What Is a Nakshatra?
A Nakshatra is one of the 27 (or 28) lunar mansions used in Vedic astrology to track the Moon's position in the sky. The Moon completes one orbit of the Earth in approximately 27.3 days, spending roughly one day in each Nakshatra. Each Nakshatra spans exactly 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the 360-degree zodiac.
In Vedic tradition, the Nakshatra is considered the foundation of the birth chart — more fundamental in some respects than the Sun or even the Moon sign (Rashi). Your birth Nakshatra (Janma Nakshatra) is the Nakshatra occupied by the Moon at the time of your birth, and it influences your instincts, emotions, subconscious patterns, and the qualities of your inner world.
The 27 Nakshatras at a Glance
<strong>1. Ashwini</strong> — Symbol: Horse's head. Deity: Ashwini Kumaras. Energy: Swift, healing, beginnings. <strong>2. Bharani</strong> — Symbol: Yoni. Deity: Yama. Energy: Transformation, bearing, creativity. <strong>3. Krittika</strong> — Symbol: Razor/flame. Deity: Agni. Energy: Purification, cutting, determination. <strong>4. Rohini</strong> — Symbol: Chariot. Deity: Brahma. Energy: Fertility, beauty, abundance. Highly auspicious for marriage. <strong>5. Mrigashira</strong> — Symbol: Deer's head. Deity: Soma/Moon. Energy: Seeking, sensitive, gentle. <strong>6. Ardra</strong> — Symbol: Teardrop/diamond. Deity: Rudra. Energy: Transformation through destruction. <strong>7. Punarvasu</strong> — Symbol: Quiver of arrows. Deity: Aditi. Energy: Return, renewal, optimism. <strong>8. Pushya</strong> — Symbol: Flower/milk. Deity: Brihaspati. Energy: Nourishment, wisdom. Best Nakshatra for business. <strong>9. Ashlesha</strong> — Symbol: Coiled serpent. Deity: Nagas. Energy: Penetrating, occult, healing. <strong>10. Magha</strong> — Symbol: Throne. Deity: Pitrs (ancestors). Energy: Royalty, authority, ancestral karma. <strong>11. Purva Phalguni</strong> — Symbol: Hammock/front legs of couch. Deity: Bhaga. Energy: Pleasure, creativity, rest. <strong>12. Uttara Phalguni</strong> — Symbol: Back legs of couch. Deity: Aryaman. Energy: Contracts, unions, prosperity. Excellent for marriage. <strong>13. Hasta</strong> — Symbol: Hand. Deity: Savitar/Sun. Energy: Skill, craftsmanship, laughter. <strong>14. Chitra</strong> — Symbol: Bright jewel. Deity: Vishvakarma. Energy: Art, architecture, brilliance. <strong>15. Swati</strong> — Symbol: Sword/coral. Deity: Vayu/Wind. Energy: Independence, trade, flexibility. <strong>16. Vishakha</strong> — Symbol: Triumphal arch. Deity: Indra-Agni. Energy: Purpose, achievement, intensity. <strong>17. Anuradha</strong> — Symbol: Lotus. Deity: Mitra. Energy: Devotion, friendship, discipline. <strong>18. Jyeshtha</strong> — Symbol: Circular amulet/earring. Deity: Indra. Energy: Power, seniority, protection. <strong>19. Mula</strong> — Symbol: Bundle of roots. Deity: Nirrti. Energy: Uprooting, investigation, transformation. <strong>20. Purva Ashadha</strong> — Symbol: Elephant tusk/fan. Deity: Apas (water). Energy: Purification, invincibility. <strong>21. Uttara Ashadha</strong> — Symbol: Elephant tusk/planks of bed. Deity: Vishvedevas. Energy: Victory, universal, late-blooming. <strong>22. Shravana</strong> — Symbol: Ear/three footprints. Deity: Vishnu. Energy: Listening, learning, connection. <strong>23. Dhanishtha</strong> — Symbol: Drum/flute. Deity: Eight Vasus. Energy: Wealth, music, ambition. <strong>24. Shatabhisha</strong> — Symbol: Empty circle. Deity: Varuna. Energy: Healing, mysticism, isolation. <strong>25. Purva Bhadrapada</strong> — Symbol: Sword/front legs of funeral cot. Deity: Aja Ekapada. Energy: Purification through fire, intensity. <strong>26. Uttara Bhadrapada</strong> — Symbol: Twins/back legs of funeral cot. Deity: Ahir Budhnya. Energy: Depth, wisdom, contentment. <strong>27. Revati</strong> — Symbol: Fish/drum. Deity: Pushan. Energy: Nourishment, endings, transition.
Nakshatra and Personality
Your Janma Nakshatra reveals your emotional instincts and subconscious drives far more directly than your Sun or Moon sign alone. People born under Ashwini are often quick-starters who move through life at great speed. Rohini natives are sensual, creative, and deeply attached to beauty and comfort. Ardra natives experience profound emotional storms that eventually lead to transformation.
The Nakshatra also governs the Dasha sequence — which planetary period begins at birth is determined by the Nakshatra of the Moon. Each Nakshatra is ruled by a planet: Ketu (Ashwini, Magha, Mula), Venus (Bharani, Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha), Sun (Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha), Moon (Rohini, Hasta, Shravana), Mars (Mrigashira, Chitra, Dhanishtha), Rahu (Ardra, Swati, Shatabhisha), Jupiter (Punarvasu, Vishakha, Purva Bhadrapada), Saturn (Pushya, Anuradha, Uttara Bhadrapada), Mercury (Ashlesha, Jyeshtha, Revati).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my birth Nakshatra?
Your Janma Nakshatra is determined by the Moon's position at your birth time. You need your exact birth date, time, and place to calculate it accurately using a Kundali or Panchang software.
Which Nakshatra is best for marriage?
Rohini, Mrigashira, Magha, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Anuradha, Mula, Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada, and Revati are generally considered auspicious Nakshatras for marriage.
Are all 27 or 28 Nakshatras?
The standard system uses 27 Nakshatras dividing the zodiac into equal 13°20' segments. The 28th Nakshatra, Abhijit, is a special Nakshatra used in certain Muhurta calculations but is not part of the standard 27.