Ashlesha (nakshatra)
Ashlesha, also known as Ayilyam in Tamil and Malayalam, is the 9th of the 27 nakshatras in Hindu astrology. Ashlesha is also known as the Clinging Star or Nāga. It is known as the Hydra. It extends from 16:40 to 30:00 Cancer
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The planetary lord is Mercury or Budha. Its presiding deities are the Nāgas.
The nakshatra's symbol is a coiled serpent. It is a trikshna or sharp nakshatra. Its animal symbol is the male cat. The Hindu gods Lakshmana and Shatrughna, brothers of Rama, were born under this Nakshatra
Like its symbol, the Nāga or coiled serpent, people of this nakshatra are said to have confused emotions and inherent insecurities with the result that no matter how close you are to them, they will attack you to protect themselves. On the other hand, Ashlesha natives are said to have very good leadership skills, to be apt at managing even a large army, and to be diplomatic and cordial by nature.
Mahatma Gandhi and Ayilyam Thirunal of Travancore had the moon in this nakshatra, while Jawahar Lal nehru had this rising on his ascendant.
