NAKSHATRA 3 OF 27 · Kṛttikā
Krittika
Clarity through the flame
Krittika’s association with Agni and a cutting blade offers an image of discernment. What deserves your attention, and what can be simplified?
A moment to reflect
Clear one small space and give one task your full attention.
Is Krittika your birth star?
A birth star is determined from the Moon’s sidereal longitude, not just your birth month. Our calculator uses your birth date, local time, and location. If your birth time is unknown, it checks the whole day and shows any possible birth stars.
Discover my birth star ✧Where Krittika sits in the sky
Krittika is number 3 in the 27-part nakshatra sequence. In the equal-division sidereal zodiac used by our calculator, it spans 26° 40′ Aries to 10° 00′ Taurus. The next nakshatra begins at the end of that range.
Your birth star depends on the Moon’s position in this division at your birth. It is different from a Sun sign. Understand the difference between signs, birth stars and padas →
Meet the symbolism in everyday life
Discernment can be gentle. When something feels cluttered or unclear, name the decision you are actually facing before cutting anything away. Simplify one task, expectation or conversation. The aim of clarity is to make room for what matters, not to turn criticism into a habit.
The four padas of Krittika
Each nakshatra has four equal quarters, called padas. Your Moon’s calculated position determines your quarter. The ranges below explain the division; they do not assign a personality to each quarter.
| Pada | Begins | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26° 40′ Aries | 0° 00′ Taurus |
| 2 | 0° 00′ Taurus | 3° 20′ Taurus |
| 3 | 3° 20′ Taurus | 6° 40′ Taurus |
| 4 | 6° 40′ Taurus | 10° 00′ Taurus |
Other stars in the Sun sequence
The ruler shown here belongs to the Vimshottari nakshatra sequence; it is not automatically your rising-sign ruler or current dasha ruler. Learn how dashas and their rulers are used.
Sources behind this guide
The Drik Panchang nakshatra reference introduces the framework and names. The degree ranges here are calculated from the 27 equal divisions of the zodiac. Symbol and deity associations can differ in presentation across traditions.
Our method and sources explain the calculation conventions, including our approximate Lahiri ayanamsa. The reflection exercises are our own, prepared with AI assistance. This guide has not been independently reviewed by a Jyotish practitioner.
Reading the tradition thoughtfully
This is an editorial reflection on traditional symbolism, rather than a personal prediction. Associations and interpretations vary between lineages. A full chart includes much more than a single nakshatra.