Vishakha

Vishakha, the 16th nakshatra, as depicted in temples.

Vishakha, the 16th nakshatra, mapped to the Stellarium star chart (WGSN 2025).

... is an Indian name, used by the Indian Vedic tradition. Most of these names are roughly 3000 years old. They pre-date Hinduism but were taken over by it.

Etymology and History

Tibet nakshatra 14

The name "Vishakha" means "having many branches" which is depicted in the temple drawing. Yet, the asterism has only four stars among which two are α and β Librae which is known from coordinates. The other two are typically identified with ι and γ Lib. These four stars do not form a line but a quadrilateral in the sky. It is outside the band of the Milky Way. Therefore, the literal translation may not refer to any recognizable pattern (of stars or bright or dark clouds of the Milky Way).

Mythology

mnemonic tales and cultural significance

References

• References (general)