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Nakshatras, often called lunar mansions or asterisms, are one of the most important concepts in Vedic astrology. These 27 divisions of the sky add profound depth to astrological analysis, revealing the subtle qualities of your cosmic blueprint.
What is a Nakshatra?
A Nakshatra is a segment of the ecliptic (the apparent path of the Sun) measuring 13°20' each. The Moon travels through all 27 Nakshatras in approximately 27.3 days, spending roughly one day in each.
Your birth Nakshatra (Janma Nakshatra) is determined by the Moon's position at the time of your birth and is considered extremely important in Vedic astrology.
Why Nakshatras Matter
- Deeper personality insights - Beyond your Sun and Moon sign
- Dasha determination - Your life's timing patterns
- Marriage compatibility - Nakshatra matching (Koota Milan)
- Muhurtha selection - Choosing auspicious times
- Name selection - Traditional first syllables for naming
The 27 Nakshatras
Here's a brief overview of all 27 Nakshatras:
1. Ashwini (0° - 13°20' Aries)
Symbol: Horse's head | Deity: Ashwini Kumaras | Qualities: Quick, healing, pioneering, adventurous
2. Bharani (13°20' - 26°40' Aries)
Symbol: Yoni | Deity: Yama | Qualities: Creative, transformative, intense, nurturing
3. Krittika (26°40' Aries - 10° Taurus)
Symbol: Razor/flame | Deity: Agni | Qualities: Sharp, purifying, determined, cutting through obstacles
4. Rohini (10° - 23°20' Taurus)
Symbol: Ox cart | Deity: Brahma | Qualities: Beautiful, creative, materialistic, growth-oriented
5. Mrigashira (23°20' Taurus - 6°40' Gemini)
Symbol: Deer's head | Deity: Soma | Qualities: Searching, curious, gentle, restless
6. Ardra (6°40' - 20° Gemini)
Symbol: Teardrop | Deity: Rudra | Qualities: Transformative, intense, stormy, fresh starts
7. Punarvasu (20° Gemini - 3°20' Cancer)
Symbol: Bow and quiver | Deity: Aditi | Qualities: Renewal, returning, nurturing, optimistic
8. Pushya (3°20' - 16°40' Cancer)
Symbol: Cow's udder | Deity: Brihaspati | Qualities: Nourishing, auspicious, supportive, wise
9. Ashlesha (16°40' - 30° Cancer)
Symbol: Coiled serpent | Deity: Nagas | Qualities: Mystical, hypnotic, kundalini energy, intense
10. Magha (0° - 13°20' Leo)
Symbol: Royal throne | Deity: Pitris | Qualities: Royal, ancestral, authoritative, traditional
11. Purva Phalguni (13°20' - 26°40' Leo)
Symbol: Hammock | Deity: Bhaga | Qualities: Creative, romantic, restful, lucky
12. Uttara Phalguni (26°40' Leo - 10° Virgo)
Symbol: Bed | Deity: Aryaman | Qualities: Helpful, friendly, contractual, social
13. Hasta (10° - 23°20' Virgo)
Symbol: Hand | Deity: Savitar | Qualities: Skillful, crafty, healing hands, clever
14. Chitra (23°20' Virgo - 6°40' Libra)
Symbol: Bright jewel | Deity: Vishwakarma | Qualities: Beautiful, artistic, creative, charismatic
15. Swati (6°40' - 20° Libra)
Symbol: Sword/coral | Deity: Vayu | Qualities: Independent, flexible, scattered, business-minded
16. Vishakha (20° Libra - 3°20' Scorpio)
Symbol: Triumphal arch | Deity: Indra-Agni | Qualities: Goal-oriented, determined, competitive, transformative
17. Anuradha (3°20' - 16°40' Scorpio)
Symbol: Lotus | Deity: Mitra | Qualities: Devotional, friendly, successful, organizing
18. Jyeshtha (16°40' - 30° Scorpio)
Symbol: Earring | Deity: Indra | Qualities: Protective, senior, powerful, responsible
19. Mula (0° - 13°20' Sagittarius)
Symbol: Tied roots | Deity: Nirriti | Qualities: Investigative, destructive to rebuild, getting to the root
20. Purva Ashadha (13°20' - 26°40' Sagittarius)
Symbol: Fan | Deity: Apas | Qualities: Invincible, purifying, victorious, energizing
21. Uttara Ashadha (26°40' Sagittarius - 10° Capricorn)
Symbol: Elephant tusk | Deity: Vishvadevas | Qualities: Universal, penetrating, achievement, leadership
22. Shravana (10° - 23°20' Capricorn)
Symbol: Ear/three footprints | Deity: Vishnu | Qualities: Listening, learning, connecting, media
23. Dhanishta (23°20' Capricorn - 6°40' Aquarius)
Symbol: Drum | Deity: Vasus | Qualities: Wealthy, musical, rhythmic, famous
24. Shatabhisha (6°40' - 20° Aquarius)
Symbol: Empty circle | Deity: Varuna | Qualities: Healing, secretive, veiling, independent
25. Purva Bhadrapada (20° Aquarius - 3°20' Pisces)
Symbol: Sword/two-faced man | Deity: Aja Ekapada | Qualities: Intense, transformative, purifying fire, passionate
26. Uttara Bhadrapada (3°20' - 16°40' Pisces)
Symbol: Twin serpents | Deity: Ahir Budhnya | Qualities: Deep wisdom, cosmic depths, controlling emotions
27. Revati (16°40' - 30° Pisces)
Symbol: Fish/drum | Deity: Pushan | Qualities: Nourishing, protective, safe travel, completion
How to Find Your Nakshatra
Your birth Nakshatra is determined by the Moon's position at your exact time of birth. You'll need:
- Accurate birth date
- Precise birth time
- Birth location
Create your birth chart to discover your Nakshatra and get personalized insights.
Create Your Birth Chart →Nakshatra and Your Dasha
Your birth Nakshatra determines the starting point of your Vimshottari Dasha sequence. Each Nakshatra is ruled by a planet, and that planet's Dasha begins at birth:
- Ketu: Ashwini, Magha, Mula
- Venus: Bharani, Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha
- Sun: Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha
- Moon: Rohini, Hasta, Shravana
- Mars: Mrigashira, Chitra, Dhanishta
- Rahu: Ardra, Swati, Shatabhisha
- Jupiter: Punarvasu, Vishakha, Purva Bhadrapada
- Saturn: Pushya, Anuradha, Uttara Bhadrapada
- Mercury: Ashlesha, Jyeshtha, Revati