Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s20.8

v1.c3.s20.8

Nakṣatra is a word of obscure origin and derivation. The Indian interpreters already show a great divergence of opinion as to its primary meaning. The Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa¹ resolves it into na-kṣatra (‘no power’), explaining it by a legend. The Nirukta² refers it to the root nakṣ, ‘obtain,’ following the Taittirīya Brāhmaṇa.³ Aufrecht⁴ and Weber⁵ derived it from nakta-tra, ‘guardian of night,’ and more recently⁶ the derivation from nak-kṣatra, ‘having rule over night,’ seems to be gaining acceptance. The generic meaning of the word therefore seems to be ‘star.’