Sanskrit Birthstar Syllables
According to traditional jyotishis (Indian astrologers), among the most auspicious Hindu first names begin the syllables that corresponds to one's birthstar, called nakshatra, which is the constellation with which the moon was aligned at the moment of birth. Below is a list of the twenty-seven nakshatras and the distinct Sanskrit syllables that correspond to each. To choose a nakshatra name (namanakshatra), first determine the birthstar of the child or adult, then look for the star in the list below to determine the syllable(s) with which the name should begin. There are four sounds for each nakshatra, corresponding to the four quarters (padas) of each constellation. If you know the pada under which the child or adult was born, it is best to choose the syllable of that pada. Several of the nama-nakshatra syllables are quite rare in actual usage in the Sanskrit language. For example, someone born under the fourth pada of Purvashadha nakshatra may not find more than two or three qualifying names beginning with the syllable dhaa (long "a") even in extensive name lists, so it is common practice to choose a name starting with a similar syllable. In this case the syllable dha (short "a") ight be used, such as in the name Dharana, or dha as in Dharma. It is also common to resort to the syllable of another pada within the same nakshatra if too few names are available.
Why chose a name based on nakshatra? The first reason is that it vibrates in harmony with the nature of the individual in this particular incarnation, by virtue of its unique relation to the moon at the moment of birth, which has a significant impact on the inner, emotional nature. Secondly, by simply hearing the name, an astute jyotisha shastri, priest, swami or satguru would immediately know the nature of the person, cognizing that he was born under, say, the shravana nakshatra. He would thus be able to wisely counsel or console, advise and encourage accordingly. In ancient days, as today, this first sound of the first name was extremely important to knowledgeable preceptors.
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