Nakshatra (Sanskrit: नक्षत्र) is the Hindu term for a lunar mansion - one of 27 (or in some traditions 28) segments of the ecliptic through which the moon travels in its monthly cycle. Central to Vedic astrology (Jyotisha) and to Hindu ritual timing, the nakshatras represent a subtle astronomical grid used for determining auspicious times, birth stars, muhurats, and daily panchang.

The Meaning

Nakshatra literally means 'that which does not decay' or 'star' or 'lunar mansion.' The ecliptic (the moon's path around the earth) is divided into 27 equal segments of 13°20' each. The moon takes approximately one day to traverse each nakshatra. Together, the 27 nakshatras cover the complete 360° zodiac.

The 27 Nakshatras

  • 1. Ashwini - Ashvins (twin horsemen); horse-headed; healing
  • 2. Bharani - Yama; woman's genitalia; birth-death cycle
  • 3. Krittika - Agni; flame/razor; fire, purification
  • 4. Rohini - Brahma; chariot; growth, fertility, love
  • 5. Mrigashira - Chandra/Soma; deer's head; searching
  • 6. Ardra - Rudra; teardrop; storm, transformation
  • 7. Punarvasu - Aditi; quiver of arrows; renewal, return
  • 8. Pushya - Brihaspati; lotus/udder; nourishment
  • 9. Ashlesha - Sarpa/Nagas; serpent; kundalini, cunning
  • 10. Magha - Pitru (ancestors); throne; royalty, ancestors
  • 11. Purva Phalguni - Bhaga (delight); front legs of bed; enjoyment
  • 12. Uttara Phalguni - Aryaman (patronage); back legs of bed; partnership
  • 13. Hasta - Savitri; hand; skill, healing
  • 14. Chitra - Vishwakarma; pearl; art, beauty
  • 15. Swati - Vayu; young shoot; wind, independence
  • 16. Vishakha - Indra-Agni; potter's wheel; determination
  • 17. Anuradha - Mitra; lotus; friendship, devotion
  • 18. Jyeshtha - Indra; earring; seniority, protection
  • 19. Mula - Nirriti; root/tail of lion; foundation, destruction
  • 20. Purva Ashadha - Apas (waters); elephant's tusk; invincibility
  • 21. Uttara Ashadha - Vishvedevas; elephant's tusk; universal victory
  • 22. Shravana - Vishnu; ear/three footprints; listening, learning
  • 23. Dhanishta - Vasus; drum/flute; wealth, music, rhythm
  • 24. Shatabhisha - Varuna; 100 healers/empty circle; healing, mystery
  • 25. Purva Bhadrapada - Aja Ekapada; sword/front legs of funeral cot; fiery transformation
  • 26. Uttara Bhadrapada - Ahirbudhnya; back legs of funeral cot; kundalini, depth
  • 27. Revati - Pushan; fish/drum; nourishment, journey

How Nakshatras Are Used

  • Birth star (Janma Nakshatra) - determined by moon's position at birth; shapes personality and destiny per Vedic astrology
  • Muhurta - determining auspicious times for weddings, journeys, business, house-warming
  • Naming ceremony (Namakarana) - traditional first letter chosen based on nakshatra pada (quarter)
  • Wedding compatibility - one of several factors in traditional matching
  • Panchang - one of the five elements of Hindu daily calendar
  • Puja timing - certain deities associated with certain nakshatras
  • Festival calculation - many festivals defined by nakshatra alignment

Nakshatra Pada

Each nakshatra is subdivided into 4 padas (quarters) of 3°20' each. The pada refines the interpretation - two people born under the same nakshatra but different padas may have different traits. Traditional naming follows the pada - specific syllables assigned to each pada of each nakshatra.

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For NRI Families

Understanding your birth nakshatra provides a bridge to Vedic astrology and traditional Hindu culture. Panchang apps (Drik Panchang, MyPanchang, etc.) show current nakshatra daily. Traditional families still consult nakshatras for major decisions - weddings, house-warming, naming ceremonies. Even without believing in astrological determinism, knowing your janma nakshatra is a beautiful cultural inheritance. For children born abroad, checking the nakshatra at birth preserves this ancient practice across generations.

  • Hindu Glossary A-Z: Complete Dictionary
  • Sanatana Dharma Foundations
  • Puja Encyclopedia