27 Nakshatras in Vedic Astrology
Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions in Vedic astrology, each spanning 13°20' of the zodiac. Your birth nakshatra (Janma Nakshatra) — determined by the Moon's position at birth — reveals your deepest personality traits, ideal career, love compatibility, and spiritual path.
All 27 Nakshatras
Ashwini
Born of a Female Horse / Horse Woman
Bharani
The Bearer / She Who Bears
Krittika
The Cutter / The Pleiades
Rohini
The Red One / The Growing One
Mrigashira
The Deer's Head / The Searcher
Ardra
The Moist One / The Green One
Punarvasu
Return of the Light / Restoration
Pushya
The Nourisher / The Flower
Ashlesha
The Entwiner / The Embrace
Magha
The Mighty / The Great One
Purva Phalguni
The Former Reddish One
Uttara Phalguni
The Latter Reddish One
Hasta
The Hand
Chitra
The Brilliant / The Beautiful
Swati
The Sword / Independent One
Vishakha
The Forked / Two-Branched
Anuradha
Following Radha / Subsequent Success
Jyeshtha
The Eldest / The Chief
Mula
The Root
Purva Ashadha
The Former Invincible One
Uttara Ashadha
The Latter Invincible One
Shravana
The Listener / Hearing
Dhanishtha
The Wealthiest / The Most Famous
Shatabhisha
The Hundred Physicians / Hundred Stars
Purva Bhadrapada
The Former Lucky Feet
Uttara Bhadrapada
The Latter Lucky Feet
Revati
The Wealthy / The Nourisher
About Vedic Nakshatras
Nakshatras (also called Lunar Mansions or Birth Stars) are the 27-fold division of the zodiac used in Vedic astrology since the Rigveda (1500+ BCE). Each nakshatra spans exactly 13°20' and is further divided into 4 padas (quarters) of 3°20' each. The word "Nakshatra" comes from Sanskrit: "naksha" (map) + "tra" (guard), meaning "that which maps and guards."
Your Janma Nakshatra (birth star) is the nakshatra occupied by the Moon at birth. Since the Moon governs the mind in Vedic astrology, your nakshatra reveals your mental constitution, emotional patterns, and subconscious tendencies more precisely than your zodiac sign alone. Each nakshatra's unique deity, ruling planet, and symbolism create a rich personality profile.
Nakshatras are essential for: Muhurat (choosing auspicious times), Kundli Matching (marriage compatibility — especially Nadi, Tara, and Yoni factors), Dasha calculations (planetary period timing), and baby naming (each pada has prescribed syllables). Use Jyotir AI to find your exact nakshatra and pada from your birth details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 27 Nakshatras in Vedic astrology?
Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions (star divisions) in Vedic astrology, each spanning 13°20' of the 360° zodiac. They are: 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, Dhanishtha, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, and Revati. Each nakshatra has a ruling planet, presiding deity, symbol, and unique characteristics.
How is my Nakshatra determined?
Your birth nakshatra (Janma Nakshatra) is determined by the Moon's position at the exact time and place of your birth. The Moon moves through all 27 nakshatras in approximately 27.3 days, spending roughly one day in each. Since the Moon moves quickly, accurate birth time is essential. Your nakshatra further divides into 4 padas (quarters), which determine your naming syllable and Navamsha placement. Use Jyotir AI's birth chart calculator for precise nakshatra determination.
What is the difference between Nakshatra and Rashi (zodiac sign)?
Rashi (zodiac sign) and Nakshatra are two different division systems of the same zodiac: Rashi divides 360° into 12 signs of 30° each, while Nakshatra divides it into 27 stars of 13°20' each. Each Rashi contains 2.25 nakshatras. For example, Aries contains Ashwini, Bharani, and the first quarter of Krittika. Nakshatra provides more specific personality traits, career guidance, and compatibility analysis than Rashi alone. In Vedic astrology, both Moon's Rashi and Nakshatra are considered essential for predictions.
Which Nakshatra is most powerful?
Each nakshatra has unique powers — no single one is universally "most powerful." However, certain nakshatras are considered especially auspicious: Pushya (most auspicious for starting activities), Rohini (most beautiful and fertile), Uttara Phalguni (best for marriage), and Ashwini (best for healing). The "power" of a nakshatra depends on context: Mula is powerful for spiritual transformation, Vishakha for achieving goals, and Magha for authority. The most important nakshatra in your chart is your Janma Nakshatra (birth star).
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