The 27 Nakshatras are lunar constellations in Vedic astrology, and each one is linked with a specific animal symbol (known as pashu). These animal symbols capture the energy and qualities of that star segment. In this post, we’ll explore all 27 nakshatras and their animals, including the Krittika Nakshatra animal. We’ll explain what each animal symbolizes in simple terms. Whether you’re curious about your nakshatra or just love astrology facts, this guide will help – and it’s easy to read!

What is a Nakshatra and Why an Animal Symbol?

A Nakshatra is one of the 27 sectors of the sky that the Moon passes through during its 27-day cycle. Ancient astrologers assigned each nakshatra an animal symbol to capture its nature. For example, the Krittika nakshatra animal is a goat/sheep, representing qualities like courage and perseverance. These animal symbols help us visually grasp the energy of each nakshatra. Think of them as mascots that tell a story about personality traits, instincts, and even remedies in astrology.

Using animals as symbols makes the ancient wisdom relatable. For instance, if someone is born under Rohini nakshatra, which has a serpent as its symbol, astrologers might say this person has charm and transformation in their nature. You can even find nakshatra animal charts in Malayalam and other languages that list these symbols for students and enthusiasts.

Below, we list each nakshatra with its animal and a simple explanation of what it represents.

Krittika Nakshatra Animal and Meaning

• Krittika (Aries/Taurus Nakshatra) – Goat/Sheep: The animal for Krittika is often shown as a sheep or goat. This symbol suggests determination and courage. Just like a goat can climb rocky hills, Krittika people are seen as hardworking and energetic. They cut through obstacles – fitting since Krittika is ruled by Mars (the God of War). In fact, Krittika nakshatra is associated with sharpness and renewal. (Tip: Krittika spans Aries (Mesh Rashi), so it’s often linked to the fiery, pioneering spirit of Aries.)
  
• Significance: A goat is persistent and daring. This means people with Krittika Nakshatra are often brave leaders or protectors. They can be bold and sometimes competitive. On the flip side, they may need to learn patience (like a shepherd’s sheep dog needs discipline). Krittika’s ruler is Mars, so this nakshatra embodies both the lamb’s patience and the ram’s strength.
  

Animals of Key Nakshatras

While each of the 27 nakshatras has an animal, a few are commonly asked about in astrology classes and courses. Here are some key nakshatras with their animals and what they represent:

• Rohini Nakshatra Animal – Serpent (Snake): Rohini’s animal is a serpent. Snakes shed their skin to transform, so this nakshatra symbolizes growth and renewal. Rohini natives are thought to be attractive and talented, with a hint of mystery – just like a snake’s quiet power. (Rohini belongs to Taurus, ruled by Venus, so it brings creativity and charm.)
  
• Punarvasu Nakshatra Animal – Cat: The animal symbol of Punarvasu is a cat. Cats are curious and have nine lives, hinting at rebirth and resilience. Punarvasu represents returning or renewal (the word “Punarvasu” means “returning light”), so people born here often bounce back from challenges. They can be resourceful and flexible, much like a clever cat.
  
• Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra Animal – Rat: Uttara Phalguni’s symbol is a rat. This might sound odd, but rats are hardworking and affectionate in some cultures (they gather food for their families). Uttara Phalguni is linked with partnerships and generosity, so the rat suggests loyalty and service. People with this nakshatra often enjoy helping others in practical ways.
  
• Ashwini, Bharani, Mrigashira, Ardra, etc.: For example, Ashwini’s animal is a horse, symbolizing speed and healing (the Ashwini Kumars were divine healers). Bharani’s is an elephant (female), meaning strength and endurance. Mrigashira’s is a deer (curious and gentle). Ardra’s is a dog (loyal but sometimes chaotic like Ardra’s stormy energy).
  

Including these examples shows how each animal matches the nakshatra’s feel.

Table: All 27 Nakshatras and Their Animals

For quick reference, here’s a simple table of every Nakshatra with its animal:

Nakshatra	Animal Symbol	What It Represents
Ashwini	Horse (or Mare)	Speed, energy, healing
Bharani	Elephant (female)	Endurance, nurturing, hidden strength
Krittika	Goat/Sheep	Courage, drive, determination
Rohini	Serpent (Snake)	Passion, creativity, transformation
Mrigashira	Deer (and antlers)	Curiosity, gentle search
Ardra	Dog	Loyalty, fierce intensity (tears, renewal)
Punarvasu	Cat	Adaptability, rebirth, resourcefulness
Pushya	Goat (male)	Sustenance, devotion, nourishment
Ashlesha	Serpent (Coiled)	Intuition, secrecy, healing after strife
Magha	Rat	Ancestral pride, cleverness, hidden strength
Purva Phalguni	Rat	Pleasure, romance, relaxation
Uttara Phalguni	Cow	Friendship, charity, comfort
Hasta	Buffalo	Strength, industriousness, skill (a tied fist symbol too)
Chitra	Tiger (sometimes peacock)	Beauty, confidence, brilliance (jewel-like)
Swati	Buffalo	Independence, wind-like flexibility
Vishakha	Tiger	Determination, teamwork (a fork-like, diadem symbol)
Anuradha	Tiger	Devotion, friendship, honor (archway or lotus symbol)
Jyeshtha	Elephant	Leadership, protection, responsibility
Moola	Dog	Adventurous, searching (tied roots symbol suggests foundation)
Purva Ashadha	Male Mongoose	Victory, warrior spirit, winning battles
Uttara Ashadha	Female Mongoose	Justice, grace, loyalty
Shravana	Female Monkey	Listening, learning, skill (an ear symbol for hearing)
Dhanishta	Horse	Abundance, rhythm (drum instrument symbol, cattle tie)
Shatabhisha	Horse	Healing, secrets (circle of hundred physicians)
Purva Bhadrapada	Female Tortoise	Spirituality, detachment (twin face or funeral cot symbol)
Uttara Bhadrapada	Cow	Stability, compassion (backward-footprint symbol)
Revati	Fish	Nourishment, prosperity, safe journey (fish in water)

Each animal points to a nakshatra’s vibe. For example, Magha (King’s Court) has a rat, suggesting resourcefulness and connections to ancestors. Pushya (Cow’s udder) has a goat, symbolizing nurture (it’s ruled by Saturn and known for abundance).

(Side note on Kerala astrology: In Malayalam astrological charts, you might even see a “nakshatra animal chart” listing these in Malayalam script. Many local guides reference these animals for quick understanding.)

Why Animal Symbols Matter

In Vedic astrology, the animal is called the pashu (creature). It shows how a person might behave instinctively. Think of it like a character trait. For instance:

• A horse (Ashwini) gives energy and speed. Someone with Ashwini nakshatra may be an athlete or quick thinker.
  
• A serpent (Rohini or Ashlesha) can mean someone who’s wise or transformative, maybe good at research or healing.
  
• A deer (Mrigashira or Jyeshtha) suggests gentleness or leadership (Jyeshtha’s elephant shows it, Mrigashira’s deer is curiosity).
  
• A cow or buffalo often means patience and strength (Uttara Phalguni’s cow is calm, while Swati’s buffalo is steady).
  
• A monkey (Shravana) means agility and learning ability.
  
• A fish (Revati) points to depth and intuition (Revati people are often gentle, creative).
  

Understanding these animals adds color to a birth chart reading. It’s like saying, “You were born under the Star of the Serpent, so you carry its quiet power.”

The Zodiac Rashi for Krittika and Punarvasu

Two common questions are: Which Rashi (zodiac sign) is Krittika Nakshatra in? And what about Punarvasu?

• Krittika Nakshatra spans the end of Mesha (Aries) and start of Vrishabha (Taurus). Most of Krittika falls in Aries, so it’s often called an Aries nakshatra. Aries energy brings drive and bravery – matching the goat’s determined climb. If your Moon is in Krittika, you have a fiery, action-oriented side.
  
• Punarvasu Nakshatra spans Mithuna (Gemini) and a bit of Vrishchika (Scorpio). Primarily it’s a Gemini nakshatra. This dual sign nature fits well: Gemini’s curiosity and Scorpio’s depth. A Punarvasu person can be both curious (like a cat) and profound.
  

Knowing the Rashi helps because each nakshatra inherits traits from its zodiac ruler too.

How to Use This Knowledge

You might wonder: how does this matter for YOU? Here are a few tips:

• Personality: If you know your Moon’s nakshatra, see which animal it is. Do you share some traits? Maybe you’re patient (cow), or quick (horse), or clever (cat).
  
• Compatibility: In some astrology systems, compatible nakshatra animals make good pairings. (For example, similar friendly animals can get along.)
  
• Remedies: Certain remedies or pujas mention nakshatras. A Lal Kitab Course or Remedies Course often teaches how nakshatra symbols can guide simple solutions. For instance, feeding milk to cows on a Uttara Phalguni day honors the cow symbol.
  
• Learning More: If you love this, check out courses on astrology. CIL Guru offers a variety of courses (like the Lal Kitab Course or KP Astrology Course) that dive deeper into how stars affect our lives.
  

Remember, these symbols are a fun tool – astrology is complex, but thinking of an animal makes it easier to remember a nakshatra’s flavor.

Takeaway

Every nakshatra’s animal gives a hint of its energy. For example, the Krittika nakshatra animal (goat/sheep) shows ambition and courage. Rohini’s serpent shows charm and transformation, Punarvasu’s cat shows renewal, and Uttara Phalguni’s rat shows loyalty. By knowing these, you get a quick “animal guide” to your star constellation.

Explore more: If this inspired you, consider learning astrology systematically. CIL Guru’s Remedies Course or Live Courses can deepen your understanding of nakshatras, grahas, and more. Ready for a detailed birth chart reading? Our who we are page introduces the team, and you can read success stories of people who found guidance through these studies. Astrology is a journey – let’s discover it together!

FAQs

• Which animal represents Krittika Nakshatra?
  Krittika’s symbol animal is usually a goat or sheep. This signifies determination and courage (goats climb mountains!), reflecting Krittika’s fiery Mars energy.
  
• What does the Rohini Nakshatra animal symbolize?
  Rohini’s animal is a serpent (snake). Snakes shed skin, so this nakshatra relates to beauty, creativity, and transformation. People born under Rohini often have charisma and artistic talent.
  
• What is the animal of Punarvasu Nakshatra and what does it mean?
  Punarvasu’s animal is a cat. Cats have nine lives, symbolizing rebirth and resilience. It means Punarvasu natives are adaptable and able to bounce back after challenges.
  
• Which zodiac sign (Rashi) is Krittika Nakshatra in?
  Krittika Nakshatra mainly falls in Aries (Mesh Rashi). So Krittika people often have Aries-like traits: boldness, initiative, and energy.
  
• Which Rashi does Punarvasu Nakshatra belong to?
  Punarvasu is primarily in Gemini (Mithuna Rashi) (and partly Scorpio). Thus it carries Gemini qualities like curiosity and communication.
  
• Where can I find a nakshatra-animal chart in Malayalam?
  Many Malayalam astrology books and charts list nakshatras and their animals in Malayalam script. You can often find a “nakshatra animal chart” (നക്ഷത്ര പാശു പട്ടിക) in regional astrology guides. These charts simply list each nakshatra’s animal symbol for quick reference.