Rashi 5 of 12
Simha rashi (सिंह): Leo
Simha is the fifth sign of the Vedic zodiac, equivalent to Leo. In Jyotish tradition it is a fixed fire sign ruled by Sun.
- Sanskrit name
- Simha (सिंह)
- English
- Leo
- Symbol
- A lion
- Element
- Fire (Agni)
- Modality
- Fixed (Sthira)
- Ruling planet (traditional)
- Sun (Surya)
- Classical gender
- Masculine (odd sign)
- Exalted here (tradition)
- None of the seven classical planets
- Debilitated here (tradition)
- None of the seven classical planets
- Sun in this sign
- Roughly mid-August to mid-September (sidereal)
How the tradition describes Simha
Simha is a fixed fire sign ruled by the Sun, the planet the tradition links with the self, authority and vitality. It is described as dignified, generous, warm and drawn to leadership and self-expression.
The same writing names pride and a need for recognition as the other side. Simha is the only sign ruled by the Sun.
These are descriptions handed down in Jyotish writing, not measured personality traits. A full chart in the tradition weighs many factors, so no single sign is meant to describe a whole person.
Nakshatras in Simha
Each rashi spans nine nakshatra padas (quarters of a lunar mansion). Simha contains:
- Magha: all four padas
- Purva Phalguni: all four padas
- Uttara Phalguni: pada 1
See the 27 nakshatras for their deities, ruling planets and traditional naming syllables.
Compatible signs in tradition
In Vedic matching, sign compatibility comes mainly from the Bhakoot koot of guna milan, which compares two people's moon signs. Moon signs that are 1/1, 3/11, 4/10 or 7/7 from each other receive the full 7 points. For Simha those are Simha itself and:
The other signs fall 2/12, 5/9 or 6/8 from Simha and receive no Bhakoot points: Kanya (Virgo), Dhanu (Sagittarius), Makara (Capricorn), Meena (Pisces), Mesha (Aries), Karka (Cancer). Some texts describe conditions that cancel this, for example when both signs share a ruling planet.
The Graha Maitri koot compares the signs' ruling planets. In the classical Parashari table, Sun's natural friends are Moon, Mars, Jupiter.
Bhakoot is only 7 of 36 points, and the full method also uses both birth nakshatras. These rules are a cultural convention; they do not show whether two people will get along, and they should not decide a relationship.
Frequently asked questions
What is Simha rashi in English?
Simha (सिंह) is the Vedic name for Leo, the fifth sign of the zodiac. In Vedic astrology it is measured in the sidereal zodiac, so it does not line up exactly with the Western Leo.
Who is the ruling planet of Simha rashi?
By Jyotish tradition, Simha is ruled by Sun (Surya). Vedic astrology uses only the classical planets as sign rulers.
Which nakshatras fall in Simha rashi?
Each rashi covers nine nakshatra padas (quarters). Simha contains Magha (all four padas), Purva Phalguni (all four padas), Uttara Phalguni (pada 1).
Which rashis match Simha in guna milan?
In the Bhakoot koot of guna milan, moon signs that are 1/1, 3/11, 4/10 or 7/7 from each other receive the full 7 points. For Simha those are Simha itself and Tula (Libra), Vrishchika (Scorpio), Kumbha (Aquarius), Vrishabha (Taurus), Mithuna (Gemini). Bhakoot is only 7 of the 36 points; a full match also uses both birth nakshatras, and AstroConnect does not present any score as a prediction.