Chitra
Nakshatra Details
The month of Chaitra was named after this constellation. There is only one star in this constellation, which is of pure white colour and bright. Due to being very attractive and bright, this constellation was named Chitra. Its western name is Spica, which means wheat ear. In the western imaginary picture of Virgo constellation, wheat ear is shown in the left hand of 'Virgo'. This Chitra constellation is situated in place of this wheat ear. This star is 160 light-years away from us. Chitra star emits radiation equal to six hundred suns. Due to the wheat crop ripening and being harvested in the month of Chaitra of this constellation, it was associated with the symbol of wheat ear in China, Egypt, Persia and Europe.
Calculation
Number of stars: 5 Scientific name of the star: Alpha star of Virgo constellation Ayanamsha from 173°20' to 186°40' Zodiac sign: Virgo/Libra Sun's residence from 10 October to 24 October (approximately)
Bel
Bilva means to pierce, to break. It is called Bilva because it has the property of breaking and expelling the mucus of the stomach in dysentery. Its other Sanskrit metaphors are - Shandilya, Malur, Shrivriksha etc. It is a deciduous tree of short height with thorny branches,
Mythological Significance
This tree is said to be dear to Lord Shiva. Its leaves are offered in the worship of Lord Shiva. Wood apple is used in the yagya conducted to attain wealth. Its fruit is said to be the form of Lakshmi.