In Hindu astronomy, Dhanishtha is the 23rd Nakshatra ruled by the planet Mars (Mangala). This movable nakshatra is also known as Avittam. Number 23 is considered to be a Royal Number which is associated with the majestic Lion, ‘The King of the Beasts’. Under astrological beliefs of Dhanishtha when the moon is in Dhanishtha, it is best to start activities.
The Ashta Vasus and deities named Dhruva, Agni, Chandramas, Prithvi, Surya, Vayu, Dyaus, Varuna and Vayu are the Astha Vasus preside over the Dhanishtha Nakshatra. The male lion is associated with Dhanishtha and is symbolized as a majestic lion resting after a lion’s share. However the interpretation is of a lioness which is associated originally for the Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra. The Udukai or the drum in Tamil or the Damaru in Sanskrit is the symbol used most commonly for representing Dhanishtha.
Dhanishtha is the birth star of a great hero in the epic Mahabharata named Bhishma and also of a great Tamil Siddhar Tirumular. The Dhanishtha Nakshatra ranges from 23°20′ degrees in Capricorn to 6°40′ degrees in the Aquarius sign. Characteristics of people born under the Dhanishtha Nakshatra are music loving, rich and courageous. It is the most beneficent and richest Nakshatra. Silver grey is the lucky color and coral is the lucky stone under this Nakshatra. People have good general knowledge, avoid unnecessary arguments, are intelligent, have great expertise, high levels of patience, are vindictive and possess religious spirit in the Dhanishtha Nakshatra.
