Nakshatra 18 of 27
Jyeshtha Nakshatra
The eldest. Ruled by Mercury, presided over by Indra, chief of the gods.
Quick Answer
Jyeshtha is the 18th of the 27 nakshatras. It spans 16°40' Scorpio to 0°00' Sagittarius in the sidereal zodiac, is ruled by Mercury, presided over by Indra, chief of the gods, and its symbol is a round amulet.
Jyeshtha at a Glance
- Sidereal span
- 16°40' Scorpio to 0°00' Sagittarius
- Tropical span in 2026
- 10°54' Sagittarius to 24°14' Sagittarius
- Ruling planet
- Mercury
- Deity
- Indra, chief of the gods
- Symbol
- A round amulet
- Name means
- The eldest
The Quality of Jyeshtha
Jyeshtha is the eldest, guarded by Indra. It carries seniority, responsibility and a protective instinct. Its power is real, and its maturity shows in using that power for those who have less.
Where are you the elder, and how are you using that place?
The Four Padas of Jyeshtha
Each pada is a quarter of 3°20' and sets the navamsa (D9) sign.
| Pada | Sidereal Span | Navamsa |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16°40' Scorpio to 20°00' Scorpio | Sagittarius |
| 2 | 20°00' Scorpio to 23°20' Scorpio | Capricorn |
| 3 | 23°20' Scorpio to 26°40' Scorpio | Aquarius |
| 4 | 26°40' Scorpio to 0°00' Sagittarius | Pisces |
When the Moon Is in Jyeshtha
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 11, 1:08 AM ET | Nov 12, 3:49 AM ET | Nov 11, 11:38 AM IST | Nov 12, 2:19 PM IST |
| Dec 8, 7:46 AM ET | Dec 9, 10:30 AM ET | Dec 8, 6:16 PM IST | Dec 9, 9:00 PM IST |
| Jan 4, 1:45 PM ET | Jan 5, 4:37 PM ET | Jan 5, 12:15 AM IST | Jan 6, 3:07 AM IST |
| Jan 31, 7:58 PM ET | Feb 1, 10:51 PM ET | Feb 1, 6:28 AM IST | Feb 2, 9:21 AM IST |
The Sun in Jyeshtha, 2026
The Sun enters Jyeshtha on December 2, 2026 at 8:58 PM ET (7:28 AM IST on December 3) and stays until December 15, 2026 at 11:55 PM ET (10:25 AM IST on December 16). It returns to the same nakshatra on nearly the same dates every year.
Neighboring Nakshatras
Before Jyeshtha: Anuradha, ruled by Saturn. After it: Mula, ruled by Ketu. See all 27 nakshatras.
Questions About Jyeshtha
What Is the Lord of Jyeshtha Nakshatra?
Mercury rules Jyeshtha, the 18th of the 27 nakshatras. In the Vimshottari dasha system, someone born with the Moon in Jyeshtha begins life in the Mercury period.
Where Is Jyeshtha Nakshatra in the Zodiac?
Jyeshtha spans 16°40' Scorpio to 0°00' Sagittarius in the sidereal zodiac, 13°20' of arc. With the Lahiri ayanamsa in 2026, that corresponds to 10°54' Sagittarius to 24°14' Sagittarius in the tropical zodiac.
What Are the Deity and Symbol of Jyeshtha?
The presiding deity of Jyeshtha is Indra, chief of the gods. Its symbol is a round amulet. The name means "the eldest".
What Are the Four Padas of Jyeshtha?
Pada 1 runs 16°40' Scorpio to 20°00' Scorpio (navamsa Sagittarius); Pada 2 runs 20°00' Scorpio to 23°20' Scorpio (navamsa Capricorn); Pada 3 runs 23°20' Scorpio to 26°40' Scorpio (navamsa Aquarius); Pada 4 runs 26°40' Scorpio to 0°00' Sagittarius (navamsa Pisces).
When Is the Moon in Jyeshtha Next?
The Moon is next in Jyeshtha from November 11, 2026 at 1:08 AM ET (11:38 AM IST) until November 12, 2026 at 3:49 AM ET (2:19 PM IST). It returns about every 27.3 days.
When Is the Sun in Jyeshtha in 2026?
The Sun enters Jyeshtha on December 2, 2026 at 8:58 PM ET (7:28 AM IST on December 3) and leaves on December 15, 2026 at 11:55 PM ET (10:25 AM IST on December 16), using the Lahiri ayanamsa.
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