Hasta Nakshatra
Nakshatra Details
This constellation of five stars is considered to be the hand (Hasta) of Vedic Prajapati; in Hindi-speaking rural areas it is known as 'Hathiya' constellation. In western astrology it is called Corvus (Kag, Crow). The brightest star of this constellation is Gamma Corvus, a super-heated white giant. This constellation can be easily identified in the southern sky by the quadrilateral shape formed by its four stars. When the Sun enters this constellation, the last major rain of the rainy season takes place, which is of great importance from the agricultural point of view.
Calculation
Number of stars: 5 Scientific name of the star: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Epsilon stars of Kaka (Kas) constellation From 160°00' to 173920': Ayanamsha Zodiac sign where the Sun resides: Virgo: From 27 September to 10 October (approximately)
Reetha
Rotha, which is used for washing clothes, hair, ornaments etc., is known in Sanskrit by the names Arishtak (harmless), Mangalya, Krishnavarna, Arthasadhan, Raktabeej, Yellow Foam and Abortion. In English it is called Soapnut Tree. In scientific language, the North Indian Reetha tree is known as Sapindus Mukorossi and the South Indian Reetha tree is known as Sapindus Trifoliatus.
Mythological Significance
The dried fruit of reetha is about one inch in diameter. It has 56.5% peel. This peel contains 10.1% saponin which produces foam when it comes in contact with water. Reetha fruit is mainly used for washing woolen, silk clothes, hair and jewellery.