Jyotish Maha Charts

Nakshatra Uttara Shadha

Uttarashada, the pinnacle of solar energy, is represented in the celestial firmament by four bright stars, which the ancients saw as resembling an elephant's tusk. In modem astronomy they are known as Sigma-Sagittarii (Ascella), Tau-Sagittarii, Phi-Sagittarii and Zeta-Sagittarii (Nunki). These four stars lie in the end portion of the astronomical constellation of Sagittarius. However it must be noted that this asterism's influence extends into the first ten degrees of the zodiacal sign of Capricorn as well. Nunki, having a visual magnitude of 2.07, is the brightest among them. According to the legend, these stars correspond to trie celestial area where the godly forces got their final victory over the demonic forces.

«Uttarashada» translates into the «Latter Invincible One» or the «Latter Unconquered». This meaning reveals the crux of this asterism, which has more to do with the term «final victory» than any other asterism. It also reveals that it forms a pair with its predecessor Purvashadha, in the same way as Purvaphalguniand Uttaraphalguni form a pair.

«Uttarashada» translates into the «Latter Invincible One» or the «Latter Unconquered». This meaning reveals the crux of this asterism, which has more to do with the term «final victory» than any other asterism. It also reveals that it forms a pair with its predecessor Purvashadha, in the same way as Purvaphalguniand Uttaraphalguni form a pair.

Its primary symbol is an 'elephant's tusk'. The tusk is the most prized part of an elephant's anatomy. Elephants are usually very conscious of their tusks and zealously guard them. Researchers have found that the type, colour and size of the tusk has something to do with who becomes the leader of an elephant tribe. It follows that Uttarashadha has a lot to do with leadership issues.

Besides ornamentation, the tusk is useful to elephants for only one practical purpose — fighting. Just like its predecessor, Purvashadha, Uttarashadha has a lot to do with aggressive actions like declarations of war. As mentioned earlier, Purvashadha and Uttarashadha form a pair and some scholars regard the tusk of an elephant as a symbol for Purvashadha as well. They see the left tusk as belonging to Purvashadha and the right tusk to Uttarashadha.

In most ancient cultures where elephants were known, they were used as symbols of royal insignia. All kings, including Indra, the king of the gods, were supposed to ride on elephants during processions and sometimes even during warfare, Uttarashadha, therefore, has a direct relationship with kingship and all the responsibilities it entails. In a way, 'responsibility' is the most important keyword for this nakshatra.

For obvious reasons, an elephant's tusk is also regarded as a symbol of penetration. It signifies penetrating mental insight and the ability to enter new fields of endeavour. It also conveys a certain sense of fearlessness and a go ahead spirit.

Source: «The Book of Nakshatras» by Prash Trivedi

Source: «The Book of Nakshatras» by Prash Trivedi