Nakshatras: The 27 Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology

While the 12 zodiac signs (Rashis) are the most well-known division of the sky, Vedic astrology uses a more refined system of 27 Nakshatras — lunar mansions of 13 degrees and 20 minutes each. The Moon travels through all 27 Nakshatras in approximately 27.3 days (one lunar month).

Why are Nakshatras important?

The Nakshatra in which your Moon is placed at birth (Janma Nakshatra) is one of the most personal and significant factors in your chart. It reveals your emotional nature, instinctive responses, innate talents, and the overall rhythm of your life. Nakshatras are also used to determine auspicious dates (Muhurta), marriage compatibility (Guna Milan), and the starting Dasha period at birth.

The 27 Nakshatras and their symbols

• 1. Ashwini ♈ — Horse's head. Quick, healing, adventurous. Deity: Ashwini Kumaras.
• 2. Bharani ♈ — Yoni (womb). Creative, intense, transformative. Deity: Yama.
• 3. Krittika ♉ — Flame or razor. Sharp, purifying, ambitious. Deity: Agni.
• 4. Rohini ♉ — Cart/chariot. Sensual, creative, materialistic. Deity: Brahma.
• 5. Mrigashira ♊ — Deer's head. Curious, gentle, searching. Deity: Soma.
• 6. Ardra ♊ — Teardrop. Intense, stormy, transformative. Deity: Rudra.
• 7. Punarvasu ♋ — Bow and quiver. Optimistic, renewal, philosophical. Deity: Aditi.
• 8. Pushya ♋ — Flower, circle. Nourishing, helpful, devoted. Deity: Brihaspati.
• 9. Ashlesha ♋ — Serpent. Intense, mystical, cunning. Deity: Sarpas.
• 10. Magha ♌ — Throne. Noble, ancestral, royal. Deity: Pitris.
• 11. Purva Phalguni ♌ — Hammock. Pleasure-loving, creative, romantic. Deity: Bhaga.
• 12. Uttara Phalguni ♌♍ — Bed. Helpful, generous, responsible. Deity: Aryaman.
• 13. Hasta ♍ — Hand. Skillful, practical, clever. Deity: Savitar.
• 14. Chitra ♍♎ — Pearl/gem. Artistic, glamorous, creative. Deity: Tvashtar.
• 15. Swati ♎ — Coral/sword. Independent, flexible, diplomatic. Deity: Vayu.
• 16. Vishakha ♎♏ — Triumphal arch. Determined, ambitious, focused. Deity: Indra-Agni.
• 17. Anuradha ♏ — Lotus. Devoted, disciplined, social. Deity: Mitra.
• 18. Jyeshtha ♏ — Circular amulet. Protective, intense, eldest-like. Deity: Indra.
• 19. Mula ♐ — Bundle of roots. Investigative, direct, philosophical. Deity: Nirriti.
• 20. Purva Ashadha ♐ — Elephant tusk. Purifying, invincible, proud. Deity: Apas.
• 21. Uttara Ashadha ♐♑ — Elephant tusk (later). Victory, righteousness, leadership. Deity: Vishvadevas.
• 22. Shravana ♑ — Ear/three footprints. Listening, learning, connection. Deity: Vishnu.
• 23. Dhanishtha ♑♒ — Drum. Ambitious, musical, wealthy. Deity: Eight Vasus.
• 24. Shatabhisha ♒ — Empty circle. Healing, secretive, independent. Deity: Varuna.
• 25. Purva Bhadrapada ♒♓ — Funeral cot. Intense, transformative, idealistic. Deity: Aja Ekapad.
• 26. Uttara Bhadrapada ♓ — Twins. Wise, compassionate, depth. Deity: Ahirbudhnya.
• 27. Revati ♓ — Fish/drum. Nurturing, spiritual, gentle. Deity: Pushan.

Your Janma Nakshatra

To find your Janma Nakshatra, you need to know the exact position of the Moon in your birth chart. Each Nakshatra is further divided into 4 Padas (quarters) of 3°20' each, totalling 108 Padas — a sacred number in Hinduism. Your Pada adds another layer of nuance to your Nakshatra reading.

Nakshatras and the Dasha system

Your Janma Nakshatra determines which planetary Dasha you are born into. For example, if your Moon is in Ashwini (ruled by Ketu), you begin life in Ketu Dasha. If your Moon is in Rohini (ruled by the Moon), you begin in Moon Dasha. This is why two people born on the same date but at different times can have completely different life trajectories.