Nakshatra 5 of 27
Mrigashira Nakshatra
Deer's head. Ruled by Mars, presided over by Soma, the Moon's nectar.
Quick Answer
Mrigashira is the 5th of the 27 nakshatras. It spans 23°20' Taurus to 6°40' Gemini in the sidereal zodiac, is ruled by Mars, presided over by Soma, the Moon's nectar, and its symbol is a deer's head.
Mrigashira at a Glance
- Sidereal span
- 23°20' Taurus to 6°40' Gemini
- Tropical span in 2026
- 17°34' Gemini to 0°54' Cancer
- Ruling planet
- Mars
- Deity
- Soma, the Moon's nectar
- Symbol
- A deer's head
- Name means
- Deer's head
The Quality of Mrigashira
Mrigashira is the deer's head, alert and searching. It follows a scent from one thing to the next, curious and gentle, and is happiest on the trail. The search can become restless when the seeker forgets to look within.
What are you searching for, and have you looked for it where you already are?
The Four Padas of Mrigashira
Each pada is a quarter of 3°20' and sets the navamsa (D9) sign.
| Pada | Sidereal Span | Navamsa |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23°20' Taurus to 26°40' Taurus | Leo |
| 2 | 26°40' Taurus to 0°00' Gemini | Virgo |
| 3 | 0°00' Gemini to 3°20' Gemini | Libra |
| 4 | 3°20' Gemini to 6°40' Gemini | Scorpio |
When the Moon Is in Mrigashira
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 29, 1:41 AM ET | Oct 29, 11:34 PM ET | Oct 29, 11:11 AM IST | Oct 30, 9:04 AM IST |
| Nov 25, 10:06 AM ET | Nov 26, 7:17 AM ET | Nov 25, 8:36 PM IST | Nov 26, 5:47 PM IST |
| Dec 22, 9:26 PM ET | Dec 23, 6:23 PM ET | Dec 23, 7:56 AM IST | Dec 24, 4:53 AM IST |
| Jan 19, 8:24 AM ET | Jan 20, 5:47 AM ET | Jan 19, 6:54 PM IST | Jan 20, 4:17 PM IST |
The Sun in Mrigashira, 2027
The Sun enters Mrigashira on June 8, 2027 at 10:01 AM ET (7:31 PM IST) and stays until June 22, 2027 at 9:05 AM ET (6:35 PM IST). It returns to the same nakshatra on nearly the same dates every year.
Neighboring Nakshatras
Before Mrigashira: Rohini, ruled by the Moon. After it: Ardra, ruled by Rahu. See all 27 nakshatras.
Questions About Mrigashira
What Is the Lord of Mrigashira Nakshatra?
Mars rules Mrigashira, the 5th of the 27 nakshatras. In the Vimshottari dasha system, someone born with the Moon in Mrigashira begins life in the Mars period.
Where Is Mrigashira Nakshatra in the Zodiac?
Mrigashira spans 23°20' Taurus to 6°40' Gemini in the sidereal zodiac, 13°20' of arc. With the Lahiri ayanamsa in 2026, that corresponds to 17°34' Gemini to 0°54' Cancer in the tropical zodiac.
What Are the Deity and Symbol of Mrigashira?
The presiding deity of Mrigashira is Soma, the Moon's nectar. Its symbol is a deer's head. The name means "deer's head".
What Are the Four Padas of Mrigashira?
Pada 1 runs 23°20' Taurus to 26°40' Taurus (navamsa Leo); Pada 2 runs 26°40' Taurus to 0°00' Gemini (navamsa Virgo); Pada 3 runs 0°00' Gemini to 3°20' Gemini (navamsa Libra); Pada 4 runs 3°20' Gemini to 6°40' Gemini (navamsa Scorpio).
When Is the Moon in Mrigashira Next?
The Moon is next in Mrigashira from October 29, 2026 at 1:41 AM ET (11:11 AM IST) until October 29, 2026 at 11:34 PM ET (9:04 AM IST on October 30). It returns about every 27.3 days.
When Is the Sun in Mrigashira in 2027?
The Sun enters Mrigashira on June 8, 2027 at 10:01 AM ET (7:31 PM IST) and leaves on June 22, 2027 at 9:05 AM ET (6:35 PM IST), using the Lahiri ayanamsa.
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