The bearer — restraint, transformation and the cycle of life.
| Ruling planet (dasha lord) | Venus |
| Presiding deity | Yama (lord of dharma and death) |
| Symbol | Yoni (the bearer / womb) |
| Gana (temperament) | Manushya |
| Naming syllables (pada 1–4) | Li, Lu, Le, Lo |
| Position in zodiac | Nakshatra 2 of 27 |
Bharani is governed by Yama, who upholds cosmic law and presides over death and rebirth. Its symbol, the yoni, signifies the womb that carries and the discipline that restrains. The nakshatra carries themes of endurance through hardship, moral responsibility and creative-destructive transformation. Tradition links it with strong will, depth of feeling and the capacity to carry heavy burdens.
If a child is born under Bharani nakshatra, tradition suggests a name beginning with one of these syllables, chosen by the Moon's pada (quarter) at birth: Li, Lu, Le, Lo — one syllable for each of the four padas.