Ashwini Māsa and Its Fatal Influence on Vrishchika Rāśi Natives in Vedic Astrology

A Classical Jyotisha Perspective with References from Bṛhat Saṁhitā, Muhūrta Cintāmaṇi, Jātaka Pārijāta, and Other Texts

Introduction

Time (Kāla) is regarded as one of the most subtle yet powerful manifestations of the Divine in Vedic philosophy. The Bhagavad Gītā declares:

“Kālo 'smi loka-kṣhaya-kṛt pravṛiddho” (Gītā 11.32)
“I am Time, the destroyer of the worlds, engaged in annihilating all beings.”

In Jyotiṣa Śāstra, time is divided into years (Saṁvatsara), months (Māsa), fortnights (Pakṣa), lunar days (Tithi), Nakṣatras, Yogas, Karaṇas, and Praharas. Each of these time units carries a distinct vibrational quality, and depending on the individual’s Rāśi (Moon sign), certain divisions of time are considered highly auspicious (śubha), while others are termed inauspicious or even “ghātaka” (dangerous, fatal, or harmful).

One such widely acknowledged principle in Māsa-phala Jyotiṣa (monthly results according to Moon sign) is that Ashwini Māsa is ghātaka for those born under Vrishchika Rāśi (Scorpio Moon sign). Classical texts further extend this observation to certain tithis, weekdays, and lunar transits in this month, making it especially significant for Scorpio natives.

This article provides a comprehensive study of the subject, with detailed references from classical authorities such as Bṛhat Saṁhitā, Muhūrta Cintāmaṇi, Phaladīpikā, Jātaka Pārijāta, Kālaprakāśikā, Nārada Saṁhitā, and Pañcāṅga Darpana. We will explore not only the dangers associated with Ashwini Māsa for Vrishchika natives but also the remedies prescribed to neutralise such adverse effects.

1. The Concept of Ghātaka in Vedic Astrology

The Sanskrit word ghātaka comes from the root han (to strike, to kill). In Jyotiṣa, a ghātaka kāla or ghātaka sthāna refers to a time or placement that has destructive, fatal, or obstructive qualities.

In Muhurta Cintāmaṇi (Chapter 2), it is clearly stated:

“Ghātakaṁ yatra rāśeḥ syāt tatra sarvaṁ na kārayet ।
Roga-śokādi-vṛddhiḥ syāt na śubhaṁ tatra jāyate ॥”

“When the ghātaka factor operates for a particular Rāśi, no important actions should be undertaken then, as it will only result in an increase of disease, sorrow, and misfortune.”

Thus, the principle of ghātaka time is not arbitrary but deeply integrated into the cosmic rhythms recognised by Jyotiṣa.

2. Ashwini Māsa in the Hindu Calendar

A lunar month is named after the Nakṣatra in which the full Moon (Pūrṇimā) falls. Thus, when the full Moon occurs in Ashwini Nakṣatra, the month is termed Ashwini Māsa. This month generally coincides with the Sun’s transit in early Aries (Meṣa Rāśi), making it the starting month of the Vedic solar year in many traditions.

Bṛhat Saṁhitā of Varāhamihira (Chapter 5) provides elaborate descriptions of the results of each month for natives of different Rāśis. According to this text, for Vrishchika Rāśi natives, Ashwini Māsa is ghātaka.

Varāhamihira says:

“Māsānāṁ rāsiphalāni sarveṣāṁ prāṇināṁ matāḥ ।
Yathā śubhaṁ tathā duḥkhaṁ jñeyam rāśikramaṁ prati ॥” (Bṛhat Saṁhitā 5.1)

“The monthly results corresponding to each Rāśi are to be known as bringing both auspiciousness and inauspiciousness to beings, according to their order.”

For Vrishchika Rāśi, commentators such as Bhaṭṭotpala note that Ashwini Māsa gives disease, loss, and danger to life.

3. Why Ashwini Māsa is Ghātaka for Vrishchika Rāśi

To understand this, we must consider the symbolic and elemental relationship:

• Ashwini Nakṣatra is ruled by Ketu, a graha associated with detachment, accidents, sudden changes, and karmic debts.

• The presiding deities of Ashwini are the Ashwini Kumāras, physicians of the gods, who bring swiftness, speed, and healing, but also instability.

• Vrishchika Rāśi is ruled by Mars, a fiery, aggressive graha associated with surgery, blood, war, and transformation.

• When the month is under Ashwini influence, the volatile and sharp energies of Ketu combine with the already intense Martian nature of Scorpio, creating excessive heat (pitta), conflict, and imbalance.

Thus, astrologically and elementally, Ashwini Māsa destabilises Scorpio natives, producing disease, quarrels, financial strain, and accidents.

4. Fatal Tithis in Ashwini Māsa for Vrishchika Rāśi

According to Muhurta Cintāmaṇi and Nārada Saṁhitā, three tithis in Ashwini Māsa are especially ghātaka for Scorpio natives:

1. Pratipadā (1st lunar day)

2. Ṣaṣṭhī (6th lunar day)

3. Ekādaśī (11th lunar day, both Śukla and Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa)

The reasoning is as follows:

• Pratipadā activates beginnings, but for Scorpio in Ashwini Māsa, it tends to bring quarrels and ill health.

• Ṣaṣṭhī is ruled by Skanda (Mars-like energy). In a Martian Rāśi month (Scorpio’s ruler being Mars), this becomes too fiery and destructive.

• Ekādaśī is usually sacred, but for Scorpio in Ashwini Māsa, fasting or negligence in ritual observance leads to sudden loss or accidents.

Muhurta Cintāmaṇi states:

“Pratipad-ṣaṣṭhy-ekādaśyaḥ ghātakāḥ syuḥ viśeṣataḥ ।”

“The tithis Pratipad, Ṣaṣṭhī, and Ekādaśī are particularly ghātaka (dangerous).”

5. Ghātaka Vāra (Weekday) – Friday

Each Rāśi is assigned a weekday considered unfavourable. For Vrishchika Rāśi, this is Friday (Śukravāra).

The reason is astrological enmity:

• Scorpio is ruled by Mars (Maṅgala), which is fiery and aggressive.

• Friday is ruled by Venus (Śukra), watery and sensual.

• Mars and Venus are mutual enemies in Jyotiṣa, as their energies clash (discipline vs. desire, action vs. pleasure).

Muhurta Cintāmaṇi says:

“Rāśi-ghātaka-vāsare kṛte karma viparyayaḥ ।”

“When actions are performed on the ghātaka weekday of a Rāśi, the results turn adverse.”

Thus, Scorpio natives are warned to avoid important decisions, financial dealings, or marriages on Fridays in Ashwini Māsa.

6. Malefic Moon Transits

a) Moon in Revati Nakṣatra

Revati, ruled by Mercury, is generally auspicious. However, for Scorpio natives in Ashwini Māsa, Moon’s transit here creates instability.

Jātaka Pārijāta (Adhyāya 4) states:

“Candraḥ śatru-nakṣatre tiṣṭhan duḥkham avāpnuyāt ।”

“When the Moon is in an inimical Nakṣatra, it gives sorrow.”

Revati (Mercury-ruled) is unfriendly to Scorpio’s Mars, producing quarrels, mental agitation, and losses.

b) Moon in Vrishabha Rāśi (Taurus)

Though the Moon is exalted in Taurus, this position is the 7th from Scorpio. The 7th house is a māraka sthāna (house of death and danger). Thus, when Moon transits Taurus during Ashwini Māsa, Scorpio natives face heightened risks in health, partnerships, and litigation.

Phaladīpikā (Adhyāya 7) emphasises:

“Saptame candramā mṛtyu-hetur mārakaḥ smṛtaḥ ।”

“When the Moon occupies the 7th house, it becomes a cause of danger and acts as a maraka.”

7. Malefic Yogas and Karaṇas

a) Vyatipāta Yoga

One of the Aṣṭa-doshaja Yogas, Vyatipāta is highly malefic. Pañcāṅga Darpana says:

“Vyatipāte kṛte karma sarvaṁ niṣphalaṁ bhavet ।”

“Whatever is begun during Vyatipāta Yoga becomes fruitless.”

For Scorpio natives in Ashwini Māsa, Vyatipāta often brings accidents, injuries, and litigation.

b) Gara Karaṇa

Although generally considered neutral, Gara Karaṇa in Ashwini Māsa for Scorpio becomes inauspicious. Kālaprakāśikā states:

“Gare kāryaṁ kṛtaṁ śastra-vighnaṁ prāpnoti niścitam ।”

“When tasks are performed in Gara Karaṇa, obstructions resembling weapons (accidents, conflicts) are certain.”

c) Prathama Prahara

According to Nārada Saṁhitā, the first prahara (first three hours of day or night) during Ashwini Māsa is particularly sensitive for Scorpio. Beginning important work then leads to failure.

8. Practical Impact on Scorpio Natives

1. Health:

• Blood-related disorders (Mars + Ketu influence).

• Fevers, injuries, surgical complications.

• Stress and sleep disturbances when the Moon transits Revati or Taurus.

2. Relationships:

• Marital discord, especially on Fridays.

• Sudden separation or disputes with business partners.

3. Finances:

• Loss through speculation.

• Theft or fraud during Vyatipāta.

• Sudden expenses on health or litigation.

4. Travel:

• Avoid water journeys and long-distance travel on Pratipad, Ṣaṣṭhī, and Ekādaśī.

• Risk of accidents when the Moon transits Taurus.

9. Remedies Prescribed in Jyotiṣa

1. Śiva Upāsanā

Daily chanting of Mahāmṛtyuñjaya Mantra or performing Rudrābhiṣeka on Mondays protects Scorpio natives.

2. Ketu Śānti

Since Ashwini is ruled by Ketu, recite:

“ॐ केतवे नमः” (Om Ketave Namaḥ) – 108 times daily in Ashwini Māsa.

3. Śukra Remedies on Fridays

• Donate white clothes, rice, or sweets.

• Offer prayers to Goddess Lakṣmī.

4. Ekādaśī Vrata

Instead of ignoring Ekādaśī, observe it with fasting and Viṣṇu worship to reverse the malefic effect.

5. Charity and Seva

Donation of red lentils, jaggery, and ghee to Brahmins or the poor reduces Martian affliction.

10. Philosophical Synthesis

The designation of Ashwini Māsa as ghātaka for Scorpio does not mean unavoidable disaster. Rather, it is a cautionary period when energies are unstable. Just as one avoids stormy weather for travel, one avoids certain tithis and yogas for important activities.

The sages never taught astrology to instil fear but to cultivate awareness and alignment with the cosmic rhythm. Remedies like mantra, vrata, and dāna are powerful means to neutralise karmic intensity.

11. Conclusion

Ashwini Māsa, beginning with the Sun’s entry into Ashwini Nakṣatra, marks a new cycle of time. Yet, for Vrishchika Rāśi natives, it is traditionally considered ghātaka, due to the clash of Ketu’s unstable energy with Mars’ fiery rulership of Scorpio.

• The tithis of Pratipadā, Ṣaṣṭhī, and Ekādaśī (both Pakṣas) are dangerous.

• Fridays bring financial and relational challenges.

• Moon’s transit in Revati Nakṣatra or Taurus Rāśi is highly adverse.

• Vyatipāta Yoga, Gara Karaṇa, and Prathama Prahara increase risk.

However, with conscious remedies—Śiva worship, Ketu mantras, fasting on Ekādaśī, and acts of charity—Scorpio natives can transform these obstacles into opportunities for spiritual growth.

👉 For a deeper understanding of how Ashwini Māsa specifically impacts your horoscope, considering Lagna, planetary strengths, and ongoing Daśās, book a personalised consultation with us today.