Śakata

Authors: Susanne M Hoffmann

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Hyades star cluster (CC BY Roberto Mura)

Shakata, Rohiṇīśakaṭa , Rohini's Cart, is an Indian name for the Hyades in Taurus. Its age is unknown.

Concordance, Etymology, History

Variants

• Shakata
• Rohini Shakata
• Shakata Rohini

Hyades group is called Rohini Shakata - the cart of Rohini. When the moon or any planet is within the V-shape of Hyades it is called Rohini shakata bheda (cutting Rohini's cart).

There are no drawings available

Classical texts have  a chapter on conjunctions of moon and planets with stars ; the details on calculations for the possibility of the moon/planet passing within the V of Hyades (shakata bheda ) are provided.

Origin of Constellation

Rohini Nakshatra is the bright star of the constellation of Taurus identified with the bright star Aldebaran.

Rohini Shakata Bheda is a rare, astronomical phenomenon where a planet, often Saturn or Mars, passes through or breaks this "wagon" formation.

Religion/ Tales/ Mythology

In Hindu tradition, Rohini Shakata Bheda is linked to stories like the, a, warning by Shani (Saturn) to Dashrath regarding the dire consequences of this crossing. A Rohini Shakata Bheda by Venus occurred in summer 2025, for example.

References

• References (general)