Nakshatra 16 of 27
Vishakha Nakshatra
Forked branch. Ruled by Jupiter, presided over by Indra and Agni together.
Quick Answer
Vishakha is the 16th of the 27 nakshatras. It spans 20°00' Libra to 3°20' Scorpio in the sidereal zodiac, is ruled by Jupiter, presided over by Indra and Agni together, and its symbol is a triumphal arch.
Vishakha at a Glance
- Sidereal span
- 20°00' Libra to 3°20' Scorpio
- Tropical span in 2026
- 14°14' Scorpio to 27°34' Scorpio
- Ruling planet
- Jupiter
- Deity
- Indra and Agni together
- Symbol
- A triumphal arch
- Name means
- Forked branch
The Quality of Vishakha
Vishakha is the forked branch and the gate of triumph. Under Indra and Agni together it pursues a goal with heat and determination. The path to the gate teaches as much as arriving, and Vishakha softens when it notices that.
What goal drives you, and what is it teaching you on the way?
The Four Padas of Vishakha
Each pada is a quarter of 3°20' and sets the navamsa (D9) sign.
| Pada | Sidereal Span | Navamsa |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20°00' Libra to 23°20' Libra | Aries |
| 2 | 23°20' Libra to 26°40' Libra | Taurus |
| 3 | 26°40' Libra to 0°00' Scorpio | Gemini |
| 4 | 0°00' Scorpio to 3°20' Scorpio | Cancer |
When the Moon Is in Vishakha
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 8, 8:54 PM ET | Nov 9, 10:49 PM ET | Nov 9, 7:24 AM IST | Nov 10, 9:19 AM IST |
| Dec 6, 3:08 AM ET | Dec 7, 5:18 AM ET | Dec 6, 1:38 PM IST | Dec 7, 3:48 PM IST |
| Jan 2, 8:49 AM ET | Jan 3, 11:07 AM ET | Jan 2, 7:19 PM IST | Jan 3, 9:37 PM IST |
| Jan 29, 3:24 PM ET | Jan 30, 5:25 PM ET | Jan 30, 1:54 AM IST | Jan 31, 3:55 AM IST |
The Sun in Vishakha, 2026
The Sun enters Vishakha on November 6, 2026 at 10:33 AM ET (9:03 PM IST) and stays until November 19, 2026 at 4:34 PM ET (3:04 AM IST on November 20). It returns to the same nakshatra on nearly the same dates every year.
Neighboring Nakshatras
Before Vishakha: Swati, ruled by Rahu. After it: Anuradha, ruled by Saturn. See all 27 nakshatras.
Questions About Vishakha
What Is the Lord of Vishakha Nakshatra?
Jupiter rules Vishakha, the 16th of the 27 nakshatras. In the Vimshottari dasha system, someone born with the Moon in Vishakha begins life in the Jupiter period.
Where Is Vishakha Nakshatra in the Zodiac?
Vishakha spans 20°00' Libra to 3°20' Scorpio in the sidereal zodiac, 13°20' of arc. With the Lahiri ayanamsa in 2026, that corresponds to 14°14' Scorpio to 27°34' Scorpio in the tropical zodiac.
What Are the Deity and Symbol of Vishakha?
The presiding deity of Vishakha is Indra and Agni together. Its symbol is a triumphal arch. The name means "forked branch".
What Are the Four Padas of Vishakha?
Pada 1 runs 20°00' Libra to 23°20' Libra (navamsa Aries); Pada 2 runs 23°20' Libra to 26°40' Libra (navamsa Taurus); Pada 3 runs 26°40' Libra to 0°00' Scorpio (navamsa Gemini); Pada 4 runs 0°00' Scorpio to 3°20' Scorpio (navamsa Cancer).
When Is the Moon in Vishakha Next?
The Moon is next in Vishakha from November 8, 2026 at 8:54 PM ET (7:24 AM IST on November 9) until November 9, 2026 at 10:49 PM ET (9:19 AM IST on November 10). It returns about every 27.3 days.
When Is the Sun in Vishakha in 2026?
The Sun enters Vishakha on November 6, 2026 at 10:33 AM ET (9:03 PM IST) and leaves on November 19, 2026 at 4:34 PM ET (3:04 AM IST on November 20), using the Lahiri ayanamsa.
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