When it comes to the deities associated with the Nakshatras, it becomes quite a conundrum as there are plenty of confusions circulating around this topic. There is a Vedic Deity prescribed for each of the 27 Nakshatras and there is also an Adi Devata for each of these 27 stars as enunciated by the holy text "Kumaraswamiyam". In addition to this there are specific birth Nakshatras for many of the deities who may or may not be the prescribed deity for that specific Nakshatra.
You find that in majority of cases there is a strong correlation between Devata and Adi Devata but at times there is a bit of an offshoot. We did see the confusion in the previous article about how there were cases when some of the Navagrahas were born in a particular Nakshatra but happened to be the ruling deity in a completely different Nakshatra. The issue gets further accentuated here as unlike the Navagrahas who are also God's themselves, but when it comes to some of the deities they have happened to take so many different forms, shaktis and avatars across multiple time periods making it difficult to pigeonhole the exact Nakshatra that they belong or took birth in.
When it comes to praying of the correct deity for a Nakshatra, it becomes quite a difficult proposition to track down. Let's take a simple illustration - brothers in arms Vinayaka and Murugan are given as the ruling deity of 2 of the stars viz Uttara Ashada and Vishakha respectively. But when we consider their Thiru Nakshatra which is the holy birth star of divine beings, it is believed that Vinayaka was born in the constellation of Hastha actually whereas Murugan was born in the Nakshatra in which he is also the ruling deity viz Vishakha. To add fire to the wound, Muruga or Subrahmanya as he is called is also associated with various other Nakshatras such as Krithika because he is also named as Karthikeya and due to the nurturing he received from the 6 Krithika sisters. He is also connected to other stars such as Pushya with the Thai Poosam festival conducted in vogue during the month of January/February in the constellation of Pushya around the new moon time. There is also a connection with Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra as his divine marriage to India's daughter Deivanai took place in this constellation of Uttara Phalguni (Uthiram as its called in Tamil) during the solar month of Panguni which runs from around mid March to mid April.
Thus you observe so many different mixing & matching principles coming into the picture. Nothing is really right or wrong but one cannot come to a decision simply abstractly. If one opens the pandora's box there will be many more surprises coming in the way. For instance the Tri Devis and consorts of Trimurtis viz Parvathi, Lakshmi and Saraswathi are said to be born in a Nakshatra which is different from the Nakshatra which they preside over. To exacerbate the situation further, their Shakti forms again tend to have their own singular Nakshatra presided over.
The best way to handle the deity or devata ruling the Nakshatra confusion is to consider the ruling deity provided for a Nakshatra as they exercise complete control over the Nakshatra since they preside and lord over it. That may or may not be the Janma Nakshatra of the particular God but this shouldn't supersede the fact that they are the ruling deity and of prime most importance. Next in line preference should be given to the Nakshatra in which they have taken birth if such information is available and also if they don't happen to be a specific deity of a particular Nakshatra.
The Vedic Deity provided as per the texts are mostly forms of the 33 types of Gods comprising of 12 Adityas, 11 Rudras, 8 Vasus and the Ashwini Kumars. There are also considerations of Aditi, Brahma, Vishwadeva, Indra etc. Since most of these are addressed as a type of God, Kumaraswamiyam helps dissect by also providing a God to worship in majority of the cases. The one provided by it can be considered sacrosanct consisting of the most plausible god to worship for a specific Nakshatra. To make things further clear, also adding a God to worship depending on factors such as Thiru Nakshatra, God connected to a particular Nakshatra etc. In some cases, this can also be a representative God to worship in the absence of a specific worshipping deity not listed out by the Devata/Adi Devata of the Nakshatra. Also it is essential to understand that the majority of the Nakshatras have a Shiva/Vishnu connection. Sharing below the details for each of the Nakshatras.
1) Ashwini
Devata: Ashwini Kumars
Adi Devata: Saraswathi
God: Saraswathi
Note: As Saraswathi is a God and specifically listed out as the deity for Ashwini Nakshatra, Goddess Saraswathi should be considered as the main God to pray for Ashwini Nakshatra. Also as Ashwini Kumars are known for healing and being physicians and Saraswathi linked largely for education, any God related to healing, learning can also be considered.
2) Bharani
Devata: Yama
Adi Devata: Durga
God: Durga
Note: As Durga is a God and specifically listed out as the deity for Bharani Nakshatra, Goddess Durga should be considered as the main God to pray for Bharani Nakshatra. As the combination of Yama/Durga indicates shakti, dharma, any form of idol linked to these traits can also be worshipped such as Kali, Amman etc. Bharani is also said to be the birth star of Navagraha Rahu and it can also be considered as an alternative deity for this Nakshatra.
3) Krithika
Devata: Agni
Adi Devata: Agni
God: Agnishwar
Note: As Agni or fire is an element and not not normally considered for worship in the form of an idol, Shiva worship in fire form can be considered for Krithika such as Agnishwar. Tiruvannamalai is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas associated with the fire element and hence worship of Annamalai at Arunachaleshwarar temple can be very beneficial. Also Lord Saravana Bhava is strongly linked to this Nakshatra and can be worshipped since Karthikeya was born under divine light & fire and nurtured by the 6 Krithika sisters. The Navagraha Moon is also said to have taken birth in this Nakshatra.
4) Rohini
Devata: Prajapati
Adi Devata: Brahma
God: Krishna
Note: As Brahma is a God and specifically listed out as the deity for Rohini Nakshatra, Lord Brahma should be considered as the main God to pray for Rohini Nakshatra. However considering that Brahma is not worshipped much in idol form and also the fact that there are very few famous Brahma temples such as Pushkar Brahma Temple or the Brahmapureeswarar Temple which again is a shrine paying homage to both Brahma + Shiva, Lord Sri Krishna can be considered as the main recipient to pray for this Nakshatra on account of the 8th Avatar of Vishnu being born in the constellation of Rohini. Rohini is also said to be the most favourite Nakshatra of the Moon as scriptures mention the Moon God giving extra importance and preference to Rohini among the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati.
5) Mrigaseerisham / Mrigashira
Devata: Soma
Adi Devata: Chandran
God: Moon
Note: As Moon is a God in planetary form and specifically listed out as the deity for Mriga Nakshatra, the Moon God should be considered as the main God to pray for this Nakshatra. As Lord Shiva wears the crescent Moon on his head, Shiva in a moon form can be worshipped such as Chandra Sudeshwarar, Chandra Mouleeshwarar, Chandra Shekhar, Somaskanda etc. Somnath Jyotirlinga as the name suggests can also be associated with this star. Mrigashira is also the Nakshatra in which Goddess Parvathi is said to have manifested. The temple guardian deity Purusha Mirugam with the body of an animal & head of a human is also associated with this Nakshatra. This is also the Saint Sri Raghavendra Swamy's (aka Rayuru) birth Nakshatra.
6) Thiruvadirai / Aarudra
Devata: Rudra
Adi Devata: Rudran
God: Shiva
Note: As Rudra is a God and the all encompassing Shiva himself, Lord Shiva is specifically listed out as the deity for Arudra Nakshatra. There are said to be 11 types of Rudras viz Kapali, Pingala, Bhima, Virupaksha, Vilohita, Shastra, Ajapaad, Ahirbudhanya, Shambu, Chanda and Bava. This Nakshatra represents all of the Rudras, thus any form of Shiva be it in the form of Linga, Nataraja or any other can be associated with this Nakshatra. Though there are many Nakshatras directly or indirectly connected with Lord Shiva, Arudra can said to be the defacto primary Nakshatra of Shiva. Sri Ramanujacharya's birth star also happens to be Arudra.
7) Punarpoosam / Punarvasu
Devata: Aditi
Adi Devata: Devas
God: Rama
Note: Devas can be termed as Gods or divine beings in plurality. As it does not represent one particular God, a defining representative for this Nakshatra can be Sri Rama who was born in this star and said to be a Dharmic force exhibiting righteousness and truth. Aditi is said to be the Mother of Gods and Devas come within the ambit of Gods themselves, thus Lord Rama who manifested as the 7th Avatar of Maha Vishnu in the Thiru Nakshatra of Punarvasu can be the main God to be prayed for this star. Sri Adi Shankaracharya's birth star as well as Sri Ramana Maharishi, both happen to be that of Punarpoosam or Punarvasu.
8) Poosam / Pushya
Devata: Brihaspati
Adi Devata: Viyazhan
God: Jupiter
God: As Jupiter is a God in planetary form and specifically listed out as the deity for Pushya Nakshatra, the Jupiter God or Guru should be considered as the main God to pray for this Nakshatra. This Nakshatra can also be linked to the Adi Guru "Sri Dakshinamurthy" who happens to be an aspect of Lord Shiva and considered as the primary foremost of all teachers or Gurus. The star of Pushya is also believed to be the birth star of respected Sage Vasishta. Any Guru like God figure can said to be invoked for this Nakshatra such as Dattatreya, Sai Baba, Kula Guru from one's lineage etc as it's a star for paying homage to all Guru like figures.
9) Aayilyam / Ashlesha
Devata: Nagas
Adi Devata: Adiseshan
God: Adishesha
Note: As Adisheshan, the divine serpent who forms a protective canopy and comforting couch enabling Lord Vishnu's cosmic sleep is considered as a God and specifically listed out as the deity for Ashlesha Nakshatra, Adishesha should be considered as the main God to pray for Ashlesha Nakshatra. Any Naga or Sarpa form of deity can be worshipped for this Nakshatra such as Nagamman, Nagaraja, Naga Kanni etc. The Jyotirling of Nageshwar holds a special place for snake worship and can be connected to this star. Another popular temple famous for snakes down south happens to be Sri Nagaraja temple in the town of Nagercoil. Ashlesha is also said to be the birth Nakshatra of both Lakshmana (Ram's brother) and Balaram (Krishna's brother). Venerated Sage Agasthya is also believed to be born in star of Ashlesha during the solar month of Margazhi which runs from mid December to mid January. Ashlesha is also said to be the birth star of Navagraha Ketu and it can also be considered as an alternative deity for this Nakshatra.
10) Magam / Magha
Devata: Pitris
Adi Devata: Shukra
God: Venus
Note: As Venus is a God in planetary form and specifically listed out as the deity for Magha Nakshatra, Venus should be considered as the main God to pray for this Nakshatra. It is also believed that Shukra took birth in this particular star. As this Nakshatra is majorly linked to Pitrus, worshipping at Jyotirlinga temples such as Rameshwaram (purifying sin), Trimbakeshwar (Pitru Dosha), Kedarnath (removing karmic burden) etc can be helpful for dissolving ancestral curses and seeking good karma. Lord Bhairava, a manifestation of Shiva can also be worshipped for this Nakshatra because when Bhairava Jayanthi happens on Krishna Ashtami, it mostly gets aligned with Magha star and since the core principle of this Nakshatra is do with Pitru, Kula Deva and Karma, Bhairava worship can be helpful. Lord Surya Narayana is also connected with this star as the Ratha Sapthami festival originally falls on Magha Nakshatra in the waxing tithi of Sapthami. There is also a saying of Yama Dharmaraj being associated with this Nakshatra since he governs spirits and ancestral lineage. Goddess Sita is also believed to have taken birth in this Nakshatra. Additionally Madurai Meenakshi and Goddess Ambika are said to be born in this star during the solar month of Thai and Maasi respectively.
11) Pooram / Poorva Phalguni
Devata: Aryaman
Adi Devata: Parvathi
God: Parvathi
Note: As Goddess Parvathi is a God and specifically listed out as the deity for Poorva Phalguni Nakshatra, Ma Parvathi who is the primary consort of Lord Shiva should be considered as the main God to pray for Poorva Phalguni Nakshatra. Thus any form or shakti occurring from Parvathi is naturally linked to this star. It is also believed that the Thiru Nakshatra of both Kanchi Kamakshi and Kasi Visalakshi fall under this star. The great female poet saint Andal also took birth in this star during the solar month of Aadi.
12) Uthiram / Uttara Phalguni
Devata: Bhaga
Adi Devata: Sastha
God: Aiyappa
Note: As Dharma Sastha Aiyappa is a God and specifically listed out as the deity for Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra, Aiyappa who is revered as the divine son of Lord Shiva and Mohini who is a female avatar of Lord Vishnu should be considered as the main God to pray for Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra. Swamy Aiyappa is also said to have manifested in this particular birth star. It is also believed to be the birth star of Guru Bhagwan and also Goddess Mahalakshmi who manifested from this star through the milky ocean of Ksheera Sagara. When this star coincides with the full moon in the month of Panguni, it is said to be extremely auspicious as many divine deities are said to have exchanged wedding wows on this particular star month such as Shiva & Parvathi, Vishnu & Lakshmi, Rama & Seetha, Murugan & Deivanai, Sage Agasthya & Ma Lopamudra. The Thiru Nakshatra of Poornatrayeesha worshipped as Vishnu in the form of Santhana Gopala Murthy is also said to be Uthiram. The 6th Avatar of Vishnu viz Parashurama is also said to have descended from the star of Uttara Phalguni.
13) Hastham / Hastha
Devata: Savitar
Adi Devata: Suriyan
God: Sun
God: As Sun is a God in planetary form and specifically listed out as the deity for Hastha Nakshatra, the Sun God should be considered as the main God to pray for this Nakshatra. On account of the strong Sun presence, the Gayatri Mantra is connected and hence worship of Gayatri Devi who is an aspect of Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati can be taken into account for this Nakshatra. This is also the birth Nakshatra of the ever favorite Elephant God Lord Vinayaka.
14) Chithirai / Chitra
Devata: Tvastar
Adi Devata: Vishwakarma
God: Vishwakarma
Note: As Vishwakarma is a God and specifically listed out as the deity for Chitra Nakshatra, Vishwakarma who is the celestial architect of the universe and the master craftsman of the gods should be considered as the main God to pray for Chitra Nakshatra. The most popular deity prayed for this star which also happens to be his birth star is Chakrathalwar or Sudharshana representing the divine discus weapon of Lord Vishnu in an anthropomorphic form. In many shrines one would observe Chakrathalwar born in Chitra star placed on the front side and Yoga Narasimhar born in the subsequent Swathi star placed in the rear side of the discus.
15) Swathi
Devata: Vayu
Adi Devata: Mahalakshmi
God: Lakshmi
Note: As Goddess Lakshmi is a God and specifically listed out as the deity for Swathi Nakshatra, Ma Lakshmi who is the primary consort of Lord Vishnu should be considered as the main God to pray for Swathi Nakshatra. Thus any form of Lakshmi can be invoked for this star. 8 types of Lakshmis such as Adi, Dhana, Dhanya, Gaja, Santhana, Veera, Vidya and Vijaya Lakshmi all can be linked to this particular Nakshatra. Lord Narasimha, the famous 4th avatar of Vishnu appearing in the form of half man and half lion manifested in the Nakshatra of Swathi. The fierce Sarabeshwara, a manifestation of Shiva with bird like wings, lion face and multiple arms who was sent to tame Narasimha's fury was also born in this star. Garuda Alwar's divine birth also occurred in the star of Swathi during the solar month of Aadi.
16) Visagam / Vishakha
Devata: Indragni
Adi Devata: Subrahmanya
God: Subrahmanya
Note: As Lord Subrahmanya is a God and specifically listed out as the deity for Vishakha Nakshatra, Murugan or the various names he is called upon and who happens to be the son of Lord Shiva should be considered as the main God to pray for Vishakha Nakshatra. The divine Lord not only presides as deity but is also said to have manifested from the third eye of his father Shiva in the solar month of Vaikasi when the Nakashatra of Vishakha was visible in the skies. The 9th Avatar of Vishnu in the form of Lord Buddha is also said to be born in the star of Vishakha. The Sun God is also said to have taken birth in the constellation of Vishakha.
17) Anusham / Anuradha
Devata: Mitra
Adi Devata: Vayu
God: Lakshmi Narayana
Note: As Vayu or Air is an element and not not normally considered for worship in the form of an idol, Lakshmi Narayana can be considered as worship for Anuradha Nakshatra. Lakshmi Narayana is connected vividly as this Nakshatra represents the symbol of lotus where the Lord Narayana and his consort Lakshmi are said to be seated. As its linked to twin worship and friendship, another divine couple Radha & Krishna also can be invoked for this Nakshatra. Kalahasthi is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas associated with the air element and hence worship of the Vayu Linga or Sri Kalahasteeswara can be very beneficial. It is believed that a trio of animals viz Sri (Spider), Kala (Snake) and Hasthi (Elephant) worshipped the Linga and received salvation from Lord Shiva and that also forms the origin of its name. This also happens to be the birth Nakshatra of Kanchi Maha Periyava. Sage Vishwamitra and Sage Valmiki are both said to have their birth star as Anuradha. The poet who wrote the Thirukural viz Sage Thiruvalluvar is also said to be born in the month of Vaikasi under this particular constellation.
18) Kettai / Jyeshta
Devata: Indra
Adi Devata: Devendran
God: Varaha
Note: As Lord Indra is a God and specifically listed out as the deity for Jyeshta Nakshatra, chief of Gods Indra should be considered as the main God to pray for Jyeshta Nakshatra. However considering that Indra is not worshipped much in idol form and there are hardly any temples associated with Indra, the alternative deity which can be considered for this Nakshatra happens to be Varaha - the bow avatar of Vishnu or Varahi the feminine form with Shakti energy. Venerated Sage Vyasa who penned the Mahabharatha and also the Vedas is believed to have born in this star.
19) Moolam / Moola
Devata: Nirriti
Adi Devata: Asura
God: Anjaneya
Note: Asura can be termed as God of demons or a class of powerful spiritual or supernatural beings. It generally connotes a negative purview but should not be taken verbatim as it also deals with removing the inner hurdles and forces from within. There is a reason that Jupiter is provided the title of Deva Guru (Teacher of the Gods) and Venus ordained as the Asura Guru (Teacher of the Demons). As Asura does not represent one particular God as an entity, Anjaneya or Lord Hanuman who also gets coined as Vayu Putra being born to the wind god can be considered for this Nakshatra. Anjaneya is also said to be born in the Nakshatra of Moola with his steadfast devotion, loyalty and service to Lord Rama being unprecedented. Sage Arunagirinathar who was a devout worshipper of Lord Muruga is also said to be born in this Nakshatra. Also the 10 faced Ravana who was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva having composed the Shiva Tandava Stotram had his birth in the constellation of Moola.
20) Pooradam / Poorva Ashada
Devata: Jala
Adi Devata: Varunan
God: Jambukeshwarar
Note: As Jala or Varuna is water which is an element and not not normally considered for worship in the form of an idol, Shiva worship in water form can be considered for Poorva Ashada. Jambukeshwarar is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas associated with the water element and hence worship of the Shiva Linga at this temple can be very beneficial. Other water related temples associated with Lord Shiva can also be considered such as Jalakandeswarar temple.
21) Uthiradam / Uttara Ashada
Devata: Vishwadeva
Adi Devata: Vinayaka
God: Vinayaka
Note: As Vinayaka is a God and specifically listed out as the deity for Uttara Ashada Nakshatra, Lord Vinayaka should be considered as the main God to pray for Uttara Ashada Nakshatra. The term Vishwa Devas are collectively translated as the Universal Gods and consists of 10 principles viz Kratu, Daksha, Vasu, Satya, Kala, Kama, Dhriti, Kuru, Pururavas, Madravas. Vinayak who is called by various names represents all of these characteristics and is assigned the title as the Universal God. The Navagraha Mars is also said to have been born in this Nakshatra along with also being a subsidiary deity of Uttara Ashada Nakshatra.
22) Tiruvonam / Shravana
Devata: Vishnu
Adi Devata: Vishnu
God: Vishnu
Note: As Vishnu is a God playing out the role of preserving the universe and specifically listed out as the deity for Shravana Nakshatra, Lord Vishnu should be considered as the main God to pray for Shravana Nakshatra. Like Brahma for Rohini and Shiva for Arudra, Vishnu for Shravana is the defacto deity and any version of Vishnu can be invoked for this Nakshatra. The 5th Avatar of Vishnu viz Vamana is specifically said to be born in this Nakshatra. The birth of Hayagriva, a form of Vishnu considered as a God of learning with a human body and face of a horse is also said to have occurred in this Nakshatra. Hayagriva Swamy is believed to have imparted knowledge to the likes of Goddess Saraswathi, Adi Guru Dakshinamurthy and Sage Ved Vyasa. Sukar Brahma Maharishi, an enlightened sage having the face of a parrot who is known for narrating the Bhagavad Purana was also born in Shravana Nakshatra in the solar month of Aani.
23) Avittam / Dhanishta
Devata: Ashta Vasu
Adi Devata: Indirani
God: Indirani
Note: As Indrani is a God and specifically listed out as the deity for Dhanishta Nakshatra, Goddess Indrani should be considered as the main God to pray for Dhanishta Nakshatra. She is the consort of Lord Indra and also known by the name of Sachi Devi and also happens to be one of the 7 Saptha Matrikas (seven divine mother goddessess) representing the feminine power of Indra. This Nakshatra is also largely associated with Anantha Sayana Perumal which refers to Lord Vishnu in sacred reclining posture resting on the serpent Adishesha. Mercury Navagraha is said to be born in this Nakshatra and can also be considered an additional deity for Dhanishta. The Ashta Vasus are said to be a combination of 8 elements viz Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether, Sun, Moon and the Stars.
24) Sadayam / Satabhisha
Devata: Varuna
Adi Devata: Yaman
God: Mrityunjeshwarar
Note: As Yaman is a God and specifically listed out as the deity for Satabisha Nakshatra, Yama Raj should be considered as the main God to pray for Satabisha Nakshatra. Yama is the god of death & justice and protector of law & order known for upholding Dharma. As Yama is not normally prayed in idol form, Lord Mrityunjeshwarar the death defying form of Shiva can be considered apt for worship towards this Nakshatra. Since Lord Anjaneya who also abides by similar principles and known as Chiranjeevi because he is blessed with immortality can be invoked for this Nakshatra. Raja Raja Cholan, the great emperor is said to have been born in this Nakshatra
25) Pooraratathi / Poorva Bhadrapada
Devata: Aja Ekapada
Adi Devata: Kuberan
God: Kubera
Note: As Kubera is a God and specifically listed out as the deity for Poorva Bhadrapada Nakshatra, Kubera should be considered as the main God to pray for Poorva Bhadrapada Nakshatra. Kubera is considered as the God of wealth and guarding the riches of the world. He rules over Yakshas associated with treasure and is the custodian of wealth. He is also known as the half brother of the demon king Ravana. As this Nakshatra also happens to be one of the Rudras, it is associated with Eka Pada linked as Ajapaada, a one footed form of Lord Shiva symbolizing transcendence, formless energy and eternal presence.
26) Uthiratathi / Uttara Bhadrapada
Devata: Ahir Budhanya
Adi Devata: Kamadhenu
God: Kamadhenu
Note: As Kamadhenu is a God and specifically listed out as the deity for Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra, Kamadhenu should be considered as the main God to pray for Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra. Kamadhenu is a divine wish fulfilling cow and revered as the mother of all cows symbolising abundance and purity. This Nakshatra is powerfully associated with the energies of Tirupati Balaji temple in Tirumala and there is also a Govinda (cow) story associated with Lord Srinivasa and Goddess Padmavathi. As this Nakshatra also happens to be one of the Rudras, it is associated with Maha Eshwarar linked as Ahir Budhanya associated with the serpent of the deep waters symbolizing cosmic powers, energy and depth.
27) Revathi
Devata: Pooshan
Adi Devata: Shani
God: Saturn
Note: As Saturn is a God in planetary form and specifically listed out as the deity for Revathi Nakshatra, Saturn should be considered as the main God to pray for this Nakshatra. It is also believed that Shani God took birth in this particular star. It is also believed to be the birth star of Aranganatha Perumal from the foremost Divya Desam temple of Sri Rangam. Lord Dattatreya, who is a combined Hindu incarnation of the Trimurthies - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva is said to have manifested in the Nakshatra of Revathi during the lunar month of Vaishakha in the waning Tithi of Dashami on a Thursday with the rising ascendant sign being Meena or Pisces. Dattatreya was born to Sage Atri and Anasuya and known to possess 3 heads and 6 hands representing the Hindu Trinity.
Birth Stars and Deity Information of Well Known Deities
When we look at the Devata and Adidevata for each of the Nakshatra, it normally tends to align well with the Devata mentioning a form which gets assigned any of the 12 Adityas, 11 Rudras, 8 Vasus, Ashwins, Indra, Prajapati, Yama, Mother God Aditi, God of Destruction Nirriti, Universal God Vishwadeva, God of ocean Varuna or God of the Navagrahas. On the other hand, the Adi Devata describes the relevant God to be allotted for each of the Nakshatra. In couple of the cases, you see a mismatch. For instance the Devata of Bharani is Yama whereas Adidevata of Satabisha is Yama. However deity has been clearly described for Bharani as Durga whereas Yama or any Shiva form like Mrityunjeshwar is prescribed to be the deity for Satabisha. Another set of Nakshatras where this confusion arises is between Swathi and Anuradha. The Devata of Swathi is Vayu whereas the Adi Devata of Anuradha is also provided as Vayu. However, here too Goddess Mahalakshmi is clearly indicated as the deity for Swathi which means any Wind related God should be invoked for Anuradha. There is sometimes a case of Lord Narasimha being linked to Swathi but it should be clearly noted that Lord Narasimha was only born in Swathi whereas the Governing deity of Swathi Nakshatra is well and truly Goddess Mahalakshmi only.
Listed below are the birth stars of some prominent deities to clear and understand the concept of birth star and presiding deity:
Trimurthis:
Shiva - Mentioned to be born in Arudra Nakshatra. Shiva is also clearly the presiding deity of Aruda Nakshatra
Vishnu - Mentioned to be born in Shravana Nakshatra. Vishnu is also clearly the presiding deity of Shravana Nakshatra
Brahma - Mentioned as not having a specified birth star as such but is clearly the presiding deity of Rohini Nakshatra
Tridevis:
Parvathi - Mentioned to be born in Mrigashira Nakshatra. Parvathi however happens to be the presiding deity of Poorva Phalguni Nakshatra
Lakshmi - Mentioned to be born in Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra. Lakshmi however happens to be the presiding deity of Swathi Nakshatra
Saraswathi - Mentioned to be born in Moola Nakshatra. Saraswathi however happens to be the presiding deity of Ashwini Nakshatra
Sons of Shiva:
Vinayaka - Mentioned to be born in Hastha Nakshatra. Vinayaka however happens to be the presiding deity of Uttara Ashada Nakshatra
Subrahmanya - Mentioned to be born in Vishakha Nakshatra. Subrahmanya is also clearly the presiding deity of Vishakha Nakshatra
Aspects of Parvathi:
Durga - Mentioned as not having a specified birth star as such but is clearly the presiding deity of Bharani Nakshatra
Ambika - Mentioned to be born in Magha Nakshatra. Ambika is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Meenakshi - Mentioned to be born in Magha Nakshatra. Meenakshi is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Kamakshi - Mentioned to be born in Poorva Phalguni Nakshatra. Kamakshi is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Visalakshi - Mentioned to be born in Poorva Phalguni Nakshatra. Visalakshi is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Avatars of Vishnu:
Narasimha - Mentioned to be born in Swathi Nakshatra. Narasimha is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Vamana - Mentioned to be born in Shravana Nakshatra. Vamana is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Parashurama - Mentioned to be born in Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra. Parashurama is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Rama - Mentioned to be born in Punarvasu Nakshatra. Rama is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Krishna - Mentioned to be born in Rohini Nakshatra. Krishna is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Buddha - Mentioned to be born in Vishakha Nakshatra. Buddha is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Matsya - No authentic information is available regarding birth Nakshatra but the possible one can be Revathi due to the symbolic connection of Fish. Matsya is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Koorma - No authentic information is available regarding birth Nakshatra but the possible one can be Chitra due to the symbolic connection with structure and foundation associated with tortoise. Matsya is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Varaha - Mentioned to be born in Jyeshta Nakshatra as per most Tamil references. Varaha is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Vishnu Related Forms
Anjaneya - Mentioned to be born in Moola Nakshatra. Anjaneya is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Garuda - Mentioned to be born in Swathi Nakshatra. Garuda is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Hayagriva - Mentioned to be born in Shravana Nakshatra. Hayagriva is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Andal - Mentioned to be born in Poorva Phalguni Nakshatra. Andal is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra. She is the only female among the 12 Alwar saints
Aspects of Shiva
Dakshinamurthy - No clear birth star but associated with Pushya on account of the Guru connection. Dakshinamurthy is is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Bhairava - No clear birth star but associated with Magha due to Bhairava Jayanthi aligning closely to the star and on account of Pitru connection. Bhairava is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra
Sarabeshwara - No clear birth star but associated with Swathi due to Narasimha connection who was also said to be born on the same star and Sarabeshwara manifested to tame Lord Narasimha's fury
Combined Deities
Ayyappa - Mentioned to be born in Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra. Ayyappa is also clearly the presiding deity of Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra. Ayyappa arose as a combined form of Shiva/Vishnu as he was born as the divine son of Lord Shiva and Mohini who is the female avatar of Lord Vishnu
Dattatreya - Mentioned to be born in Revathi Nakshatra. Ayyappa is also clearly the presiding deity of Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra. Dattatreya is however not specifically assigned as the presiding deity of any Nakshatra. Lord Dattatreya is a combined incarnation of the Trimurthies - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva
Gayatri Devi - Mentioned to be connected with Hastha Nakshatra as she is also reflected by the name of Savitar who is the Vedic Solar deity of Hastha and Gayatri also goes by the name of Savitri. Goddess Gayathri Devi is the personification of the Gayathri Mantra and represents the collective divine energy of the Tridevis viz Saraswathi, Lakshmi and Parvathi.
Nakshatra Deities associated with the 5 elements:
The holy text of Kumara Swamiyam provides only 3 of the elements to be deities of a particular Nakshatras which are Fire, Air and Water. Regarding the elements of Earth and Ether, they don't standalone preside any of the 27 Nakshatras. However considering that each of the elements are particularly associated with a specific Shiva temple, we will try to chalk out the most plausible option of all the 5 elements connected with a specific Nakshatra.
Fire or Agni - The Fire element is linked with Arunachaleswarar Temple located in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. Also it is clearly mentioned that Krithika Nakshatra is ruled by Fire God or Agni. Hence Fire element is mainly associated with Krithika Nakshatra
Air or Vayu - The Air element is linked with Srikalahasteeswara Temple located in Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh. The Devata of Swathi is said to be Vayu whereas the Adi Devata of Anuradha is also said to be Vayu. But since for Swathi, the presiding deity is clearly laid out as Goddess Mahalakshmi, Air element is to be associated with Anuradha Nakshatra
Water or Jala - The Water element is linked with Jambukeswarar Temple located in Thiruvanaikaval, Tamil Nadu. The Nakshatra linked to the water element happens to be Poorva Ashada since the
Devata and Adi Devata of Poorva Ashada Nakshatra are said to be Apah & Varuna respectively both which are connected to the waters. There is also a reference of Varuna as Vedic deity for Shatabisha Nakshatra but since Yama Dharmaraj is provided as the presiding deity for Shatabisha, the water element Nakshatra is exclusively connected to Poorva Ashada.
Earth or Prithvi - The Earth element is linked with Ekambareswarar Temple located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. It should be noted that there is no Nakshatra which is exclusively said to be ruled by the Earth God as presiding deity. However one of the Nakshatras which can be a close contender representing the Earth element happens to be Uttara Phalguni. This is because the major annual festival of the temple takes place in the solar month of Panguni when Uttara Phalguni is transiting in the sky. Since there is significant worship of the Prithvi Lingam during Panguni Uthiram at Ekambareswarar, we can consider Uttara Phalguni as the Nakshatra predominantly connected to Earth element.
Ether or Akash - The Ether element is linked with Thillai Nataraja Temple located in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. It should be noted that there is no Nakshatra which is exclusively said to be ruled by the Earth God as presiding deity. However similar to Earth when considering temple traditions, the Arudra Darshan or the cosmic dance festival happens during Arudra Nakshatra in the solar month of Margazhi. The name itself connotes Arudra also known as 'Thiruvadirai' and is deeply associated with Chidambaram Nataraja with Shiva's cosmic dance being celebrated widely. We also know that the presiding deity of Arudra by itself is Rudra. So all pointers route to Arudra being the centralized Nakshatra for the Ether element
Summarizing the Elements with the Temple and respective Nakshatra association
Earth -> Ekambareshwarar, Kanchipuram -> Uttara Phalguni or Uthiram (Derived)
Water -> Jambukeshwarar, Thiruvanaikaval -> Poorva Ashada or Pooradam
Fire -> Arunachaleshwarar, Thiruvannamalai -> Krithika or Karthigai
Air -> Sri Kalahastheshwarar, Kalahasti -> Anuradha or Anusham
Ether -> Thilai Natarajar, Chidambaram -> Arudra or Tiruvadirai (Derived)
Note: The Nakshatra of Dhanishta or Avittam is said to be ruled by the 8 Vasus holding a mixture of all the 5 elements plus Sun, Moon and Nakshatras as a whole but however it does not independently rule any singular element.
Nakshatras Deities associated with the 9 Navagrahas
Coming to Navagrahas, only 5 of the Navagrahas are given deity rulership of Nakshatras. They are Sun, Moon, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. For the remaining 4 namely Mars, Mercury, Rahu & Ketu specific deity lordship is not been provided. However we can still assign few Naksharas as secondary deities for the Navagrahas who are not given exclusive deity rulership. Listing down below the Navagrahas and their respective Nakshatra in which they happen to be the deity.
Sun - Hastha or Hastham
Moon - Mrigashira or Mrigasheerisham
Jupiter - Pushya or Poosam
Venus - Magha or Magam
Saturn - Revathi
Mars - Uttara Ashada or Uthiradam (Derived)
Mercury - Dhanishta or Avittam (Derived)
Rahu - Bharani (Derived)
Ketu - Ashlesha or Ayilyam (Derived)






