Nakshatra Meaning: The 27 Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology

How nakshatras work

• 27 nakshatras × 13°20′ = 360°.
• Each nakshatra has 4 padas (quarters) of 3°20′, giving 108 padas.
• Nine planetary rulers repeat three times in order: Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury.

The 27 nakshatras

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 nakshatra matters

• Dasha timing — the ruler of your Moon nakshatra starts your Vimshottari dasha sequence.
• Compatibility — Tara, Yoni, Gana and Nadi koota in Gun Milan all come from nakshatras.
• Naming and muhurta — traditional name syllables and auspicious timing use the nakshatra pada.

How to find your nakshatra

You need your exact birth date, time and place. A sidereal (Vedic) chart calculation locates the Moon's longitude; the 13°20′ segment it falls in is your nakshatra.

Frequently asked questions

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