Nakshatra 8 of 27
Pushya nakshatra
- Span
- 3°20′–16°40′ Cancer
- Ruling planet
- Saturn
- Symbol
- a cow's udder, a lotus, or a circle
- Gana
- Deva
Pushya sits at the heart of Cancer and is widely described in classical texts as among the most favourable of the 27 — its name means "to nourish" or "to flourish." What makes it distinctive is the pairing of a nurturing sign with Saturn's discipline as ruling planet: this is nourishment earned through consistency and structure, not through luck or ease.
Deity and symbol
Brihaspati is the guru figure of Vedic mythology — a teacher whose authority rests on wisdom and correct conduct rather than force. The cow's udder as symbol points directly at sustenance freely given, while the lotus adds an association with purity maintained under difficult conditions. Together they describe care that is dependable rather than showy — the kind that shows up every day rather than in occasional grand gestures.
Traditional character
Pushya-strong charts are often described as responsible, nurturing, and unusually reliable — the person others turn to for steady support rather than dramatic rescue. There is a traditional association with religious or ethical seriousness and a talent for building lasting institutions, whether a family, a business, or a community role. The traditional friction point is rigidity: a preference for the tried-and-tested method that can resist necessary change.
Moon in Pushya
A Moon in Pushya is traditionally considered a strong, stabilising placement — an emotionally steady, caretaking temperament that finds real satisfaction in providing consistent support to others and tends to build security methodically rather than chase it.
The four padas
Each pada is 3°20′ wide and falls in its own navamsa sign, which colours the same nakshatra differently depending on which quarter a planet occupies.
- Pada 1 — Leo navamsa
Falls in a fire sign's stretch, giving Pushya's nurturing instinct a more active, protective expression.
- Pada 2 — Virgo navamsa
Falls in an earth sign's stretch — a natural fit, reinforcing practical, dependable caretaking.
- Pada 3 — Libra navamsa
Falls in an air sign's stretch, expressing care through teaching, mentorship, and communication.
- Pada 4 — Scorpio navamsa
Falls in a water sign's stretch, deepening the emotional and intuitive dimension of Pushya's nourishing quality.
Compatibility
Pushya belongs to the Deva gana and generally pairs well with other Deva nakshatras, sharing a cooperative, steady temperament. Saturn's rulership favours partners who value commitment and long-term reliability over spontaneity. As always, check the specific pairing rather than relying on gana alone.
Saturn mahadasha — 19 years
Saturn mahadasha runs 19 years, the second-longest in the sequence, and traditionally brings structure, responsibility, and the slow, sometimes demanding work of building something durable. It is often described as a period requiring patience and discipline rather than offering quick reward, with genuine, lasting results for effort sustained over its full length.
Frequently asked questions
- Which zodiac sign does Pushya nakshatra fall in?
- Pushya falls entirely within Cancer, spanning 3°20′–16°40′ Cancer.
- What is the ruling planet of Pushya nakshatra?
- Pushya is ruled by Saturn, which also governs a Vimshottari mahadasha lasting 19 years.
- What does it mean to have your Moon in Pushya?
- A Moon in Pushya — traditionally one of the strongest lunar placements — tends to give a steady, dependable, caretaking temperament that builds security methodically rather than chasing quick wins.
- Which nakshatras is Pushya most compatible with?
- Pushya (Deva gana) pairs comfortably with other Deva nakshatras and generally suits partners who value long-term commitment. Confirm with a full compatibility check for a specific pair.
This page describes traditional Jyotish associations for general interest and reflection. It is not medical, financial or legal advice, and it does not predict or diagnose anything.