Ashlesha nakshatra
Ashlesha is the ninth nakshatra, spanning 16°40′–30°00′ of sidereal Cancer. Ruled by Mercury with the Nagas, the serpent deities, presiding, its symbol is a coiled serpent: a sharp star of perception and tenacity.
Also known as: Aslesha, Ashlesa, Ayilyam, Ashlesha star
Ashlesha means ‘the embrace’ or ‘entwining’. Its symbol is a coiled serpent and its deities are the Nagas, the serpent beings honoured across India, especially on Nag Panchami. Its stars form the head of Hydra, the water snake, just beyond Cancer.
Ashlesha is one of the four sharp (tikshna) nakshatras, kept for decisive or penetrating work rather than celebrations; as a downward-facing star it is also used for buying land. Tradition credits it with keen perception and tenacity. Ruled by Mercury, it begins life in Mercury’s 17-year dasha. It ends exactly where Cancer meets Leo, a junction called gandanta.
Its padas give the name syllables Di, Du, De and Do. Because of that junction, Ashlesha is one of six ‘gandmool’ stars, and some families hold a short shanti puja after a birth in it. This is a custom of reassurance; it does not mark a child as unlucky.