What is Chandrashtamam? (சந்திராஷ்டமம்)
The Moon in the Eighth Position — Understanding This Monthly Inauspicious Period
Definition
Chandrashtamam (சந்திராஷ்டமம்) is a Sanskrit compound: Chandra (Moon) + Ashta (eight) + Ma (position). It refers to the period when the transiting Moon is in the 8th zodiac sign (Rasi) counted from your Janma Rasi (birth sign).
In Vedic astrology, the 8th house is associated with obstacles, hidden challenges, and transformation. When the Moon — the significator of mind and emotions — transits through this house, it is believed to heighten emotional turbulence, reduce mental clarity, and increase the likelihood of setbacks. Tamil tradition treats this as an inauspicious period to be noted in the daily Panchangam.
How to Find Your Chandrashtamam
- Know your Janma Nakshatra (birth star) — the Nakshatra the Moon occupied at your birth.
- Determine your Janma Rasi (birth sign) from your Nakshatra using the table below.
- Count 8 signs forward from your Janma Rasi to find your Chandrashtama Rasi.
- When the transiting Moon is in that Rasi, you are in Chandrashtamam.
Janma Rasi → Chandrashtama Table
| Janma Rasi | Janma Nakshatras | Chandrashtama Rasi | Chandrashtama Nakshatras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesha (Aries) | Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika (1st Pada) | Vrischika (Scorpio) | Vishakha (4th), Anuradha, Jyeshtha |
| Rishabha (Taurus) | Krittika (2-4), Rohini, Mrigashira (1-2) | Dhanus (Sagittarius) | Moola, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha (1) |
| Mithuna (Gemini) | Mrigashira (3-4), Ardra, Punarvasu (1-3) | Makara (Capricorn) | Uttara Ashadha (2-4), Shravana, Dhanishtha (1-2) |
| Kataka (Cancer) | Punarvasu (4), Pushya, Ashlesha | Kumbha (Aquarius) | Dhanishtha (3-4), Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada (1-3) |
| Simha (Leo) | Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni (1) | Meena (Pisces) | Purva Bhadrapada (4), Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati |
| Kanya (Virgo) | Uttara Phalguni (2-4), Hasta, Chitra (1-2) | Mesha (Aries) | Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika (1) |
| Tula (Libra) | Chitra (3-4), Swati, Vishakha (1-3) | Rishabha (Taurus) | Krittika (2-4), Rohini, Mrigashira (1-2) |
| Vrischika (Scorpio) | Vishakha (4), Anuradha, Jyeshtha | Mithuna (Gemini) | Mrigashira (3-4), Ardra, Punarvasu (1-3) |
| Dhanus (Sagittarius) | Moola, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha (1) | Kataka (Cancer) | Punarvasu (4), Pushya, Ashlesha |
| Makara (Capricorn) | Uttara Ashadha (2-4), Shravana, Dhanishtha (1-2) | Simha (Leo) | Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni (1) |
| Kumbha (Aquarius) | Dhanishtha (3-4), Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada (1-3) | Kanya (Virgo) | Uttara Phalguni (2-4), Hasta, Chitra (1-2) |
| Meena (Pisces) | Purva Bhadrapada (4), Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati | Tula (Libra) | Chitra (3-4), Swati, Vishakha (1-3) |
What to Avoid During Chandrashtamam
- Starting new business ventures or signing contracts
- Long-distance travel, especially by air or sea
- Medical surgeries or elective procedures
- Auspicious ceremonies: weddings, housewarming, naming ceremonies
- Property purchases or major financial commitments
Chandrashtamam does not mean all activity should stop — it simply advises caution and mindfulness during this 2.5-day window each month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chandrashtamam?
Chandrashtamam (சந்திராஷ்டமம்) means "Moon in the eighth position." It refers to the period when the transiting Moon occupies the 8th Rasi (zodiac sign) counted from your birth Rasi (Janma Rasi). It is considered an inauspicious period in Tamil tradition.
How long does Chandrashtamam last?
Since the Moon moves through one Rasi in approximately 2.5 days, Chandrashtamam lasts about 2.5 days each month. During this period, the Moon transits through 3 Nakshatras in your Chandrashtama sign.
What should I avoid during Chandrashtamam?
Traditional practice recommends avoiding new ventures, travel, medical procedures, property purchases, and auspicious ceremonies (muhurtham) during Chandrashtamam. It is considered a period of heightened emotional sensitivity and potential obstacles.
How often does Chandrashtamam occur?
Chandrashtamam occurs once every lunar month — approximately every 27–28 days — lasting about 2.5 days each time.