Chitra Nakshatra चित्रा

Symbol and meaning of Chitra

Chitra is symbolised by bright jewel / pearl. The bright jewel or pearl denotes brilliance, design and crafted beauty. This symbol captures the essence of the nakshatra and shapes the temperament of those born under it.

Presiding deity: Tvashtar (Vishwakarma)

Its deity Tvashtar (Vishwakarma), the divine architect, grants creativity and craftsmanship. Invoking Tvashtar (Vishwakarma) is central to the rituals and remedies associated with Chitra.

Ruling planet: Mars

Ruled by Mars, it gives drive, artistry and an eye for form. The dasha (planetary period) of Mars tends to activate the themes of Chitra most strongly in a person's life.

Gana, nadi and yoni

Chitra belongs to the Rakshasa gana — the demonic, intense temperament — with the Pitta (Madhya) nadi and the Tiger yoni (animal symbol). These three classifications are used in Vedic compatibility matching (guna milan): gana measures temperament, nadi relates to health and progeny, and yoni to instinctive compatibility.

Personality and traits

People strongly influenced by Chitra are traditionally described as people described as charismatic, artistic, hardworking and stylish, drawn to beauty and design. As with all nakshatras, the exact expression depends on the pada, the rashi and the wider birth chart.

Career and profession

Chitra is traditionally associated with success in architecture, design, engineering, fashion, media and the arts. The drive of Mars combined with the qualities of Tvashtar (Vishwakarma) points toward these vocations, though a full chart reading refines the picture.

Strengths and challenges

Strengths: creativity, charisma, energy and craftsmanship. Challenges: vanity, restlessness and superficiality. Awareness of both helps a person work with the energy of Chitra rather than against it, leaning on its gifts while consciously managing its weaker tendencies.

Marriage compatibility (yoni) of Chitra

In Vedic matchmaking (guna milan), Chitra carries the Tiger yoni — the animal symbol used to gauge instinctive and physical compatibility between partners (the yoni koota). Same or friendly yonis score well, while the Tiger is traditionally most at odds with the Cow yoni, so such a match is examined more carefully. Yoni is only one of the eight kootas; the full guna milan also weighs gana (temperament), nadi (health), varna and more, and a strong overall score matters more than any single factor.

The four padas of Chitra

Each nakshatra is divided into four padas (quarters) of 3°20′, and each pada falls in a different navamsa (D9) sign that subtly shades its nature and, in namkaran, gives the child's naming syllable. Use the birth nakshatra calculator to find the exact pada from a birth date, time and place.

Favourable activities

When the Moon is in Chitra, the day is traditionally considered favourable for design, building and creative work. Combine the nakshatra with a good choghadiya and an auspicious tithi, avoiding Rahu Kaal, when choosing a muhurat.

Gemstone, mantra & remedies for Chitra

Because Chitra is ruled by Mars, its remedies work chiefly through that planet. Traditional supportive practices include worship of Vishwakarma and Shiva; Mars remedies such as Hanuman worship and red offerings.

Gemstones (jyotish ratna) are traditionally worn only after consulting a qualified astrologer — a wrong or over-strong stone can be counter-productive. Chanting the beej mantra and worshipping the deity are safe for everyone.

Using Chitra in the panchang

The Moon spends roughly one day in Chitra. The nakshatra prevailing at sunrise is the one shown in each city's daily panchang and used for muhurat. Because it tracks the Moon, the ruling nakshatra changes daily and slightly by location. See all 27 nakshatras, learn about tithis and the weekdays, or read the complete panchang guide.