12 Zodiac Signs in Tamil: Meanings, Dates & Rasi Guide (Complete List)
Unlock the secrets of your identity with our complete guide to the 12 Tamil Rasis, from Mesham to Meenam.
In Tamil astrology, your Rasi (Zodiac Sign) is the foundation of your identity. Unlike Western astrology, which relies heavily on the Sun Sign (Surya Rasi), Tamil astrology focuses on the Moon Sign (Chandra Rasi). This is why your Tamil horoscope (Jathagam) might feel different from what you read in English newspapers.
Understanding your Rasi helps you decode your personality, predict your future (Rasi Palan), and is essential for rituals involving the Tamil Calendar and dates.
The 12 Zodiac Signs (Rasis) in Tamil
Below is the master table converting English Zodiac names to Tamil Rasi names. Note that dates in Tamil astrology are based on the sidereal zodiac (Nirayana).
| Tamil Name (Rasi) | English Name | Symbol | Ruling Planet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesham | Aries | Ram (Aadu) | Mars (Sevvai) |
| Rishabam | Taurus | Bull (Kaalai) | Venus (Shukran) |
| Mithunam | Gemini | Twins (Irattaiyar) | Mercury (Budhan) |
| Kadagam | Cancer | Crab (Nandu) | Moon (Chandran) |
| Simham | Leo | Lion (Singam) | Sun (Suryan) |
| Kanni | Virgo | Maiden (Penn) | Mercury (Budhan) |
| Thulaam | Libra | Scale (Tharasu) | Venus (Shukran) |
| Vrischikam | Scorpio | Scorpion (Thel) | Mars (Sevvai) |
| Dhanusu | Sagittarius | Archer (Vil) | Jupiter (Guru) |
| Makaram | Capricorn | Sea Goat (Makaram) | Saturn (Shani) |
| Kumbam | Aquarius | Pot (Kudam) | Saturn (Shani) |
| Meenam | Pisces | Fish (Meen) | Jupiter (Guru) |
Detailed Breakdown of Each Rasi
1. Mesham (Aries) – மேஷம்
Dates: April 14 – May 14 (Chithirai Month)
Ruling Planet: Sevvai (Mars)
Mesham individuals are natural-born leaders. Ruled by the fiery planet Mars, they are energetic, courageous, and sometimes short-tempered.
Tamil Insight: The start of the Mesham month marks the Tamil New Year (Puthandu).
2. Rishabam (Taurus) – ரிஷபம்
Dates: May 15 – June 14 (Vaikasi Month)
Ruling Planet: Shukran (Venus)
Symbolized by the Bull, people of this sign are strong, dependable, and incredibly hardworking. Ruled by Venus, they love beauty and arts.
Lucky Stone: Diamond (Vairam) or Opal.
3. Mithunam (Gemini) – மிதுனம்
Dates: June 15 – July 15 (Aani Month)
Ruling Planet: Budhan (Mercury)
Mithunam represents duality. These individuals are quick-witted, adaptable, and excellent communicators. They fit into any social group easily.
4. Kadagam (Cancer) – கடகம்
Dates: July 16 – August 16 (Aadi Month)
Ruling Planet: Chandran (Moon)
Kadagam is the sign of the mother. They are deeply emotional and value home above all else.
Tamil Insight: The month of Aadi is spiritually significant in Tamil Nadu, filled with temple festivals.
5. Simham (Leo) – சிம்மம்
Dates: August 17 – September 16 (Aavani Month)
Ruling Planet: Suryan (Sun)
Simham means Lion. People born in this Rasi are royal in nature. They love being the center of attention and are generous and warm-hearted.
6. Kanni (Virgo) – கன்னி
Dates: September 17 – October 17 (Purattasi Month)
Ruling Planet: Budhan (Mercury)
Kanni, meaning “Maiden,” represents purity. They are analytical, detail-oriented, and the critics of the zodiac.
Tamil Insight: Purattasi is a month of fasting and purity, aligning with Kanni’s disciplined nature.
7. Thulaam (Libra) – துலாம்
Dates: October 18 – November 16 (Aippasi Month)
Ruling Planet: Shukran (Venus)
Thulaam is symbolized by the scale. Balance is key. Ruled by Venus, they have a natural charm and great aesthetic sense.
8. Vrischikam (Scorpio) – விருச்சிகம்
Dates: November 17 – December 15 (Karthigai Month)
Ruling Planet: Sevvai (Mars)
Vrischikam is the most intense sign. Passionate, assertive, and secretive, they make loyal friends but formidable enemies.
9. Dhanusu (Sagittarius) – தனுசு
Dates: December 16 – January 14 (Margazhi Month)
Ruling Planet: Guru (Jupiter)
Dhanusu individuals are philosophical and optimistic. Born in the holy month of Margazhi, they often have an inclination towards spirituality.
10. Makaram (Capricorn) – மகரம்
Dates: January 15 – February 12 (Thai Month)
Ruling Planet: Shani (Saturn)
Symbolizing the Sea Goat, they are the “workaholics” of the zodiac. The start of Makaram marks Thai Pongal, the harvest festival.
11. Kumbam (Aquarius) – கும்பம்
Dates: February 13 – March 14 (Maasi Month)
Ruling Planet: Shani (Saturn)
Kumbam individuals are visionaries and humanitarians. They value intellectual freedom and are often ahead of their time.
12. Meenam (Pisces) – மீனம்
Dates: March 15 – April 13 (Panguni Month)
Ruling Planet: Guru (Jupiter)
The final sign, Meenam individuals are dreamy, compassionate, and artistic. They are deeply empathetic to others’ pain.
How to Find Your Tamil Rasi?
Many people get confused between their “Star Sign” (Western) and “Rasi” (Tamil). To know your true Tamil Rasi, you need to check your Nakshatra (Birth Star).
For example, if your star is Aswini, your Rasi is Mesham. This system is crucial in South India. (Note: A similar system of 27 Nakshatrams is followed in Kerala as well).
Check our guide on 27 Stars in Tamil Astrology to find exactly which Rasi you belong to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Tamil name for Aries?
The Tamil name for Aries is Mesham (மேஷம்). It is the first sign of the zodiac and is ruled by Mars.
Q2: How do I know my Rasi from my Date of Birth?
In Tamil astrology, Rasi is determined by the Moon’s position, not just the date. For an accurate calculation, you must know your Time of Birth and Nakshatra.
Q3: Are Tamil zodiac dates different from English dates?
Yes. Western astrology uses the Tropical zodiac, while Tamil astrology uses the Sidereal zodiac (Nirayana), creating a difference of about 23-24 degrees.
Q4: What is the Tamil word for Horoscope?
The Tamil word for Horoscope is Jathagam (ஜாதகம்). The daily prediction is called Rasi Palan.
