Chitraचित्रा

Chitra, the fourteenth nakshatra, stretches from the end of Virgo into the start of Libra. The name means brilliant or variegated, and the symbol is a bright jewel or pearl. Its chief star is Spica, one of the brightest in the night sky, and old texts treat it as the shining gem set between the two signs it joins.

Tvashtar, the divine craftsman, presides over it and is often identified with Vishvakarma. The Rigveda credits Tvashtar with fashioning the thunderbolt of Indra and other devices of the gods, so the nakshatra is the natural home for the idea of making. Mars is the planetary lord and the gana is Rakshasa, which in classical usage is a temperament label. In Tamil Nadu the full moon of the month Chithirai, known as Chitra Pournami, is observed with temple rites.

For muhurat purposes Chitra is in the mridu or soft group with Mrigashira, Anuradha and Revati. Traditional guidance suggests these days for creative and tender matters like arts, ornaments and fine clothing. The syllables commonly listed for naming are Pe, Po, Ra and Ri. Because this nakshatra crosses a sign boundary, the first two padas fall in Virgo and the last two in Libra, so astrologers read the sign alongside the pada.