Dhanishta, the zenith of martian energy, is represented in the celestial firmament by four stars in the constellation known as Delphini (the Dolphin). These four stars are arranged in a rhombus shape, which the ancients saw as signifying a drum. In modern astronomy these stars are known as Alpha-Delphini, Beta-Deiphini, Delta-Delphini and Gamma-Delphini. This asterism can be seen lying in the dark empty space above the constellations of Capricorn and Aquarius. Beta Delphini, having a visual magnitude of only 3.63, is the brightest among these stars, making Dhanishta less bright in comparision to other asterisms. However it can be easily spotted as there are no bright constellations in its vicinity.
«Dhanishta» translates into — «the wealthiest» or «the most beneficient». The reader can already understand the basic energy of this asterism through this simple meaning. Its alternative name is «Shravishta», a Sanskrit term, which translates into «the most heard of» or «the most famous». This again is a self-explanatory meaning, which directly hints at the extremely lucky quality of this asterism. The name Shravishta implies that Dhanishta forms a pair with the previous nakshatra Shravana.
All scholars agree on the fact that a musical drum is the main symbol of this nakshatra. However there is a difference of opinion in regards to the type of musical drum. Some equate the drum with a tabor, some with a tab/a, some with a mridanga, but in our view the drum is actually a damaru. Damaru is Shiva's favourite drum.
The drum (damaru) conveys two main attributes — music and hollowness. Hollowness here relates to receptivity to outer influences. In its highest expression this receptivity allows one to be an instrument of the universal mind without letting the ego interfere with the process. Since this nakshatra follows Shravana, it relates to the process where what we have listened to is synthesized. This gives this nakshatra the ability to actually accomplish things like playing music etc. In its lowest expression, this nakshatra is susceptible to receiving lower level influences, and thus its outer works are not as elevating as they are in its highest expression. A drum as we know is a rhythmical instrument, which can be associated with time, and time is the rhythm of the universe. This is why this nakshatra is said to have immaculate timing.
Its alternative symbol is a flute, which again emphasizes the fact that music is produced through hollowness, in much the same way as celestial music is created through the hollowness of universal space.
Dhanishta is presided over by a group of eight gods called the Vasus. «Vasu» translates into «superb», «excellent or «wealthy». Their names are:
1. Apa, which translates into 'water'. He is a male deity usually related to Apah, the water goddess of Purvashadha.
2. Dhruva, which translates into 'the fixed', and is related to the pole star at any given point in time.
3. Dhara, which translates into 'a bearer' or 'a stream of water'. This deity is akin to 'the man pouring water from a pot' — the symbol of Aquarius.
4. Anila, which translates into 'wind'. This deity is the same as Vayu, the wind god who is the ruler of Swati.
5. Soma, which translates into 'the Moon'. He is the same as the Moon deity associated with Mrigashira.
6. Anala, which translates into 'fire'. This deity is another manifestation of Agni, the fire god who rules Krittika.
7. Pratyusha, which translates into 'dawn'. He is the male counterpart of Usha, the solar goddess who rides in front of the Sun. This might be the deity which made Jimi Hendrix, a musician with prominent Dhanishta influence, come up with the phrase «first rays of the new rising sun».
8. Prabhasa, which translates into 'light'. This is another solar deity related to the morning time.
As we can see, all these eight deities carry within them the energies of different nakshatras. This makes Dhanishta a sort of compendium of the energies of earlier nakshatras i.e. specifically Ashwini, Krittika, Mrigashira, Swati and Purvashadha. These eight Vasus are supposed to be wealthy and skilled at music. This conveys this nakshatras mastery over the material plane and relates it with the rhythmical, musical functionings of the universal mind. This is probably the reason why a lot of scholars associated the signs of astrology with this asterism, which in a way is understanding the rhythm of the universe.
Shiva is the ultimate presiding deity of this asterism. This can be easily understood from the fact that part of this asterism lies in Aquarius, a sign completely under the influence of Shiva. Ancient puranic scriptures are full of stories of Shiva's immense musical ability. Shiva, even while wreaking havoc and destruction, does so in a graceful and rhythmical dance form known as tandava, exemplified by his famous nataraja posture. In fact, two of the main Indian classical dance systems directly originate from Shiva.
In a way, this nakshatra can be seen as a bridge between Vishnu's and Shiva's energy. It can thus be related to the half-Vishnu, half-Shiva form which can still be found in some temples in India. Vishnu relates to its mastery of the material world, while Shiva relates to its musical and bohemian aspect.
Much of the nature of this nakshatra can be derived from the nature and qualities of the eight gods presiding over it.
From Apah, it derives its musical ability, confidence, invincibility and a warrior-like disposition, which in its negative aspect can manifest as vanity and obstinacy. This can sometimes lead this nakshatra to 'beat its own drum'.
From Druva, it derives the fixed part of its nature, which relates to its reliability, perseverance and good organizational ability. In a negative aspect it manifests as stubbornness. Dhanishta natives do not like to be told what to do!
From Dhara, it derives its wisdom, charitable nature and conversational ability. In its negative aspect it makes one a chatterbox, or having a tendency to disperse their energies in unconstructive, unwholesome ways.
rom Anila, this nakshatra derives its business acumen, resourcefulness and motivation to accomplish things. In its negative aspect this can make one self seeking or generally worried about their prospects.
From Anala, it derives its energy, mental acumen and discrimination. In its negative aspect it can make this nakshatra bad-tempered and consequently capable of hurting others.
From Pratyusha, it derives its radiance, happiness, joy and hopefulness. Nature expresses unbounded joyfulness through sunrise, which this nakshatra usually tries to accomplish through music and dancing.
From Prabhasa, it derives its lightheartedness, purity, good nature and wholesome aspirations.
From Soma, it derives its gentleness and sensitivity, which some times can manifest as fickleness, deceptiveness or extreme indulgence.
The reader can easily infer from the above that Dhanishta is all about living a good life. The reader can also infer how it is not easy to put the Dhanishta personality in a box. It has many diverse aspects to its nature, making it one of trie most expressive among the nakshatras. It has an ability to adapt itself to any situation in which it finds itself.
Those born with Dhanishta rising on the Ascendant usually carry a rich, liberal, radiant expression on their faces. They exude confidence and nobility. They have a peculiarly captivating smile, which conveys a feeling of deep satisfaction at some inner level. In some cases they can have roving eyes.
Being good conversationalists, Dhanishta natives can always put the other person at ease very quickly. This will hold more true of those natives who are born under the Aquarius part of this nakshatra. The Capricorn part has a more worldly orientation and thus lacks in the more refined, divine aspects.
All those who have Dhanishta happening in their chart, one way or the other, have a good sense of rhythm and enjoy music and dance. It is very easy for them to excel in these fields if they work at it. Dhanishta natives tend to be good at sports because rhythm and timing are the key to almost all sports. This holds especially true for track and field athletics, ball games and gymnastics. Natives are especially good at sports like gymnastics, where grace is a prerequisite.
This is a social nakshatra, which likes to be part of groups. It is not a loner and likes to mingle with people. Since it is naturally ambitious and is always conscious of its 'dharma', it very rarely shows escapist tendencies. It would rather confront things, which can make it appear argumentative at times.
When Moon occupies this asterism, the person concerned often goes for mates or partners who are very different in personality and outlook to them. This obviously leads to a lot of conflict in these issues. This can be seen to be most true when Moon occupies the Capricorn part of this asterism. A lot of scholars are unanimous regarding the peculiar property of this asterism in promoting marital discord. Since this asterism carries so many good qualities, such a thing does not make sense straight away. In our view the martian aspect of this asterism is responsible for this problem.
Mars is regarded as the most unfavourable planet for marital harmony. Once again the Capricorn part of this asterism has more problems in this regard as compared to the Aquarius part. This is simply because Aquarius has a more accommodating nature as compared to Capricorn. These marital, difficulties are usually enhanced when either Mars, Saturn, Rahu or Ketu are placed in this nakshatra, especially the Capricorn part. If this placement has some connection with the seventh house, it might be impossible for such a person to have a smooth married life.
Rama, one of Vishnu's avatars, who is regarded as the epitome of good conduct and righteousness, faced numerous problems in his married life. In his chart, Mars is placed in the Capricorn part of Dhanishta in the seventh house. He had to fight a big war to rescue his kidnapped wife Sita, and even after things returned to normal, he had to abandon her on some very flimsy ground. The readers can refer to the ancient Vedic epic of «Ramayana» for the whole story.
Dhanishta always has the ability to tune into some source. The most important aspect of this is the source it tunes itself into. In the present day world where media acts as the primary influence for the masses, and provides them with ever declining and degenerating standards of culture, music, dance, fine arts etc., most Dhanishta kinds find themselves tuning into these unwholesome influences. This is the reason why the higher expressions of this nakshatra, which come about by direct tuning in with the universal mind, are a rarity nowadays.
In the universal scheme of things, Dhanishta relates to «khyapayitrishakti» — the power to give fame and abundance. Its symbolism has birth above and prosperity below. This symbolism and imagery re-emphasizes the beneficial and positive aspect of this nakshatra. Dhanishta can be seen as the zenith of worldly achievements, a characteristic often attached with the sign Capricorn. It goes without saying that only when these worldly achievements are in tune with universal requirements do they have any lasting meaning.
In keeping with its basic nature and disposition, ancient Vedic seers saw this as an active asterism. Even infants born under a strong influence of this nakshatra are more active than other infants. They start to respond to music from a much earlier age than others. This is a nakshatra meant for getting out in the world and doing things.
It belongs to the Farmer caste. It is puzzling for everyone to understand why such a wealthy and well endowed asterism should be assigned to the working caste. This relates to the fact that this nakshatra falls in Saturn's sign, a planet which was seen as belonging to the working class. Dhanishta is involved in all farmer like, creative activities, which deal with actual production of goods etc.
It is з Female nakshatra. This is odd considering the fact that all its presiding deities are male. This is because this nakshatra relates more to the energies of its deities, rather than the actual deities themselves. These energies are their 'shaktis' and are always feminine. It is a feminine force which presides over all creative arts like music and dancing. It is no wonder then, that all male dancers of the classical forms are quite feminine in their appearance and disposition!
The bodyparts it relates to the most are the back and the anus. The spinal cord as we know is directly related to the planet Saturn and the sign Capricorn. The kundalini energy rises from the area around the anus and travels upwards through the back to the top chakra on the head. This is the only way for human beings to tune into the universal mind. As discussed earlier, this nakshatra requires one to do that in order to express its qualities.
It is a primarily «pitta» (fiery) nakshatra due to its strong relation with Mars.
It is related to east, south east, south, west and southwest.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Leo Navamsa and is ruled by Sun. This portion relates to the ambitious part of this asterism. It combines the energies of Sun, Mars and Saturn and directs one towards worldly accomplishments. Since Sun as we know is not a favourable planet for marriage, this pada is not good for marital harmony. It can also be too aggressive. This pada assures easy success in one's undertakings, and often brings the native under its influence into some kind of limelight.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Virgo Navamsa ruled by Mercury. It relates to the skilful and communicative part of this nakshatra. This is a highly adaptable pada which often gives a lot of success in one's chosen pursuits, however once again Mercury's mutability is not good for marital harmony. The rulership of Mercury gives this pada good mind-hand coordination, which promotes musical and athletic skill.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Libra Navamsa ruled by Venus. This relates to the amicable, optimistic, happy, social, musical, group orientated and wealthy aspect of Dhanishta. Since Venus is the natural significator of harmony, this pada promotes marital harmony. This is the pada which carries the most refined and subtle attributes of this nakshatra. It relates to those involved in music, fine arts, divination and astrology.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Scorpio Navamsa ruled by Mars. This pada has excessive martian energy and relates to the rhythmical aspect of this asterism. It is helpful in creative arts requiring a lot of energy like drumming etc. This pada is sympathetic to the underdog, however this pada is not good for marital harmony due to its excessive aggressiveness. This pada has a warrior's attitude and gives sporting prowess and athletic ability.
Musicians, Dancers and Performers; All those involved in the Management side of the entertainment industry; Drummers and those involved in the rhythm sections of bands and orchestras; Creative Artists of all types; Those involved in military bands and other types of marching bands; Gemstones and Precious Metal Dealers; Athletes and other Sports Persons; Group Coordinators in all fields; Those in the Real Estate Business; Landscape Artists; Those who deal in Financial Transactions; Scientists and Physicists; Computer Professions; Warriors and Military people; Poets, Songwriters and Reciters of rhythmical incantations; Makers of musical instruments; Vocalists with more emphasis on delivery than melody; Astrologers and Divinators; Psychic Channellers and Mediums; On a higher level those involved in Holistic Healing through Kundalini Yoga; On a lower level Surgeons and Medical Practitioners; Professions involving high tech devices and electronic equipment; Professions requiring versatility and multiple task ability; Managers in general. The immense versatility of this nakshatra allows it to be involved in all types of professions, especially those involving large monies.
All places related to music and other creative arts ranging from Schools to Studios to Dance Halls etc; Meditation Rooms; Managerial Offices; Real Estate Agencies; Gardens; Science Labs; Factories with high tech equipment or producing high tech equipment; Amusement Centres and Sports Stadiums; All places related to sports; Financial centres and institutions like Banks etc ; Safes where wealth and valuables are stored.
It is supposed to be a Tamasic nakshatra. This is dear from the fact that two inherently tamasic planets, Mars and Saturn, govern this nakshatra. This however does not mean that this nakshatra is averse to activity. It just means that this nakshatra is more geared towards dissolution, than creation or maintenance.
It belongs to the Ether element. The ether element can mingle and cooperate with all the elements. This is what gives this nakshatra its all encompassing quality, just as space and ether pervade everything. This nakshatra likes to keep its horizons as wide as possible.
It is considered a Demonic nakshatra. Once again, this can be attributed to its close relationship to the two natural malefics, Mars and Saturn. It carries an energy which always tries to bring about change in the present. Most godly nakshatras are related to maintaining the status quo, so in the present times however, this seemingly negative quality of this asterism is definitely positive from a universal point of view!
It is an Upward Looking nakshatra in keeping with its natural expansive nature. This is a nakshatra signifying increase and expansion.
It is a Moveable or Ephemeral nakshatra. This means that it relates to travelling and change in all its forms. This is probably the reason why some scholars say that this nakshatra does well in foreign countries. A person with a strong influence of this nakshatra is likely to travel a lot and attain success in a foreign land.
It relates to the middle portion (the middle 9 days) of the lunar month of Shravana. This period usually corresponds to the month of August in the solar calendar.
Dhanishta is also related to the Ashtami (9th tithi or day) of the waxing and waning phases of the Moon's monthly cycle.
Religious rituals and performances; Creative activities in general, especially musical and dancing; Group activities of all kinds; Mega celebratory events involving huge crowds like concerts, opening ceremonies etc.; All activities involving pomp and splendour; Purchasing moveable and immoveable property; Travelling — good for both short trips and long journeys; All activities requiring aggression and a pro-active attitude; Lending money and all kinds of financial transactions; Meditation and Yoga; Gardening; Buying new clothes, gemstones, jewellery etc.; Favourable for treating diseases and commencing educational ventures; Career activities involving fame and recognition; Learning how to use high tech equipment and weapons.
Unfavourable for sexual activity or marriage; Activities of a fixed or restrictive character like giving up old habits etc; Not a good time to form new partnerships; Homely activities like cleaning etc; Dealings with people requiring tact, cleverness and gentleness.
The main planetary influences affecting this nakshatra are Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Uranus, Mars being its primary ruler. It represents the pinnacle of Martian energy. Consequently bravery is a quality strongly associated with this nakshatra. This is the reason why it connects with warriors, weapons and military personnel. Courage is a prerequisite for a lot of sports as well such as adventure sports or mountain climbing, and so this nakshatra finds its expression through people involved in such activities.
Saturn's rulership relates to the persevering nature and organizational ability of this nakshatra. It usually sets itself longterm goals, which it likes to fulfil at any cost. Discipline, as we know, is a key to excelling in any of the creative arts as well.
Dhanishta is the nakshatra which finally accomplishes the difficult task of harmonizing the divergent energies of Mars and Saturn. The martian energy is at its absolute refinement here and this is why Dhanishta is the pinnacle of Martian energy. It has the wisdom to use energy (Mars) constructively over time (Saturn), a quality which brings about all its other good qualities and its ability to gain wealth. We can see how keeping rhythm while playing drums is a very similar activity. Dhanishta understands the rhythm of life, and its capacity to stick to the rhythm/tune makes it reap all the best the universe has to offer.
Its relationship with Rahu and Uranus connects it with the mass media, and this is the reason why a lot of top people in the entertainment industry have a strong Dhanishta influence in their chart. It likes to make people wealthy and respected in their chosen fields, and in the present day and age Rahu and Uranus are keys to astounding success in any field.
In general astrological terms, Mars in Capricorn, Mars in Aquarius, Rahu-Mars conjunction and Mars-Saturn conjunction in nakshatras like Rohini, Mrigashira, Purnavasu, Pushya, Chitra, Anuradha or Uttarabhadrapada carry an energy similar to that of Dhanishtha. Rahu-Mars-Saturn conjunction completely carries the energy of this nakshatra.
Moon, Mars, Saturn, Mercury, Venus and Rahu usually do well in Dhanishta. Moon and Mars do better in the Capricorn part while Mercury, Venus and Rahu fare better in the Aquarius part. Saturn's positioning in this nakshatra will make success slow to come and may totally deny marital pleasures.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Ga» as in Galileo.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Gi» as in Gibson.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Gu» as in Guitar and Gustav.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Ge» as in George or Gertha.
In the Sanskrit alphabet Dhanishta corresponds to «Yam» and «Ram», consequently its mantras are «Om Yam» and «Om Ram».
Its sexual animal is a Lion. As we will discover later in the Esoteric Section, this nakshatra has a strong connection with the lion, which goes far beyond its sexual preferences. On a sexual plane this type does not relate well with other nakshatras, except the lion/tiger nakshatras — Dhanishta, Chitra, Vishakha and Purvabhadrapada. In keeping with its animal, it is not very enthusiastic about sexual activity even though it might have multiple partners.
The stars of this nakshatra lie very close to the constellation of Andromeda, where a lot of godly and asuric (demonic) forces are said to reside. However the eight Vasus, which preside over the stars of the constellation of Delphinus, are all godly in nature. Delphinus is associated with Dolphins, the most intelligent and benevolent among all the sea creatures. This nakshatra shares a lot of its traits with dolphins. Even dolphins are known for their permanent mysterious smile!
This constellation sort of lies on the borderline between Shiva's and Vishnu's territory. From an astrological point of view, it connects the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. Capricorn or the 10th house as we know relates to karma, while Aquarius or the 11№ house corresponds to the fruits of karma. This nakshatra thus relates to the fulfilment of one's goals, desires and ambitions as a result of good karma from previous births. It is the balancing point between the forces of maintenance and destruction.
This is the 23rd nakshatra and '23' is a number associated in numerology with the phrase, «the royal star of the lion». This obviously alludes to the star Regulus, which forms the core of the nakshatra «Magha», In the zodiacal belt, «Magha» lies directly opposite the Aquarius part of this nakshatra. Thus these two nakshatras can be seen as partners. Magha, as we know, is the nakshatra related to royal honours and exalted status. Dhanishta, especially its latter half, also carries within itself these qualities. One can see that the lion is an animal strongly associated with both of these nakshatras. 73' is regarded in numerology as a very fortunate number signifying completion. Both these nakshatras carry the completion aspect of this number, which makes them become the best in their chosen fields, due to repeated past life efforts or having more paramatmamsha (the part belonging to the eternal absolute one).
This nakshatra is related to the Sage Angiras, one of the seven celestial sages looking after the affairs of our galaxy. The name of this sage translates into «the fiery one», which is in keeping with the martian aspect of this asterism.
For those suffering from bad effects resulting from afflictions to this nakshatra, the best remedial measure is worship of the lion-riding Goddess Durga, or Hari-Hara, a deity with a half-Vishnu, half-Shiva form. Alternatively one can worship the eight Vasus. The practice of Raja-yoga, which involves the raising of the kundalini through the seven sacred centres, is one of the best ways to utilise this nakshatra's potential.
Repetition of the root mantras of this nakshatra — «Om Yam» and «Om Ram» 108 times when Moon transits this nakshatra and its corresponding lunar month, is sure to reduce suffering and bring enlightenment into a person's life.
Persons who are benefiting from the positive energy of this nakshatra can also increase the good effects through the above mentioned ways. It is helpful for .them to wear colours like red, blue and gold. They should use its directions, lunar month and the days when Moon transits Dhanishta to undertake all important actions.
Source: «The Book of Nakshatras» by Prash Trivedi
Source: «The Book of Nakshatras» by Prash Trivedi