In the Vedanga Jyotisha of Maharshi Lagadha all names of the deities ruling the 27 nakshatras are mentioned in due order starting from Krittika (this nakshatra was seen on the vernal equinox in the days that Vedanga Jyotisha was composed by Maharshi Lagadha about 2976 B.C.) in the following three shlokas:
Agnih prajapatih somo rudroditirbrihaspatih
sarpashca pitarashcaiva bhagashcaivaryamapi ca - 24
Savita tvashtatha vayushcendragni mitra eva ca
indro nirritirapo vai vishvedevastathaiva ca - 25
Vishnurvasavo varunoja ekapattathaiva ca
ahirbudhnyastatha pushashvinau yama eva ca - 26
OR
Ashviyamadahanakamalajashashishulabhridaditijivaphanipitarah
-
yonyaryamadinakritvashta pavanashakragnimitrashca.
shakro nirritistoyam vishve brahmaharirvasurvarunah -
ajapado’hirbudhnyah pusha cetishvara bhanam.
Every nakshatra is ruled by a certain devata. As students of Maharishi’s Vedic Science we have some knowledge about most, if not all of the devatas that are presiding over the asterisms. Knowing the nature and characteristics of the devata, one obtains a good deal of insight into the nature of the nakshatra. Because of this correspondence nakshatras have been given alternative names, based on the name of the presiding deity. (see SYNONYMS).
It makes therefore a very interesting and rewarding study to compare the devata and the personality traits that the Asterism bestows on a person, born under its reign (see box at the bottom of each chart).
In actual life, the nature of the presiding deity of a personis Janma nakshatra can always clearly be recognized in the nature and temperament of the person.
Devata refers to the presiding deity of the nakshatra. Knowing the nature and personality of the devata, one obtains a good deal of insight into the nature of the nakshatra.