and tradition. Over-sensitivity to criticism is mentioned as a weakness. Teaching, media, counselling, languages and music are traditionally 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 Vishnu, the preserver. The three footprints symbolise his three strides as Trivikrama, by which he measured the earth, sky and heavens to reclaim them from the asura king Bali. In Kerala, Bali (Mahabali) is believed to visit his people each year on Thiruvonam, the Shravana day of Chingam.

The four padas of Shravana

Each pada spans 3°20′ and corresponds to one navamsa (D9) sign. Shravana holds padas 85 to 88 of the 108 in the zodiac.

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