मूल · Nakshatra #19 of 27 · 240.00°–253.33° · ruled by Ketu
This column has two witnesses: the devata as the Jyotisha handbooks transmit it, and the Taittiriya Brahmana's nakshatreshti (III.1.4-5), which prescribes an offering to each asterism's deity by name. Both are shown side by side rather than merged into one.
The two witnesses disagree here - III.1.5.3
A real disagreement, not a naming one. The Brahmana's offering for Mula goes to PRAJAPATI, and its own sukta names Nirriti only to push her away from the asterism ('paracim vaca nirrtim nudami', III.1.2.15). The handbook tradition reads that same verse as making Nirriti the devata of Mula, which is why Mula counts as a ganda-moola asterism. The engine's Ganda-Moola handling is unaffected either way - it keys on the nakshatra, not on the devata.
Root energy, protective, nourishing. Connects to ancestors and family lineage.
Medicine, roots/herbs, real estate, politics, administration.
Hips, lower back. Watch for chronic conditions.
Family-oriented. Strong bond with spouse after initial challenges.
Modern nakshatra synthesis - not from a classical text.
Moola has four padas with starting sounds Ye, Yo, Bha, Bhi (ये, यो, भा, भी) - used in the Vedic Naamkaran method to choose an auspicious first letter for a baby born in this nakshatra.
The syllables are the jyotisha almanac's table (the avakahada chakra). The Dharmasindhu (1888, p. 133) records that some name a child by it, and says the srauta and grihya texts do not agree; no text stating the table itself was found.
Pada 1 falls in the Aries navamsa - the fire element, Dharma (purpose). It adds initiative, courage and a pioneering drive, colouring Moola's expression toward Dharma (purpose).
Pada 2 falls in the Taurus navamsa - the earth element, Artha (security). It adds stability, patience and a grounded, material focus, colouring Moola's expression toward Artha (security).
Pada 3 falls in the Gemini navamsa - the air element, Kama (desire). It adds curiosity, versatility and communicative skill, colouring Moola's expression toward Kama (desire).
Pada 4 falls in the Cancer navamsa - the water element, Moksha (liberation). It adds emotional depth, nurturing instincts and sensitivity, colouring Moola's expression toward Moksha (liberation).
For educational purposes. Nakshatra interpretations are traditional and based on the Moon's birth star.