SYMBOL

The star formations that constitute a nakshatra have been described by the rishis in terms of a symbol. Each symbol poetically refers to a certain area of human experience or concern, which is related to the nature of the nakshatra. Since so many areas of life are associated to each asterism, it is no surprise to find several versions of the symbols given for each of the asterisms.
For the purpose of these charts, I made use of the lists provided by Sharma (4, p.312) and Shubhakaran (5, p.7). It is interesting to study the correspondence between the symbol and the nature of the nakshatra, in terms of personality traits that it represents. A concise expression of these personality traits is given at the bottom of each chart.
 
 
# NAKSHATRA SYMBOL
1 ASHWINI Face of a horse; Head of a horse 
2 BHARANI Yoni (orifice of the womb)
3 KRITTIKA Flame; Weapon;Razor
4 ROHINI  Cart; Chariot 
5 MRIGASHIRA  Head of a deer
6 ARDRA Tear drop; Human head
7 PUNARVASU  Quiver; Potter's wheel; House; Bow
8 PUSHYA Udder of a cow; Flower; Circle; Arrow
9 ASHLESHA Coiled snake; Serpent
10 MAGHA King's chamber with throne; Palanquin
11 PURVA PHALGUNI  Manchaka (hammock); Couch; Fire place
12 UTTARA PHALGUNI  Bed; Small bed
13 HASTA Hand; Palm
14 CHITRA Bright jewel; Pearl
15 SWATI Young sprout agitated by the wind; Coral
16 VISHAKHA Decor- ated gateway Garland. Potter's wheel
17 ANURADHA  Decorated gateway; Umbrella Lotus-flower
18 JYESHTHA Circular talisman; Umbrella; Earring
19 MULA Tied bunch of roots; Liontail; Elephant goad
20 PURVA SHADHA Winnowing basket or fan; Elephant tusk
21 UTTARA SHADHA Elephant tusk; Small cot
22 SHRAVANA 3 footprints of Saraswati; Arrow; Ear
23 DHANISHTHA Mridanga (musical drum)
24 SHATABHISHA  Circle; Garland; Hundred flowers
25 PURVABHADRAPADA Double faced man; Sword
26 UTTARABHADRAPADA Funeral bed on a cot; A twin
27 REVATI Mardala (drum for beating time); A fish