Purva Phalguniपूर्व फाल्गुनी

Purva Phalguni, the eleventh nakshatra, occupies the middle of Leo. The word purva means former and phalguni relates to the reddish fruit-bearing spring season, so the name suggests the earlier of a pair. It is the first of two nakshatras that share the symbol of a bed, here the front legs, and a fig tree is sometimes added as a variant image.

Bhaga is the deity. In the Vedas he is one of the Adityas and the giver of share and fortune, a word that survives in Sanskrit as bhagya. Venus is the planetary lord and the gana is Manushya. Because of the bed and the deity of fortune, tradition links the nakshatra with rest, enjoyment and festive occasions, though these are symbolic readings and not claims about anyone's life.

In the muhurat system Purva Phalguni is in the ugra group with Bharani, Magha, Purva Ashadha and Purva Bhadrapada. Traditional guidance says this group is not preferred for gentle openings like a housewarming, although it may be chosen for resolute undertakings. The period of Phalguna, in which Holi falls, takes its name from the Phalguni pair. Naming syllables commonly listed are Mo, Ta, Ti and Tu. As lists differ, a priest should confirm the version used by your family.