Shloka 15
Nakṣatra-Devatā Enumeration and Muhūrta Rules for Travel, Rites, and Yogas
अश्विनीमैत्ररेवत्यो मृगमूलपुनर्वसु / पुष्या हस्ता तथा ज्येष्ठा प्रस्थाने श्रेष्ठमुच्यते
aśvinīmaitrarevatyo mṛgamūlapunarvasu / puṣyā hastā tathā jyeṣṭhā prasthāne śreṣṭhamucyate
Aśvinī, Maitra dan Revatī; Mṛga, Mūla dan Punarvasu; demikian juga Puṣyā, Hastā dan Jyeṣṭhā—disebut sebagai nakṣatra yang paling mujur untuk memulakan perjalanan.
Lord Viṣṇu (speaking to Garuḍa)
Concept: Śubha-muhūrta (auspicious timing) for prastāna (setting out) to reduce obstacles and enhance success.
Vedantic Theme: Living in harmony with cosmic law (ṛta) as supportive to dharmic action; karma is shaped by intention and conditions.
Application: When planning travel or initiating a venture, prefer the listed nakṣatras (Aśvinī, Maitra/Anurādhā, Revatī, Mṛgaśīrṣa, Mūla, Punarvasu, Puṣyā, Hastā, Jyeṣṭhā) as favorable windows.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: journey/roadway
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.59 (muhūrta/nakṣatra-vidhi context)
FAQs
This verse explicitly lists specific nakṣatras considered “best” for prasthāna (departure), showing that timing (muhūrta/nakṣatra) is treated as a practical dharma-based aid for undertaking actions with fewer obstacles.
It does not describe the soul’s post-death journey here; instead, it provides Ācāra guidance—selecting favorable nakṣatras for worldly travel—reflecting the text’s broader concern with right conduct and auspicious procedure.
If you follow traditional practice, you may consult a pañcāṅga and prefer these nakṣatras for beginning important travel; more generally, it encourages mindful planning and disciplined action rather than impulsive departure.