Krittika
/ˈkrɪtɪkə/noun
A Hindu lunar mansion (nakshatra), identified with the star cluster of the Pleiades.
Did you know?In Sanskrit tradition, Krittika is linked with the Pleiades and with the fiery goddess Karttikeya, whose name is associated with the star cluster’s mythic role as his nurses.
Etymological Timeline
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
kṛttikā́
“the Pleiades; the star cluster”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
kṛttikā
“the Pleiades, a lunar mansion”
Middle Indo-Aryan
Prakrit
kittiyā / kittikā
“regional reflexes of the star-name”
Early Modern English
English
Krittika
“transliterated name used for the Pleiades in Hindu astronomy and astrology”
Modern English
English
Krittika
“the Pleiades as a nakshatra in Indian astrology”