Jyeshtha (Jyestha, Jyeshta; Kettai in Tamil) is the 18th nakshatra. It spans 16°40′ to 30°00′ Vrischika, its lord is the Mercury, its deity is Indra, king of the gods and its symbol is a circular amulet. Natives are capable, protective, resourceful and mature beyond their years. The name letters are No, Ya, Yi, Yu.
Jyeshtha nakshatra: the fixed facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Also called | Jyestha, Jyeshta; Kettai in Tamil |
| Number | 18th of 27 |
| Span | 16°40′ to 30°00′ Vrischika (sidereal) |
| Rashi | Vrischika |
| Nakshatra lord | Mercury |
| Presiding deity | Indra, king of the gods |
| Symbol | A circular amulet |
| Gana | Rakshasa |
| Yoni | Deer |
| Name syllables | No, Ya, Yi, Yu |
| Dasha at birth | Mercury mahadasha (17 years in total; the balance depends on the Moon’s exact degree) |
The four padas
| Pada | Span | Navamsa | Syllable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16°40′ Vrischika – 20°00′ Vrischika | Dhanu (Sagittarius) | No |
| 2 | 20°00′ Vrischika – 23°20′ Vrischika | Makara (Capricorn) | Ya |
| 3 | 23°20′ Vrischika – 26°40′ Vrischika | Kumbha (Aquarius) | Yi |
| 4 | 26°40′ Vrischika – 30°00′ Vrischika | Meena (Pisces) | Yu |
All four padas lie in Vrischika, ruled by Mars, at the end of the water sign. Jyeshtha is one of the six gand mool nakshatras, because it sits at the junction with Mula. Find your Moon’s nakshatra and pada with the nakshatra calculator.
Nature and temperament
Natives of Jyeshtha are classically described as capable, protective, resourceful and mature beyond their years. Its name means “the eldest”, and its deity is Indra, king of the gods: natives carry responsibility early, protect those around them and often lead. The life lesson of Jyeshtha is to hold authority with humility.
The things to watch are pride and carrying burdens alone. How strongly these show depends on the Moon’s strength, its sign lord and aspects. The nakshatra describes the temperament; the whole chart decides how it plays out.
Career
Jyeshtha suits management, administration, defence, investigation and leadership. Treat that as aptitude only. The actual career is read from the 10th house, its lord and the running dasha. A Jyeshtha birth begins in the Mercury mahadasha, which is followed by Ketu, Venus, Sun and Moon.
In marriage matching
In guna milan, Jyeshtha is a rakshasa-gana nakshatra with a deer yoni. Both factors enter the Ashtakoota score. The score is a starting point; the 7th house, Venus and the Navamsa in both charts matter more. Check the score with free kundli matching.
Simple practices
- For the Mercury (nakshatra lord): “Om Budhaya Namah” on Wednesdays, and green moong given in charity.
- For the deity: Indra is honoured through “Om Indraya Namah”, protecting those in one’s care, and sharing credit generously.
Gemstones should be worn only after the whole chart has been read; the nakshatra alone is not a reason to wear one. Tamil readers can also see Kettai nakshatra palangal.
Frequently asked questions
Which rashi is Jyeshtha nakshatra?
Jyeshtha spans 16°40′ to 30°00′ Vrischika, entirely within Vrischika.
Who is the lord of Jyeshtha nakshatra?
The Mercury. Its presiding deity is Indra, king of the gods, and its symbol is a circular amulet. A birth in Jyeshtha begins with the Mercury mahadasha.
What are the Jyeshtha name letters?
No, Ya, Yi, Yu, for padas 1 to 4.
What careers suit Jyeshtha nakshatra?
Classically: management, administration, defence, investigation and leadership. The 10th house and the running dasha decide the actual career.
Is Jyeshtha a gand mool nakshatra?
Yes. Jyeshtha is one of the six gand mool nakshatras (with Ashwini, Ashlesha, Magha, Mula and Revati), because it sits at a water–fire sign junction. Some families perform a gand mool shanti for a birth near the junction; it is a tradition, not a judgement on the child.
Part of our guide: Career, Education & Life →
A nakshatra shows tendencies; your whole chart and dasha show what you will actually live. A personal reading puts the two together.
Book a Consultation · ₹5,100 WhatsApp Dr. SharmaThis article is offered as general guidance in the Vedic tradition. Astrology is a tool for reflection and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal or financial advice.
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Other nakshatras
Related guidance: Lohri 2027.