The New Vedic Zodiac Deities
1. Dhaataa
Month of Madhu – Solar Month #1: Dhaataa Aaditya & Retinue
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.33
dhAtA kRtasthalI hetirvAsukI rathakRnmune |
pulastyastumbururiti madhumAsaM nathantyamI ||
Dhaataa, Kritashali, Heti, Vasuki, Rathakrit, Pulastya, and Tumburu protect the Madhu month.
- Madhu Month: The first month of Vasanta (Spring), occurring during the 30 degrees before the Vernal Equinox.
- Aaditya: Dhaataa
- Rsi: Pulastya
- Gandharva: Tumburu
- Apsara: Kritashali
- Naga: Vaasuki
- Yaksha: Rathakrit
- Rakshasa: Hetih
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Month | Madhu - The first month of Vasanta (Spring) |
| Zodiac Sign | Dhaataa Aaditya & Retinue |
| Sutra | Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.33 |
| Deity | Dhaataa |
| Rsi | Pulastya |
| Gandharva | Tumburu |
| Apsara | Kritashali |
| Naga | Vaasuki |
| Yaksha | Rathakrit |
| Rakshasa | Hetih |
2. Aryamaa
Month of Maadhavam – Solar Month #2: Aryamaa Aaditya & Retinue
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.34
aryamA pulahoathaujAH prahetiH puNjikasthalI |
nAradaH kacchanIraksca nathantyete sma mAdhavam ||
Aryamaa, Pulaha, Athaujaa, Praheti, Punjikastali, Narada, and Kacchanira protect the Maadhavam month.
- Maadhavam Month: The second month of Vasanta (Spring), occurring during the 30 degrees following the Vernal Equinox.
- Aaditya: Aryamaa
- Rsi: Pulaha
- Gandharva: Naarada
- Apsara: Punjikastali
- Naga: Kacchanira
- Yaksha: Athaujaa
- Rakshasa: Praheti
3. Mitra
Month of Shukra – Solar Month #3: Mitra Aaditya & Retinue
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.35
mitroatriH pauruSeyoatha takSako menakA hahAH |
rathasvana iti hyete zukramAsaM nathantyamI ||
Mitra, Atri, Pauruseya, Takshaka, Menakaa, HahA, and Rathasvana protect the Shukra month.
- Shukra Month: The first month of Grishma (Hot Season), occurring during the 30–60 degrees following the Vernal Equinox.
- Aaditya: Mitra
- Rsi: Atri
- Gandharva: Hahaa
- Apsara: Menakaa
- Naga: Takshaka
- Yaksha: Rathasvana
- Rakshasa: Pauruseya
4. Varuna
Month of Shuci – Solar Month #4: Varuna Aaditya & Retinue
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.36
vasitSTho varuNo rambhA sahajanyastathA huhUH |
zukrazcitrasvanazcaiva zucimAsaM nathantyamI ||
Varuna, Vasishtha, Rambhaa, Sahajanya, HuhU, Zukra, and Citrasvana protect the Shuci month.
- Shuci Month: The second month of Grishma (Hot Season), occurring during the 30 degrees before the Summer Solstice.
- Aaditya: Varuna
- Rsi: Vasishtha
- Gandharva: Huhuu
- Apsara: Rambhaa
- Naga: Shukra
- Yaksha: Sahajanya
- Rakshasa: Citrasvana
5. Indra
Month of Nabha – Solar Month #5: Indra Aaditya & Retinue
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.37
Indro vizvAvasuH zrotA elApatrastathAnGirAH |
pramlocA rAkSaso varyo nabhomAsaM nithantyamI ||
Indra, VizvAvasu, ZrotA, Elaapatra, Angiras, Pramlocaa, and Rakshasa Varya protect the Nabha month.
- Nabha Month: The first month of Varsha (Rainy Season), occurring during the first 30 degrees following the Summer Solstice.
- Aaditya: Indra
- Rsi: Angiras
- Gandharva: Vishvaavasu
- Apsara: Pramlocaa
- Naga: Elaapatra
- Yaksha: Shrotaa
- Rakshasa: Varya
6. Vivashvan (Vivasvān)
Month of Nabhasya – Solar Month #6: Vivasvaan Aaditya & Retinue
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.38
vivasvAnugrasenazca vyAgra, AsAraNo bhRguH |
anumloca zaGkhapAlo nabhasyAkhyAm nathantyamI ||
Vivasvaan, Ugrasena, VyAghra, AsAraNa, Bhrigu, Anumloca, and ZaGkhapAla protect the Nabhasya month.
- Nabhasya Month: The second month of Varsha (Rainy Season), occurring during the 30–60 degrees following the Summer Solstice.
- Aaditya: Vivasvaan
- Rsi: Bhrigu
- Gandharva: Ugrasena
- Apsara: Anumloca
- Naga: Shaghhapaala
- Yaksha: Aasaarana
- Rakshasa: Vyaaghra
7. Tvashta (Tvaṣṭṛ)
Month of Isham – Solar Month #7: Tvashta Aaditya & Retinue
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.43
tvaSTA RcIkatanayaH kambalazva tilottamA |
brahmApetoatha zatajid dhRtarASTra iSambharAH ||
Tvashta, son of RcIka (Jamadagni), Kambala, Tilottamaa, Brahmaapeta, Zatajit, and Dhritaraashtra support the Isham month.
- Isham Month: The first month of Sarad (Fall Season), occurring during the 30 degrees preceding the Autumnal Equinox.
- Aaditya: Tvashta
- Rsi: Jamadagni
- Gandharva: Dhritaraashtra
- Apsara: Tilottamaa
- Naga: Kambala
- Yaksha: Shatajit
- Rakshasa: Brahmaapeta
8. Vishnu
Month of Uurja – Solar Month #8: Vishnu Aaditya & Retinue
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.44viSNurazvataro rambhA sUryavarcazva satyajit |
visvAmitro makhApeta UrjamAsaM nathantyami ||
Vishnu, Ashvatara, Rambhaa, Suuryavarcas, Satyajit, Vishvaamitra, and Makhaapeta protect the Uurja month.
- Uurja Month The second month of Sarad (Mature or Fall Season), occurring during the 30 degrees following the Autumnal Equinox.
- Aaditya: Vishnu
- Rsi: Vishvaamitra
- Gandharva: Suuryavarcas
- Apsara: Rambhaa
- Naga: Ashvatara
- Yaksha: Satyajit
- Rakshasa: Makhaapeta
9. Amzu (Amśa)
Month of Sahas – Solar Month #9: Amzu Aaditya & Retinue
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.41
athAmzuH kazyapastArkSya RtasenastathorvazI |
vidyucchatrurmahAzaNkhaH sahomAsam nayantyamI ||
Amshu, Kashayapa, Ritasena, Urvashi, Mahaashankha, Taarkshya, and Vidyucchatru protect the Sahas month.
- Sahas Month: The first month of Hemanta (Frost Season), occurring during the 30–60 degrees following the Autumnal Equinox.
- Aaditya: Amshu
- Rsi: Kashayapa
- Gandharva: Ritasena
- Apsara: Urvashi
- Naga: Mahaashankha
- Yaksha: Taarkshya
- Rakshasa: Vidyucchatru
10. Bhaga
Month of Sahasya – Solar Month #10: Bhaga Aaditya & Retinue
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.42
bhagaH sphUrjoariSTanemirUrNa Ayuzva paNcamaH |
karkoTakaH pUrvacittiH puSyamAsaM nathantyamI ||
Bhaga, Aayu, AriShtanemi, Puurvacitti, Karkotaka, Uurna, and Sphuurja protect the Sahasya month.
- Sahasya Month: The second month of Hemanta (Frost Season), occurring during the 30 degrees preceding the Winter Solstice.
- Aaditya: Bhaga
- Rsi: Aayu
- Gandharva: AriShtanemi
- Apsara: Puurvacitti
- Naga: Karkotaka
- Yaksha: Uurna
- Rakshasa: Sphuurja
11. Pusha (Pushan)
Month of Tapas – Solar Month #11: Puushaa Aaditya & Retinue
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.39
pUSA dhanaNjayo vAtaH suSeNaH surucistathA |
ghRtAcI gautamazceti tapomAsaM nathantyamI |
Tapas month is the first month of Sisira (Cold Season), occurring during the 30 degrees following the Winter Solstice.
- Tapas Month: The first month of Sisira (Cold Season), occurring during the 30 degrees following the Winter Solstice.
- Aaditya: Puusa
- Rsi: Gautama
- Gandharva: Sushena
- Apsara: Ghritaaci
- Naga: Dhananjaya
- Yaksha: Surici
- Rakshasa: Vaata
12. Parjanya
Month of Tapasya – Solar Month #12: Parjanya Aaditya & Retinue
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.40
kraturvarcA bharadvAjaH parjanyaH senajittatha |
vizva airAvatazvaiva tapasyAkhaM nathantamI ||
Parjanya, Bharadvaaja, Vishva, Senajit, Airaavata, Kratu, and Varcaa protect the Tapasya month.
- Tapasya Month: The second month of Sisira (Cold Season), occurring during the 30–60 degrees following the Winter Solstice.
- Aaditya: Parjanya
- Rsi: Bharadvaaja
- Gandharva: Vishva
- Apsara: Senajit
- Naga: Airaavata
- Yaksha: Kratu
- Rakshasa: Varcaa
Rishi and Their Guiding Principles
Each Aditya in our Vedic Zodiac is paired with a Rishi (Rsi), who embodies key cosmic principles and rules derived from the ancient texts. The table below summarizes the Rishis found in the Rigveda and related texts, their associated Adityas, primary textual references, and their main teachings.
| Number | Aditya | Associated Rishi | Key Attributes / Teachings | Law of the Rishi, truth, how it works | Month Description | Zodiac Sign |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhaataa | Pulastya | What's maintain life, divine mothers, The base of everything | Law of protection (Rakshasa/asuras ) | Madhu Month: The first month of Vasanta (Spring), occurring during the 30 degrees before the Vernal Equinox. | Pisces |
| 2 | Aryamaa | Pulaha | 2 | Maadhavam Month: The second month of Vasanta (Spring), occurring during the 30 degrees following the Vernal Equinox. | Aries | |
| 3 | Mitra | Atri | All potential | 3 | Shukra Month: The first month of Grishma (Hot Season), occurring during the 30–60 degrees following the Vernal Equinox. | Taurus |
| 4 | Varuna | Vasishtha | magical cow, all-encompassing sky | wealth | Shuci Month: The second month of Grishma (Hot Season), occurring during the 30 degrees before the Summer Solstice. | Gemini |
| 5 | Indra | Angiras | useful combat, when to conquer when not to | Law of conquest | Nabha Month: The first month of Varsha (Rainy Season), occurring during the first 30 degrees following the Summer Solstice. | Cancer |
| 6 | Vivasvān | Bhrigu | mother's love for her child, what makes the human race healthy, Lajita law, Sun's ray useful to mankind | law of men, Manu | Nabhasya Month: The second month of Varsha (Rainy Season), occurring during the 30–60 degrees following the Summer Solstice. | Leo |
| 7 | Tvashta | Jamadagni | Chariot linked to vehicles, father lineage, linked to Venus | Law of Father, paternal law | Isham Month: The first month of Sarad (Fall Season), occurring during the 30 degrees preceding the Autumnal Equinox. | Virgo |
| 8 | Vishnu | Vishvaamitra | help everyone | Law of stealing, thieves | Uurja Month: The second month of Sarad (Mature or Fall Season), occurring during the 30 degrees following the Autumnal Equinox. | Libra |
| 9 | Amzu (Amśa) | Kashyapa | Focus ray of the Sun, , creator of race | Law of progeny | Sahas Month: The first month of Hemanta (Frost Season), occurring during the 30–60 degrees following the Autumnal Equinox. | Scorpio |
| 10 | Bhaga | Aayu | Dispenser of what you deserve, belief and will, gives results of Mars | 10 | Sahasya Month: The second month of Hemanta (Frost Season), occurring during the 30 degrees preceding the Winter Solstice. | Sagittarius |
| 11 | Pusha | Gautama | Protector of Tapas month, associated with the cold season and nourishment | 11 | Tapas Month: The first month of Sisira (Cold Season), occurring during the 30 degrees following the Winter Solstice. | Capricorn |
| 12 | Parjanya | Bharadvaaja | Associated with rain, nourishement and fertility | Law of health | Tapasya Month: The second month of Sisira (Cold Season), occurring during the 30–60 degrees following the Winter Solstice. | Aquarius |
Ādityas and Ṛṣis with Short Descriptions
Below is a combined table listing the 12 Ādityas, their corresponding Ṛṣi, and a brief description of each Ṛṣi, while keeping the original color scheme.
| No. | Āditya | Ṛṣi | Short Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhātā | Pulastya | One of the Prajāpatis (progenitors) and mind-born son of Brahmā. He is revered as the father of Viśravā and grandfather of Rāvaṇa (from the Rāmāyaṇa). |
| 2 | Aryamā | Pulaha | Another mind-born son of Brahmā and a Prajāpati, known for his role in creation by propagating living beings. Pulaha is noted in various Purāṇic texts for his deep austerities. |
| 3 | Mitra | Atri | One of the celebrated Saptarṣis (Seven Great Sages) and a mind-born son of Brahmā. Father of Dattātreya, Durvāsā, and Soma (the Moon-god). He is often praised for his spiritual prowess. |
| 4 | Varuṇa | Vasiṣṭha | A Saptarṣi widely revered as the guru of the Solar Dynasty (Sūrya Vaṁśa). Known for his role in the Rāmāyaṇa as the royal priest to King Daśaratha and for his immense spiritual wisdom and powers. |
| 5 | Indra | Aṅgiras | Another Saptarṣi and mind-born son of Brahmā, credited with profound spiritual insight. Aṅgiras is often associated with portions of the Vedic hymns and is considered an early teacher in the Vedic lineage. |
| 6 | Vivasvān | Bhṛgu | Among the most ancient sages of Vedic lore, progenitor of the Bhārgava lineage (including Śukrācārya). Praised for his deep knowledge of cosmic principles. |
| 7 | Tvaṣṭā | Jamadagni (son of Ṛcīka) | A renowned sage of the Bhṛgu lineage, famous for being the father of Paraśurāma (the sixth incarnation of Lord Viṣṇu). Symbolizes ascetic ideals in Vedic narratives. |
| 8 | Viṣṇu | Viśvāmitra | A kṣatriya-king turned Brahmarṣi, best known for revealing the Gāyatrī Mantra. His legendary austerities elevated him to rival Vasiṣṭha’s status; their stories feature prominently in the Rāmāyaṇa and Purāṇas. |
| 9 | Aṃśu | Kaśyapa | A Prajāpati, revered as the progenitor of various cosmic races: Ādityas, Daityas, Nāgas, and more. He is often referred to as the “father of all creatures” in Purāṇic literature. |
| 10 | Bhaga | Āyu | Though less detailed in epic narratives, Āyu is recognized in Purāṇic genealogies as an important king-sage who upheld dharma. He appears as an ancestor in several traditional lineages. |
| 11 | Pūṣā (Pūṣan) | Gautama | Renowned for his disciplined asceticism. Married to Ahalyā, whose story appears in the Rāmāyaṇa. Gautama is also credited with authoring the Gautama Dharma Sūtras and contributing significantly to Vedic knowledge. |
| 12 | Parjanya | Bharadvāja | Another highly revered Saptarṣi, father of Droṇācārya (the martial guru in the Mahābhārata). Celebrated for his vast learning, Bharadvāja is associated with early Ayurvedic texts and is noted for broad scientific and spiritual contributions. |
These brief profiles draw on Vedic, Purāṇic, and Itihāsa sources. Each Ṛṣi, alongside the respective Āditya, presides over their designated Solar Month, ensuring the natural order of cosmic seasons.