Purva Phalguni nakshatra

Purva Phalguni, ‘the former reddish one’, is the first of a pair of nakshatras in the Lion’s hindquarters, marked by the stars Zosma and Chertan. Its symbol is the front legs of a bed, or a hammock, and its deity is Bhaga, who governs good fortune, marital happiness and enjoyment.

Classical texts count Purva Phalguni among the five fierce (ugra) nakshatras, so muhurat lists don’t choose it for weddings or most other auspicious starts, even though its themes are relaxation and pleasure. As a downward-facing star, it is used instead for land and foundations. Ruled by Venus, it begins life in Venus’s 20-year dasha.

Its padas give the name syllables Mo, Ta, Ti and Tu. With Uttara Phalguni it gives the month of Phalguna its name. The ‘fierce’ label describes how the star is used in timing; it says nothing harsh about the people born under it.