Purva Bhadrapadaपूर्व भाद्रपद

Purva Bhadrapada, the twenty-fifth nakshatra, begins in Aquarius at 20 degrees and ends in Pisces at 3 degrees 20 minutes. Bhadrapada means auspicious feet, and the purva marks this as the front pair. The symbol is a two-faced man or a sword, an image of a blade that has two edges. Its two stars are the upper pair of the Great Square of Pegasus.

Aja Ekapada, the one-footed unborn, is its deity. The name is often rendered as the one-footed goat, and Vedic hymns call him a supporter of the sky who stands on a single foot. Later tradition links him with Rudra, which is why worship of Shiva in his fierce aspect is associated with the nakshatra. Jupiter is the planetary lord and the gana is Manushya. The Hindu month Bhadrapada, which holds Ganesh Chaturthi in many calendars, is named after the pair.

In muhurat lists Purva Bhadrapada belongs to the ugra, or fierce, group with Bharani, Magha, Purva Phalguni and Purva Ashadha. Traditional guidance prefers other days for gentle ceremonies but treats this group as acceptable for firm resolve. It is also within panchaka in some traditions. The syllables commonly listed for naming are Se, So, Da and Di. Variation exists between regions, so ask your family priest.