The brilliant — beauty, design and radiant craftsmanship.
| Ruling planet (dasha lord) | Mars |
| Presiding deity | Tvashtar / Vishvakarma (the divine architect) |
| Symbol | Bright jewel or pearl |
| Gana (temperament) | Rakshasa |
| Naming syllables (pada 1–4) | Pe, Po, Ra, Ri |
| Position in zodiac | Nakshatra 14 of 27 |
Chitra is ruled by Vishvakarma, the celestial architect who fashions the forms of the cosmos. Its symbol is a shining jewel. This is the nakshatra of design, artistry and dazzling appearance. Tradition associates Chitra with creativity, an eye for beauty and structure, charisma, a flair for the dramatic and the power to craft something brilliant and admired.
If a child is born under Chitra nakshatra, tradition suggests a name beginning with one of these syllables, chosen by the Moon's pada (quarter) at birth: Pe, Po, Ra, Ri — one syllable for each of the four padas.