Abhijit is a seldom used nakshatra; it is not counted among the 27 asterisms of the Moon. Abhijit is the Sanskrit name for Vega, the brightest star in the northern constellation of Lyra. Its longitude starts from the last quarter of Uttara Ashādhā to first part of Shravana. Abhijit nakshatra is not a regular nakshatra with four padas or quarters, it serves as an intercalary asterism most of the times. It is not mentioned as frequently as other asterisms in mythology. Moon is said to have 27 (not 28) wives with whom he stays for one day in a sidereal lunar month. Each of the 27 asterisms is feminine, only Abhijit is masculine. Abhijit Muhurta is an auspicious time in the Hindu panchang.
Surya Prajnapathi mentions that the winter solstice (Makara Sankranthi) begins when the Sun and Moon were in conjunction with the first point of Abhijit Nakshatra: that point of the elipitc which was 177:55:10 degrees East of the star “Zeta Piscium” and that the five year cycle of the Vedic Calendar was then taken to commence from that Epoch.
Raman, Muhurta
The 28 constellations (including Abhijit which is generally ignored in everyday astrological consultations) are presided over by Aswini. Yama, Agni. Prajapati, the Moon, Rudra, Aditi, Jupiter, Serpent, Pitrus or manes, Bhaga, Aryaman, Savita, Swashta, Vayu.lndragni, Mitra, Indra, Niruti, Visvedewa, Brahman, Vishnu, Vasu, Varuna, Ajaikapat, Ahirbudhnya and Pushan respectively. Raman, again writes: Aswini, Pushya, Hasta and Abhijit are light constellations, and they can be selected for putting ornamentation, pleasures and sports, administering medicine, starting industries and undertaking travels.
In Prasna Marga, Raman tells that Abhijit faces West. In Muhurtam, Raman writes: Apart from the above general classification of good and bad muhurthas, the following should also be deemed as unpropitious on the different weekdays. Sunday coinciding with the 14th lunar day (Aryama); Monday the 8th (Vidhi) and the 12th (Naktanchara); Tuesday the 4th (Prtru) and the 11th (Vahni); Wednesday (Abhijit); …
The final Muhutam observation comes from Jaimini Sutras:
NOTES Some commentators are of opinion that 2.5 ghatis exactly in the middle of the Day and the Night are auspicious and such times produce Kings and their equals. The mid-day goes under the name of Abhijit and is considered as very auspicious for all work. It cuts away all evils. Abhijit sarva doshghnam.
28 minutes before and 28 minutes after midnight is called Abhijit Muhurta. 28 minutes before Midday and 28 minutes after Midday is also called Abhijit Muhurta. This muhurta is said to completely destroy evil propensities of unknown bodies including stars and planets. It is said that this time is most suitable for any auspicious work. If one undertakes a journey to any point except the South, the purpose of the journey will be fully achieved.
It is said that Lord Krishna was born during this Nakshatra, and that Lord Rama was born during this Nakshatra as well. It is noted that the Sun did not shine for many days after the birth of Lord Rama. Present day astrologers do not take Abhijit into account when making prediction, except in electional astrology. Others say that any planet in Abhijit will cause obstruction to any planets contained in Rohini nakshatra and vice-versa. Behari notes that the motivational impulse of Abhijit nakshatra is kama, desire.
Lord of Abhijit Nakshatra is Brahma, the Creator. Abhijit is the only male nakshatra, and this reflects the creative principle of Divinity. Brahma nakshatras indicate the creative aspect; these are indicated as karman – which simply means action. The Divine is of three aspects, Creator, Preserver and Receiver-of-all-things. Other terminology is G-O-D, Generator-Organiser-Destructor. This is the natural cycle of all that exists. Brahma nakshatras are also called creative nakshatras.
Behari – Fundamentals of Vedic Astrology
Behari gives the following summary of Abhijit Nakshatra:
Abhijit is the nakshatra which … was included among the lunar mansions during the Vedic period but presently, for most purposes, is not taken into account. However, the importance of this asterism can be gauged by the fact that Lord Krishna named Abhijit as his own particular nakshatra, and by the fact that the the presiding deity is Brahma, the creator of the manifest universe. The asterism is categorized as Vaisya, thereby accentuating its influence in sustaining the established social order. Generally, Abhijit provides a creative impulse and its association with destructive activities is not conducive to success. For coronation, waging war, or long journeys this asterism in muhurta astrology is still considered in order to decide the most likely circumstances to occur. Forming a part of Capricorn it can support benevolent, universalizing undertakings which are intended for the general good. Otherwise, the effect of this asterism is not likely to give favourable results.”
Abhijit Nakshatra: corresponding to ‘Sa’d-Adh-Dhabih’ (felicity of the sacrificer) of the Arab Manzil; Vega of the Greeks; ‘Nieu’ of the Chinese Sieu. It is one of the brightest of a group of 3 stars.
