Nakshatra 3 of 27
Krittika Nakshatra
The cutters. Ruled by the Sun, presided over by Agni, fire.
Quick Answer
Krittika is the 3rd of the 27 nakshatras. It spans 26°40' Aries to 10°00' Taurus in the sidereal zodiac, is ruled by the Sun, presided over by Agni, fire, and its symbol is a razor or flame.
Krittika at a Glance
- Sidereal span
- 26°40' Aries to 10°00' Taurus
- Tropical span in 2026
- 20°54' Taurus to 4°14' Gemini
- Ruling planet
- Sun
- Deity
- Agni, fire
- Symbol
- A razor or flame
- Name means
- The cutters
The Quality of Krittika
Krittika is the blade and the flame of Agni. It cuts away what is false and cooks what is raw, so its manner is direct and purifying. The same fire that clarifies can scorch, and the work of Krittika is to keep its honesty warm.
Can you say the clear thing in a way that also cares for the person hearing it?
The Four Padas of Krittika
Each pada is a quarter of 3°20' and sets the navamsa (D9) sign.
| Pada | Sidereal Span | Navamsa |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26°40' Aries to 0°00' Taurus | Sagittarius |
| 2 | 0°00' Taurus to 3°20' Taurus | Capricorn |
| 3 | 3°20' Taurus to 6°40' Taurus | Aquarius |
| 4 | 6°40' Taurus to 10°00' Taurus | Pisces |
When the Moon Is in Krittika
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 27, 6:09 AM ET | Oct 28, 3:56 AM ET | Oct 27, 3:39 PM IST | Oct 28, 1:26 PM IST |
| Nov 23, 3:32 PM ET | Nov 24, 12:55 PM ET | Nov 24, 2:02 AM IST | Nov 24, 11:25 PM IST |
| Dec 21, 2:38 AM ET | Dec 22, 12:15 AM ET | Dec 21, 1:08 PM IST | Dec 22, 10:45 AM IST |
| Jan 17, 12:12 PM ET | Jan 18, 10:35 AM ET | Jan 17, 10:42 PM IST | Jan 18, 9:05 PM IST |
The Sun in Krittika, 2027
The Sun enters Krittika on May 11, 2027 at 3:56 PM ET (1:26 AM IST on May 12) and stays until May 25, 2027 at 12:14 PM ET (9:44 PM IST). It returns to the same nakshatra on nearly the same dates every year.
Neighboring Nakshatras
Before Krittika: Bharani, ruled by Venus. After it: Rohini, ruled by the Moon. See all 27 nakshatras.
Questions About Krittika
What Is the Lord of Krittika Nakshatra?
The Sun rules Krittika, the 3rd of the 27 nakshatras. In the Vimshottari dasha system, someone born with the Moon in Krittika begins life in the Sun period.
Where Is Krittika Nakshatra in the Zodiac?
Krittika spans 26°40' Aries to 10°00' Taurus in the sidereal zodiac, 13°20' of arc. With the Lahiri ayanamsa in 2026, that corresponds to 20°54' Taurus to 4°14' Gemini in the tropical zodiac.
What Are the Deity and Symbol of Krittika?
The presiding deity of Krittika is Agni, fire. Its symbol is a razor or flame. The name means "the cutters".
What Are the Four Padas of Krittika?
Pada 1 runs 26°40' Aries to 0°00' Taurus (navamsa Sagittarius); Pada 2 runs 0°00' Taurus to 3°20' Taurus (navamsa Capricorn); Pada 3 runs 3°20' Taurus to 6°40' Taurus (navamsa Aquarius); Pada 4 runs 6°40' Taurus to 10°00' Taurus (navamsa Pisces).
When Is the Moon in Krittika Next?
The Moon is next in Krittika from October 27, 2026 at 6:09 AM ET (3:39 PM IST) until October 28, 2026 at 3:56 AM ET (1:26 PM IST). It returns about every 27.3 days.
When Is the Sun in Krittika in 2027?
The Sun enters Krittika on May 11, 2027 at 3:56 PM ET (1:26 AM IST on May 12) and leaves on May 25, 2027 at 12:14 PM ET (9:44 PM IST), using the Lahiri ayanamsa.
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