Krittika Nakshatra
కృత్తిక
Symbol: Razor/flame
Krittika Nakshatra (కృత్తిక నక్షత్రం) is the third nakshatra, spanning 26°40' Mesha to 10° Vrishabha (its first pada falls in Mesha, the remaining three in Vrishabha). Ruled by the Sun and presided over by Agni, the god of fire and the divine priest of the cosmos, Krittika radiates brilliance, sharpness, and the power to cut through illusion and ignorance. Symbolized by a razor or a cluster of six flames, this nakshatra bestows a piercing intellect, fierce determination, and a quality of purification through fire. Krittika is also associated with the Pleiades star cluster and has a profound connection to nurturing — Krittika was the foster mother of Kartikeya (Murugan), the warrior god.
Number
3
Deity
Agni
Guna
Rajas
Gana
Rakshasa
Nadi
Kapha
Naming Syllables (Aksharas)
Krittika Nakshatra Personality Traits
Krittika Nakshatra — Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Krittika Nakshatra considered powerful?
Krittika is considered especially powerful because it is ruled by the Sun and connected to Agni, making it a doubly fiery force of clarity and transformation. It is one of the few nakshatras that spans two rashis (Mesha and Vrishabha), giving it a unique dual quality. Ancient Vedic tradition also places Krittika as the nakshatra of Lord Murugan's foster mother, adding mythological significance.
What are the naming syllables for Krittika Nakshatra?
Krittika Nakshatra naming syllables are A (అ), I (ఇ), U (ఉ), and E (ఏ). These correspond to the first vowels of the Sanskrit alphabet, reflecting Krittika's position as a foundational nakshatra.
What is the nature (gana) of Krittika Nakshatra?
Krittika belongs to the Rakshasa gana. In Vedic astrology, gana refers to one's fundamental nature: Deva (divine), Manushya (human), or Rakshasa (demonic/fierce). The Rakshasa classification for Krittika does not imply negativity — rather, it suggests a fierce, independent, and unconventional quality that doesn't easily conform to social expectations.