Hasta (हस्त)

Hasta, the 13th nakshatra, as drawn in temples.

Nakshatras 13 and 14, Hasta and Citra, marked on the Stellarium map (WGSN 2025).

Hasta (हस्त) 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

Name Variants

• Hasta
• Kara,
• Ravibha

The term "Hasta" means "hand". Temple depictions show it with five stars, and it is identified with the five stars (β, α, ε, γ, and δ Corvi) of modern Corvus that form a remarkable and easily recognizable pattern in the night sky.

Mythology

mnemonic tales and cultural significance

References

• References (general)