The first nakshatra — speed, healing and fresh beginnings.
| Ruling planet (dasha lord) | Ketu |
| Presiding deity | Ashwini Kumaras (twin celestial physicians) |
| Symbol | Horse's head |
| Gana (temperament) | Deva |
| Naming syllables (pada 1–4) | Chu, Che, Cho, La |
| Position in zodiac | Nakshatra 1 of 27 |
Ashwini opens the zodiac. Its deities, the Ashwini Kumaras, are the divine twin healers of the Vedas, riding a golden chariot to rescue the troubled. The horse's-head symbol marks swiftness and pioneering energy. Tradition associates those born under Ashwini with quick action, a healing instinct, independence and an eagerness to begin new things.
If a child is born under Ashwini nakshatra, tradition suggests a name beginning with one of these syllables, chosen by the Moon's pada (quarter) at birth: Chu, Che, Cho, La — one syllable for each of the four padas.