
Bharani is approximately translated as ‘She who bears’. It is a reference primarily to the femine side of nature and capacity to receive, hold, nurture and destroy. Bharani carries all these attributes. It is the second nakshatra in the constellation of 27 nakshatras.
Shukra, the planet Venus is he lord of this nakshatra. Bharani is seen as being under the domain of Lord Yama, God of Death or Goddess Kali. Yama is almost seen as the Lord of Dharma. When seen in the light of this fact, it is Yama’s duty to assign the life paths for the souls who have their earthly bodies, it becomes clear that he has to be well versed in the laws of Karma and Dharma.
If Bharani can be summarised in one word, then the essential nature and functioning of Bharani is ‘extreme’. Bharani natives are often strong characters who can understand the many turbulences which life has to offer. They do get down and moan and cry like infants sometimes, but nothing holds them down for too long.
The symbol of Bharani is the Yoni, a representation of the female sexual organ and feminine energy. People are influenced by their poised and caring approach. They give prime importance to love. The natives of Bharani form special relationships with opposite sex. They give prime importance to love. They are evergreen lovers.
This nakshatra is classified as a Cruel or Active nakshatra, meaning that, under electional astrological beliefs, works of a harmful or deceptive nature are best conducted while the moon is Bharani. A special trait of their character is that they cannot survive under domination. They have their own principles and don’t let an ear for advice and suggestion from their relatives even.
They are often seen to undergo huge transformations and radical changes throughout their lives. And all Bharani natives have a creative urge inside them. With their strong sense of adventure, it is seen that they can achieve their goals if they are under constant guidance from a more mature and wiser source.
The head and botton parts of the feet are related to Bharani nakshatra. Syllables attributed to this nakshatra are li,lu,le and lo according to the pada-quater of a nakshatra the moon was in at the time of birth.
VATAARANYAESRARAR TEMPLE:
People's whose Birth star sign is Bharani Nakshatra are traditionally advised to visit Vataaranyaeswarar Temple at Thiruvalangadu in Tamil Nadu. Lord Siva manifests as Lord Vataaranyaeswarar. The resident mother deity is Manonmani Ammai. One is also advised to spend quality time in the temple. It is best to visit the Temple in your Birth star or Nakshatra i.e visit the temple in Bharani Nakshatra.
Thiruvalangadu is one of the 5 Sabai’s where Lord Shiva has performed his cosmic dances.This place is called the Rathina Sabai or Gem Court. The other Sabai’s are as follows: Chidambaram (Sky) - Kanaga sabai, Thiruvalangadu ( Gems ) - Rathina sabai, Thirukkutralam ( Art ) - Chitra sabai, Thirunelveli (Copper ) - Tamira sabai and Madurai ( Silver ) - Rajatha sabai
MYTHOLOGY:
There was a domestic debate between Shiva and Kali as to debate on who is the best dancer. This thing goes on in the Kailash household just like what happens here. And the next day they make it. To conclude and make a decision a competition was arranged. This was witnessed by all the God’s and Goddess including sages. The dance performance started and each had their turn to demonstrate their talent and non are less competent.
During the tandava, Shiva’s ear ring falls down and in order to avoid any hindrance to the performance he uses his right leg to pick the ear ring wears it his ear. This is one version. Another version states that Shiva purposely lifted His leg to expose his genitals and manhood in direct challenge to Kali. This is depicted in temple sculptures also. Kali being women cannot raise her legs that high in front of crowd and thus gets defeated. Again, another version states She graciously did not want to challenge the husband’s manhood. Hence she is in his temple in her dancing pose.
Hara Hara Mahadeva.
(draft Nakshatras)
by Yogi Ananda Saraswathi