Nakshatra 14 of 27
Chitra Nakshatra
The bright one. Ruled by Mars, presided over by Tvashtar, the divine craftsman.
Quick Answer
Chitra is the 14th of the 27 nakshatras. It spans 23°20' Virgo to 6°40' Libra in the sidereal zodiac, is ruled by Mars, presided over by Tvashtar, the divine craftsman, and its symbol is a bright jewel.
Chitra at a Glance
- Sidereal span
- 23°20' Virgo to 6°40' Libra
- Tropical span in 2026
- 17°34' Libra to 0°54' Scorpio
- Ruling planet
- Mars
- Deity
- Tvashtar, the divine craftsman
- Symbol
- A bright jewel
- Name means
- The bright one
The Quality of Chitra
Chitra is the bright jewel of Tvashtar, the divine craftsman. It loves form, design and things made well. The brilliance it seeks outside is also something it can polish within.
What are you shaping in yourself with the same care you give your work?
The Four Padas of Chitra
Each pada is a quarter of 3°20' and sets the navamsa (D9) sign.
| Pada | Sidereal Span | Navamsa |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23°20' Virgo to 26°40' Virgo | Leo |
| 2 | 26°40' Virgo to 0°00' Libra | Virgo |
| 3 | 0°00' Libra to 3°20' Libra | Libra |
| 4 | 3°20' Libra to 6°40' Libra | Scorpio |
When the Moon Is in Chitra
The Moon passes through every nakshatra once a sidereal month, about every 27.3 days. Lahiri ayanamsa.
| Enters (ET) | Leaves (ET) | Enters (IST) | Leaves (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 6, 6:13 PM ET | Nov 7, 7:22 PM ET | Nov 7, 4:43 AM IST | Nov 8, 5:52 AM IST |
| Dec 3, 11:52 PM ET | Dec 5, 1:18 AM ET | Dec 4, 10:22 AM IST | Dec 5, 11:48 AM IST |
| Dec 31, 5:43 AM ET | Jan 1, 6:59 AM ET | Dec 31, 4:13 PM IST | Jan 1, 5:29 PM IST |
| Jan 27, 1:26 PM ET | Jan 28, 2:02 PM ET | Jan 27, 11:56 PM IST | Jan 29, 12:32 AM IST |
The Sun in Chitra, 2026
The Sun enters Chitra on October 10, 2026 at 4:50 PM ET (2:20 AM IST on October 11) and stays until October 24, 2026 at 3:21 AM ET (12:51 PM IST). It returns to the same nakshatra on nearly the same dates every year.
Neighboring Nakshatras
Before Chitra: Hasta, ruled by the Moon. After it: Swati, ruled by Rahu. See all 27 nakshatras.
Questions About Chitra
What Is the Lord of Chitra Nakshatra?
Mars rules Chitra, the 14th of the 27 nakshatras. In the Vimshottari dasha system, someone born with the Moon in Chitra begins life in the Mars period.
Where Is Chitra Nakshatra in the Zodiac?
Chitra spans 23°20' Virgo to 6°40' Libra in the sidereal zodiac, 13°20' of arc. With the Lahiri ayanamsa in 2026, that corresponds to 17°34' Libra to 0°54' Scorpio in the tropical zodiac.
What Are the Deity and Symbol of Chitra?
The presiding deity of Chitra is Tvashtar, the divine craftsman. Its symbol is a bright jewel. The name means "the bright one".
What Are the Four Padas of Chitra?
Pada 1 runs 23°20' Virgo to 26°40' Virgo (navamsa Leo); Pada 2 runs 26°40' Virgo to 0°00' Libra (navamsa Virgo); Pada 3 runs 0°00' Libra to 3°20' Libra (navamsa Libra); Pada 4 runs 3°20' Libra to 6°40' Libra (navamsa Scorpio).
When Is the Moon in Chitra Next?
The Moon is next in Chitra from November 6, 2026 at 6:13 PM ET (4:43 AM IST on November 7) until November 7, 2026 at 7:22 PM ET (5:52 AM IST on November 8). It returns about every 27.3 days.
When Is the Sun in Chitra in 2026?
The Sun enters Chitra on October 10, 2026 at 4:50 PM ET (2:20 AM IST on October 11) and leaves on October 24, 2026 at 3:21 AM ET (12:51 PM IST), using the Lahiri ayanamsa.
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