Nakshatras (or lunar mansions) are a key element used to interpret the positions and effects of celestial bodies. They are 27 divisions of the zodiac, each covering 13 degrees and 20 minutes, based on the Moon's journey through the zodiac in a month. These divisions provide a deeper insight into a person's character and life events than the 12 zodiac signs.

Nakshatras in Detail:

  1. Origin: The word "Nakshatra" comes from two Sanskrit words: Naksha (map) and Tara (star), meaning "star map." They are associated with particular stars or constellations and represent certain qualities and energies.

  2. Purpose: Nakshatras are used for understanding the Moon's influence, timing of events (Muhurtha), matchmaking (Kundli Milan), and predicting life events in greater detail than the general zodiac signs.

  3. Categories: The 27 Nakshatras are classified into groups based on qualities such as nature, element, and temperament:

    • Deva (divine), Manushya (human), and Rakshasa (demonic)
    • They are also categorized by their ruling deities, ruling planets, and their significance in predicting auspicious or inauspicious results.

  4. Nakshatras and Zodiac Signs: Each Nakshatra has a specific span within the zodiac:

    • For example, Ashwini Nakshatra starts at 0 degrees of Aries and extends to 13 degrees 20 minutes, while Bharani Nakshatra follows, continuing from 13 degrees 20 minutes to 26 degrees 40 minutes of Aries.

  5. Padas: Each Nakshatra is divided into four quarters, or Padas, which further refines the interpretation. The Padas reflect the influence of different planets and offer detailed insights into the native's life path.

  6. Nakshatra Ruling Deities and Planets: Each Nakshatra has a ruling deity and a ruling planet. For example:

    • Ashwini Nakshatra is ruled by the Ashwini Kumars (twin deities) and governed by the planet Ketu.
    • Bharani Nakshatra is ruled by Yama (the god of death) and governed by Venus.

  7. Influence on Personality: Nakshatras influence not only a person's core personality but also specific traits, talents, challenges, and life patterns. For example:

    • People born under Ashwini Nakshatra are often energetic, innovative, and healing-oriented.
    • Those born under Rohini Nakshatra tend to be creative, nurturing, and beauty-conscious.

  8. Nakshatra in Muhurta and Marriage Matching:

    • In selecting auspicious times (Muhurta) for events like weddings, business ventures, or religious ceremonies, Nakshatras play a critical role.
    • Nakshatra matching is also essential in Vedic marriage compatibility (Kundli Milan), where the position of the Moon and Nakshatras in the charts of both individuals is analyzed for harmony.

The 27 Nakshatras are:

  1. Ashwini
  2. Bharani
  3. Krittika
  4. Rohini
  5. Mrigashira
  6. Ardra
  7. Punarvasu
  8. Pushya
  9. Ashlesha
  10. Magha
  11. Purva Phalguni
  12. Uttara Phalguni
  13. Hasta
  14. Chitra
  15. Swati
  16. Vishakha
  17. Anuradha
  18. Jyeshtha
  19. Mula
  20. Purva Ashadha
  21. Uttara Ashadha
  22. Shravana
  23. Dhanishta
  24. Shatabhisha
  25. Purva Bhadrapada
  26. Uttara Bhadrapada
  27. Revati
Each Nakshatra has its own unique characteristics, symbolisms, deities, planetary rulers, and energies.


1. Ashwini (0°00' - 13°20' Aries)

Symbol: Horse’s head
Deity: Ashwini Kumaras (celestial healers)
Planet: Ketu
Attributes: Ashwini natives are fast, energetic, and adventurous. They tend to have a healing touch, with an inclination toward medicine or alternative therapies. They also possess strong leadership qualities and a passion for starting new projects.

2. Bharani (13°20' - 26°40' Aries)

Symbol: Yoni (female reproductive organ)
Deity: Yama (god of death)
Planet: Venus
Attributes: Bharani natives have a strong sense of duty and justice. They can handle intense situations and often go through periods of transformation. They have deep, creative energies and can sometimes struggle with boundaries or restrictions.

3. Krittika (26°40' Aries - 10°00' Taurus)

Symbol: Razor, knife
Deity: Agni (god of fire)
Planet: Sun
Attributes: Krittika people are sharp, determined, and ambitious. They possess a fiery nature and are often great at cutting through illusion to get to the truth. They can be intense, direct, and sometimes aggressive.

4. Rohini (10°00' - 23°20' Taurus)

Symbol: Ox cart
Deity: Brahma (creator god)
Planet: Moon
Attributes: Rohini natives are creative, sensual, and often good-looking. They enjoy material comfort and luxury, and are emotionally expressive. Artistic and fertile in their imaginations, they excel in beauty, art, and creativity.

5. Mrigashira (23°20' Taurus - 6°40' Gemini)

Symbol: Deer’s head
Deity: Soma (god of the Moon)
Planet: Mars
Attributes: These individuals are curious, gentle, and often restless. They have a youthful energy and enjoy exploration, both intellectually and physically. They seek knowledge and are often philosophical in nature.

6. Ardra (6°40' - 20°00' Gemini)

Symbol: Teardrop
Deity: Rudra (storm god)
Planet: Rahu
Attributes: Ardra natives experience emotional storms and periods of upheaval. They are insightful and intellectual, often drawn to deep truths. They are also capable of immense transformation and rebirth.

7. Punarvasu (20°00' Gemini - 3°20' Cancer)

Symbol: Bow and quiver
Deity: Aditi (mother of the gods)
Planet: Jupiter
Attributes: Punarvasu natives are hopeful, nurturing, and optimistic. They have a strong sense of morality and generosity. They are good at bringing renewal and growth to any situation and excel in fields of education, philosophy, and spirituality.

8. Pushya (3°20' - 16°40' Cancer)

Symbol: Cow’s udder
Deity: Brihaspati (guru of the gods)
Planet: Saturn
Attributes: Pushya natives are nurturing, kind, and traditional. They have a natural inclination toward helping others and are often very family-oriented. Their patience and stability help them become reliable figures in society.

9. Ashlesha (16°40' - 30°00' Cancer)

Symbol: Coiled serpent
Deity: Naga (serpent gods)
Planet: Mercury
Attributes: Ashlesha people are mysterious, intuitive, and often have magnetic personalities. They can be manipulative but also wise, with a deep connection to the subconscious mind. They can excel in fields related to psychology, research, or secretive work.

10. Magha (0°00' - 13°20' Leo)

Symbol: Royal throne
Deity: Pitris (ancestors)
Planet: Ketu
Attributes: Magha natives have a strong sense of tradition and often inherit family pride or legacy. They are dignified, authoritative, and inclined toward leadership roles. They are also spiritually inclined and respect their ancestors deeply.

11. Purva Phalguni (13°20' - 26°40' Leo)

Symbol: Hammock
Deity: Bhaga (god of fortune)
Planet: Venus
Attributes: These individuals are fun-loving, sociable, and enjoy luxury. They value relationships and are often romantic. They have artistic abilities and a desire for creative expression and pleasure.

12. Uttara Phalguni (26°40' Leo - 10°00' Virgo)

Symbol: Bed or couch
Deity: Aryaman (god of contracts)
Planet: Sun
Attributes: Uttara Phalguni natives are generous, practical, and focused on partnerships and agreements. They value relationships but also want stability and commitment. They are service-oriented and work well in group settings.

13. Hasta (10°00' - 23°20' Virgo)

Symbol: Hand
Deity: Savitar (solar deity)
Planet: Moon
Attributes: These individuals are skilled, resourceful, and dexterous. They are good with their hands, often excelling in crafts, art, or business. They also have a sharp intellect and enjoy helping others through practical means.

14. Chitra (23°20' Virgo - 6°40' Libra)

Symbol: Jewel
Deity: Vishwakarma (celestial architect)
Planet: Mars
Attributes: Chitra natives are creative, aesthetic, and have a sharp sense of beauty and design. They are ambitious and driven, often involved in artistic or technical fields where precision is key. Their charm and magnetism are strong.

15. Swati (6°40' - 20°00' Libra)

Symbol: Young sprout or coral
Deity: Vayu (wind god)
Planet: Rahu
Attributes: Swati people are flexible, independent, and often freedom-loving. They are adaptable and can easily sway between different interests or perspectives. Their ability to communicate effectively makes them great diplomats and negotiators.

16. Vishakha (20°00' Libra - 3°20' Scorpio)

Symbol: Archway
Deity: Indra and Agni
Planet: Jupiter
Attributes: Vishakha natives are ambitious, goal-oriented, and often driven by competition. They have a dual nature and can be both aggressive and nurturing. Their quest for growth and success is constant, and they can be highly inspirational leaders.

17. Anuradha (3°20' - 16°40' Scorpio)

Symbol: Lotus
Deity: Mitra (god of friendship)
Planet: Saturn
Attributes: These individuals are loyal, compassionate, and love to build connections with others. They are spiritual and philosophical and often serve as mediators in conflicts. Their ability to cultivate relationships makes them natural diplomats.

18. Jyeshtha (16°40' - 30°00' Scorpio)

Symbol: Umbrella, earring
Deity: Indra (king of the gods)
Planet: Mercury
Attributes: Jyeshtha natives are authoritative, protective, and often the “eldest” or most responsible in their community. They can be highly successful but must watch out for power struggles. They possess inner strength and are often relied upon in times of crisis.

19. Mula (0°00' - 13°20' Sagittarius)

Symbol: Tied bunch of roots
Deity: Nirriti (goddess of destruction)
Planet: Ketu
Attributes: Mula natives are intense, transformative, and connected to the deeper mysteries of life. They often experience destruction or loss before rebuilding and growing stronger. Their journey is one of finding truth by uprooting falsehoods.

20. Purva Ashadha (13°20' - 26°40' Sagittarius)

Symbol: Fan
Deity: Apah (god of water)
Planet: Venus
Attributes: These individuals are optimistic, idealistic, and possess a warrior spirit. They have a strong sense of belief in their cause and are capable of great victories. They are also very independent and believe in the power of effort and endurance.

21. Uttara Ashadha (26°40' Sagittarius - 10°00' Capricorn)

Symbol: Elephant’s tusk
Deity: Vishvadevas (universal gods)
Planet: Sun
Attributes: Uttara Ashadha natives are disciplined, ethical, and focused on long-term goals. They are excellent leaders and excel in positions of authority. They believe in fairness and social justice and work toward building a better society.

22. Shravana (10°00' - 23°20' Capricorn)

Symbol: Ear
Deity: Vishnu (preserver god)
Planet: Moon
Attributes: Shravana people are wise, patient, and excellent listeners. They have a thirst for knowledge and seek wisdom from various sources. They are often involved in education or communication, using their intelligence to guide others.

23. Dhanishta (23°20' Capricorn - 6°40' Aquarius)

Symbol: Drum
Deity: Eight Vasus (deities of prosperity)
Planet: Mars
Attributes: Dhanishta natives are dynamic, wealthy, and socially connected. They excel in leadership positions and often have a strong sense of rhythm and timing. Their confidence and determination make them successful in both material and spiritual endeavors.

24. Shatabhisha (6°40' - 20°00' Aquarius)

Symbol: Circle
Deity: Varuna (god of the cosmic waters)
Planet: Rahu
Attributes: Shatabhisha natives are introspective, secretive, and focused on healing. They often work behind the scenes and possess a natural talent for medicine, astrology, and research. They are independent and have a strong connection to universal truths.

25. Purva Bhadrapada (20°00' Aquarius - 3°20' Pisces)

Symbol: Front legs of a funeral cot
Deity: Aja Ekapada (one-footed goat)
Planet: Jupiter
Attributes: These individuals are mystical, philosophical, and often drawn to spiritual or occult subjects. They have a dual nature and can exhibit both intense ambition and self-sacrifice. They are often involved in humanitarian work or higher philosophical pursuits.

26. Uttara Bhadrapada (3°20' - 16°40' Pisces)

Symbol: Back legs of a funeral cot
Deity: Ahir Budhnya (serpent of the deep)
Planet: Saturn
Attributes: Uttara Bhadrapada people are calm, compassionate, and deeply introspective. They have an ancient, wise energy and are often involved in spiritual or charitable activities. Their lives are often marked by deep emotional depth and transformation.

27. Revati (16°40' - 30°00' Pisces)

Symbol: Fish
Deity: Pushan (protector of travelers)
Planet: Mercury
Attributes: Revati natives are kind, nurturing, and protective of others. They are often drawn to roles where they can guide or support others, such as teaching or healing. They have a deep connection to the spiritual realm and are often compassionate caregivers.

Nakshatra and Vedic Astrology:

Nakshatras are deeply integrated into various branches of Vedic astrology, including Muhurtha (electional astrology), Kundli matching (marriage compatibility), and Dasha systems (timing of events). They offer profound insights into an individual's inner nature, life path, and the timing of significant events