Sanskrit Name:

Translation of Name: The head of the Deer.

It the 5th nakshatra or lunar mansion as used in Hindu astronomy and astrology is the constellation Orion. Its position is described in the Surya Siddhanta. The first two charana/pada (quarters) of this unnakshatra are part of Vrushabha rashi or Taurus. The latter half of this star belong to Mithuna rashi or Gemini (from 23°20’ Taurus to 6°40’ Gemini). Mrigasira Nakshatra extends from after 23°20 in Vrishabha Rasi up to 6°40 in Mithuna. Star is governed by mars and the presiding deity is Chandra. Symbol is Antelope or Deer. Rules the following parts of the body : face, chin, cheeks, larynx, palate, throat, vocal chord, arms, shoulders, thymus gland, upper ribs.

Indications

This is referred to as the Star of searching. These individuals are constantly searching or looking for something. They are restless, nervous types always traveling. They are collectors looking for one more piece to add to their collections. They love to shop and fine that special deal, and the shopping or searching never ends. Like the deer they are gentle, peaceful, tender and have large soft doe like eyes.
They are seekers and are powerful investigators and researchers. Highly intelligent their quest will eventually take them to spiritual dimensions of their soul. There is a sensual provocative side that can lead to incestuous relationships as the myth suggests. The fun is in the chase or the journey not the destination, for then the thrill is over. They are known for having beautiful children. The word Mriga represents forests, gardens, a search, a seeking to find, to roam about in forests and a hunter, to seek to blaze the trail, a guide and preceptor. Mrigashirsha is partly in Vrishabha and partly in Mithuna. It conveys the ideas of searching for beautiful faces, visit or request a girl in marriage. People born in this nakshatra have a strong body and moderate complexion.

Characteristics

To seek as the primary characteristic of the star, to discover hidden treasures after the churning of the Sea, the Samudra manthan of the Hindu Mythology, the mother, motherly conduct that is to say maternal instincts, self-sacrifice without hope of requital etc. Chandra is the lord of the mind, so all mental attitude, good or bad, sympathies and antipathies, patience and impatience, the fidgety and placidity, imagination, the gift of poetry, purity, sweetness and light, physical and mental aspects, all these come within this star.

Shukra and Chandra both are female grahas (planets) with difference that while Chandra is the Lord of motherhood, maternal instincts and all that, Shukra is the lord of feminine beauty, the structure of feminine form, the physical excellence of women and all that. In the former there is elegance and dignity of the feminine while in the latter, the physical beauty and the lure of feminine form, which leads a male captive, dominates. Chandra is the lord of marine products and of medicines; that it was from the sea that Chandra rose. And it is to Chandra that the influences and causalities have to be traced. Those born in the Mrigashira star are truthful, handsome, enjoy wealth and prosperity, pure in heart, bright, sage-like and fickle minded. They are interested in learning, obedient, always loving teachers, friendly with the king and respected by kings. They are enthusiastic, feared, rich, lovable, knowledgeable in architecture, kingly and good at administration. They are pleasant spoken, intelligent and affectionate to their mother. They are quick and arrogant when crossed by others. Youthful, full of energy, very popular, sharp intellect, unbounded curiosity, and a fine sense of humor, firm views and are interested in sexual pleasures. You will have no problems in attracting romantic partners, though your marital life may not be harmonious.

Naming Practices

Under the traditional Hindu principle of naming individuals according to their birth star, the following Sanskrit syllables correspond with this Nakshatra, and would belong at the beginning of a first name:
Ve, Vo, Ka, Ki