Understanding the 27 Nakshatras: Your Lunar Mansion Guide
The 27 Nakshatras are the foundation of Vedic astrology, dividing the 360° zodiac into 27 equal segments of 13°20' each. Unlike Western astrology which focuses primarily on Sun signs, Vedic astrology gives equal or greater importance to the Moon's Nakshatra at birth.
What is a Nakshatra?
Nakshatra literally means "that which does not decay" (na + kshatra). Each Nakshatra has:
- A ruling deity that governs its spiritual energy
- A planetary lord that influences worldly matters
- Four padas (quarters) that refine predictions
- A specific guna (quality): Sattva, Rajas, or Tamas
The Three Categories
Deva (Divine) Nakshatras
Ashwini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Shravana, Revati — these bring auspicious, harmonious energy.
Manushya (Human) Nakshatras
Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada — these carry mixed, balanced energy.
Rakshasa (Demon) Nakshatras
Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishakha, Jyeshtha, Moola, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha — these carry intense, transformative energy.
How Nakshatras Affect Your Life
Your birth Nakshatra (Janma Nakshatra) determines your Vimshottari Dasha starting period, which maps the timing of major life events across a 120-year cycle. It also determines the starting syllable of your name according to tradition.
Practical Application
Use our free Panchang tool to find today's Nakshatra, or generate a full birth chart reading to discover your Janma Nakshatra and its implications for your life path.