Nakshatra: The 27 Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology
Nakshatras are one of the most distinctive features of Vedic astrology. They divide the zodiac into 27 finer segments, and your birth nakshatra is the one the Moon was in when you were born.
What is a nakshatra?
The sidereal zodiac has 360 degrees. Dividing it into 27 equal parts gives each nakshatra 13 degrees 20 minutes. Each nakshatra is further split into four quarters called padas, giving 108 padas in total. Each nakshatra has its own ruling planet, symbol and character.
The 27 nakshatras
In order: Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashira, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Vishakha, Anuradha, Jyeshtha, Mula, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada and Revati.
Why your birth nakshatra matters
- Personality: traditional texts describe each nakshatra's temperament, such as nurturing, restless or disciplined.
- Dasha timeline: the nakshatra and its ruling planet fix where your Vimshottari dasha begins.
- Compatibility: nakshatras are used in kundli matching.
- Naming: each pada has a suggested starting sound for a baby's name. See baby naming by nakshatra.
How to find your nakshatra
It depends on the Moon's exact position at your birth in the sidereal zodiac, so you need your birth date, time and place. Because the Moon moves about 13 degrees a day, an accurate time matters, especially if the Moon is near the boundary of two nakshatras.
A balanced view
Nakshatra descriptions are traditional archetypes. They offer a thoughtful way to reflect on yourself but do not define you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many nakshatras are there?
There are 27, each divided into four padas.
Is the nakshatra the same as my zodiac sign?
No. The sign is one of 12 divisions; the nakshatra is one of 27 finer divisions, and the two are used together.
Can I find my nakshatra without my birth time?
Only approximately. If the Moon is close to a boundary, the exact time is needed.