Nakshatras Explained: The 27 Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology

In Western astrology, the zodiac is divided into 12 signs. In Vedic astrology, the zodiac is divided into something far more precise: 27 nakshatras, or lunar mansions, each spanning exactly 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the ecliptic.

While zodiac signs paint in broad strokes, nakshatras paint in fine detail. Two people born under the same rashi (Moon sign) can have completely different personalities, destinies, and life paths depending on which nakshatra their Moon occupies. The nakshatra system is what gives Vedic astrology its legendary precision.

For the hundreds of millions of people across India and the diaspora who consult jyotish (Vedic astrology), nakshatras are not an advanced concept. They are the foundation. Your birth nakshatra determines your Vimshottari dasha sequence (the predictive timing system), influences your name (many families name children based on the first syllable of their nakshatra), and drives compatibility calculations in matchmaking.

This guide covers all 27 nakshatras, their meanings, and how they shape personality.

How Nakshatras Work

The Moon Connection

In Vedic astrology, the Moon is the most important planet. While Western astrology emphasizes the Sun sign, jyotish emphasizes the Moon sign (rashi) and, more specifically, the Moon's nakshatra at birth. This is because the Moon represents the mind (manas) in Vedic philosophy, and the mind shapes how you experience and interact with the world.

Your birth nakshatra (Janma Nakshatra) is determined by the exact position of the Moon at the moment of your birth. Since each nakshatra spans 13 degrees 20 minutes, and the Moon moves approximately 13 degrees per day, the Moon transits through one complete nakshatra roughly every 24 hours. This is why precise birth time matters in Vedic astrology.

Nakshatra Components

Each nakshatra has:

• Ruling deity: A Hindu deity whose qualities influence the nakshatra's nature
• Ruling planet: One of the nine Vedic planets (navagraha) that governs the nakshatra
• Symbol: A visual symbol representing the nakshatra's essential quality
• Guna (quality): Sattva (harmony), Rajas (activity), or Tamas (inertia)
• Gana (temperament): Deva (divine), Manushya (human), or Rakshasa (demonic)
• Animal symbol: Used in matchmaking compatibility calculations

Nakshatras and Dashas

The Vimshottari dasha system, the primary predictive tool in Vedic astrology, is calculated directly from the birth nakshatra. Each nakshatra's ruling planet determines which dasha period you are born into and the sequence of planetary periods that unfold throughout your life.

This makes the birth nakshatra the single most consequential factor in Vedic predictive astrology.

The 27 Nakshatras

1. Ashwini (0 to 13d20m Aries)

Ruling planet: Ketu | Deity: Ashwini Kumaras (divine physicians) | Symbol: Horse's head

Nature: Swift, healing, initiating. Ashwini natives are quick thinkers and natural healers. They have a pioneering spirit and often feel compelled to start new things. There is an urgency and speed to their nature that makes them excellent in emergency situations but sometimes impatient with slow processes.

Qualities: Intelligence, healing ability, courage, spontaneity, attractiveness

2. Bharani (13d20m to 26d40m Aries)

Ruling planet: Venus | Deity: Yama (god of death and dharma) | Symbol: Yoni (female reproductive organ)

Nature: Transformative, intense, creative. Bharani carries the energy of creation and destruction. Natives have strong willpower, bear heavy responsibilities, and understand the cycles of life and death. They are often drawn to creative expression and can handle what others find overwhelming.

Qualities: Endurance, creativity, moral strength, sensuality, capacity for transformation

3. Krittika (26d40m Aries to 10d Taurus)

Ruling planet: Sun | Deity: Agni (god of fire) | Symbol: Razor or flame

Nature: Purifying, sharp, determined. Krittika natives cut through illusion with precision. They are honest to the point of bluntness, critical in their assessment, and driven by a need for truth and purity. Strong leadership qualities combined with a fiery temperament.

Qualities: Sharp intellect, determination, leadership, purification, courage

4. Rohini (10d to 23d20m Taurus)

Ruling planet: Moon | Deity: Brahma (creator god) | Symbol: Ox cart or chariot

Nature: Creative, abundant, beautiful. Rohini is considered one of the most auspicious nakshatras. Natives are attractive, artistic, and drawn to beauty and luxury. Strong material instincts combined with creative talent. The Moon is exalted here.

Qualities: Beauty, creativity, fertility, material prosperity, artistic talent

5. Mrigashira (23d20m Taurus to 6d40m Gemini)

Ruling planet: Mars | Deity: Soma (moon god) | Symbol: Deer's head

Nature: Searching, gentle, curious. Mrigashira natives are eternal seekers, always searching for something just beyond reach. They are gentle, intellectual, and easily distracted by new interests. A restless curiosity that drives both exploration and occasional dissatisfaction.

Qualities: Curiosity, gentleness, intelligence, searching nature, adaptability

6. Ardra (6d40m to 20d Gemini)

Ruling planet: Rahu | Deity: Rudra (storm god, fierce form of Shiva) | Symbol: Teardrop or diamond

Nature: Stormy, transformative, intellectual. Ardra brings destruction that precedes renewal. Natives experience intense emotions and transformative life events. Powerful intellect combined with emotional turbulence. Research-oriented and deeply analytical.

Qualities: Intellectual power, emotional intensity, transformation, research ability, perseverance

7. Punarvasu (20d Gemini to 3d20m Cancer)

Ruling planet: Jupiter | Deity: Aditi (mother of gods) | Symbol: Bow and quiver of arrows

Nature: Renewing, optimistic, nurturing. Punarvasu means "return of the light." After Ardra's storms, Punarvasu brings restoration and hope. Natives are optimistic, generous, and spiritually inclined. Strong capacity for renewal after setbacks.

Qualities: Optimism, generosity, spiritual inclination, renewal, contentment

8. Pushya (3d20m to 16d40m Cancer)

Ruling planet: Saturn | Deity: Brihaspati (Jupiter, guru of the gods) | Symbol: Cow's udder or lotus

Nature: Nourishing, auspicious, wise. Pushya is considered the most auspicious nakshatra for most activities. Natives are generous, wise, and naturally inclined toward nurturing others. Strong sense of dharma and community responsibility.

Qualities: Wisdom, generosity, nourishing nature, auspiciousness, spiritual depth

9. Ashlesha (16d40m to 30d Cancer)

Ruling planet: Mercury | Deity: Naga (serpent deities) | Symbol: Coiled serpent

Nature: Hypnotic, mystical, penetrating. Ashlesha natives possess piercing intuition and psychological insight. They are deeply perceptive, sometimes manipulative, and drawn to hidden knowledge. Powerful healing abilities alongside a tendency toward secrecy.

Qualities: Intuition, mysticism, psychological insight, cunning, healing power

10. Magha (0 to 13d20m Leo)

Ruling planet: Ketu | Deity: Pitris (ancestral spirits) | Symbol: Royal throne

Nature: Royal, authoritative, ancestral. Magha natives carry the energy of lineage and tradition. Natural leaders with a strong sense of duty toward family and ancestry. Pride, dignity, and a regal bearing that commands respect.

Qualities: Authority, leadership, ancestral connection, dignity, traditional values

11. Purva Phalguni (13d20m to 26d40m Leo)

Ruling planet: Venus | Deity: Bhaga (god of fortune and marriage) | Symbol: Front legs of a bed or hammock

Nature: Pleasurable, creative, romantic. Purva Phalguni natives love luxury, pleasure, and creative expression. Charming, artistic, and relationship-oriented. Strong desire for comfort and enjoyment of life.

Qualities: Creativity, charm, romantic nature, generosity, artistic expression

12. Uttara Phalguni (26d40m Leo to 10d Virgo)

Ruling planet: Sun | Deity: Aryaman (god of patronage and contracts) | Symbol: Back legs of a bed

Nature: Helpful, reliable, contractual. Uttara Phalguni natives are dependable, service-oriented, and excellent at forming lasting partnerships. They honor commitments and are trusted by others. Strong sense of duty combined with warmth.

Qualities: Reliability, helpfulness, partnership ability, warmth, commitment

13. Hasta (10d to 23d20m Virgo)

Ruling planet: Moon | Deity: Savitar (sun god of creativity) | Symbol: Open hand or fist

Nature: Skilled, clever, dexterous. Hasta natives are exceptionally skilled with their hands and minds. Craftsmanship, healing, comedy, and sleight of hand all fall under Hasta. Quick-witted and resourceful.

Qualities: Skill, cleverness, dexterity, humor, resourcefulness

14. Chitra (23d20m Virgo to 6d40m Libra)

Ruling planet: Mars | Deity: Vishwakarma (divine architect) | Symbol: Bright jewel or pearl

Nature: Beautiful, creative, architectural. Chitra natives are drawn to beauty, design, and creation. They build things of lasting beauty, whether physical structures, artistic works, or social systems. Charismatic and visually striking.

Qualities: Beauty, architectural ability, creativity, charisma, visual sense

15. Swati (6d40m to 20d Libra)

Ruling planet: Rahu | Deity: Vayu (wind god) | Symbol: Coral or young plant swaying in wind

Nature: Independent, flexible, scattered. Swati natives are fiercely independent and adaptable. Like wind, they can change direction quickly and resist being pinned down. Entrepreneurial spirit with a talent for business and trade.

Qualities: Independence, adaptability, business sense, flexibility, restlessness

16. Vishakha (20d Libra to 3d20m Scorpio)

Ruling planet: Jupiter | Deity: Indra and Agni (king of gods and fire god) | Symbol: Triumphal arch or potter's wheel

Nature: Determined, goal-oriented, intense. Vishakha natives are single-minded in pursuing their objectives. Powerful ambition combined with patience. They achieve what they set out to do, regardless of how long it takes.

Qualities: Determination, ambition, patience, competitive drive, focus

17. Anuradha (3d20m to 16d40m Scorpio)

Ruling planet: Saturn | Deity: Mitra (god of friendship) | Symbol: Lotus

Nature: Devoted, friendly, disciplined. Anuradha natives are loyal friends and devoted partners. They thrive in organizations and communities, building lasting bonds. Disciplined and hardworking with a deep capacity for devotion.

Qualities: Devotion, friendship, discipline, organizational ability, loyalty

18. Jyeshtha (16d40m to 30d Scorpio)

Ruling planet: Mercury | Deity: Indra (king of gods) | Symbol: Circular amulet or earring

Nature: Protective, senior, powerful. Jyeshtha means "the eldest." Natives carry authority and protective instincts. They are the ones who take charge in crises and protect the vulnerable. Strong but sometimes overbearing leadership.

Qualities: Authority, protective nature, seniority, resourcefulness, courage

19. Moola (0 to 13d20m Sagittarius)

Ruling planet: Ketu | Deity: Nirriti (goddess of destruction) | Symbol: Tied bunch of roots

Nature: Uprooting, investigative, philosophical. Moola natives seek the root of everything. They dig beneath surfaces, question foundations, and sometimes destroy to rebuild. Philosophical depth combined with destructive-creative energy.

Qualities: Investigation, philosophical depth, uprooting, research, transformation

20. Purva Ashadha (13d20m to 26d40m Sagittarius)

Ruling planet: Venus | Deity: Apas (water deity) | Symbol: Elephant tusk or fan

Nature: Invincible, purifying, invigorating. Purva Ashadha natives are persuasive, energetic, and often victorious. They have a purifying influence on those around them and a talent for winning arguments and competitions.

Qualities: Persuasion, invincibility, purification, energy, confidence

21. Uttara Ashadha (26d40m Sagittarius to 10d Capricorn)

Ruling planet: Sun | Deity: Vishve Devas (universal gods) | Symbol: Elephant tusk or small bed

Nature: Universal, responsible, penetrating. Uttara Ashadha natives are deeply principled and universally minded. They take responsibility seriously and aim for lasting achievement. Slow starters who finish strong.

Qualities: Responsibility, universal values, leadership, endurance, integrity

22. Shravana (10d to 23d20m Capricorn)

Ruling planet: Moon | Deity: Vishnu (preserver god) | Symbol: Ear or three footprints

Nature: Listening, learning, connecting. Shravana means "hearing." Natives are excellent listeners, learners, and teachers. They connect people and ideas. Strong organizational abilities and a talent for media and communication.

Qualities: Listening ability, learning, connectivity, organizational skill, wisdom

23. Dhanishtha (23d20m Capricorn to 6d40m Aquarius)

Ruling planet: Mars | Deity: Vasus (eight gods of nature) | Symbol: Musical drum

Nature: Musical, wealthy, rhythmic. Dhanishtha means "the wealthiest." Natives are drawn to music, rhythm, and abundance. They have a natural sense of timing and often accumulate wealth through talent and discipline.

Qualities: Musical talent, wealth, rhythm, adaptability, generosity

24. Shatabhisha (6d40m to 20d Aquarius)

Ruling planet: Rahu | Deity: Varuna (god of cosmic waters) | Symbol: Empty circle or hundred flowers

Nature: Healing, secretive, independent. Shatabhisha means "hundred physicians." Natives are natural healers who prefer to work independently. They are secretive, mysterious, and drawn to unconventional approaches.

Qualities: Healing ability, independence, mystery, truthfulness, research

25. Purva Bhadrapada (20d Aquarius to 3d20m Pisces)

Ruling planet: Jupiter | Deity: Aja Ekapada (one-footed serpent) | Symbol: Front of funeral cot or two-faced figure

Nature: Fiery, transformative, eccentric. Purva Bhadrapada carries intense transformative energy. Natives are idealistic, sometimes extreme, and driven by a vision of how things should be. Passionate about causes and unafraid of radical action.

Qualities: Idealism, passion, transformation, philosophical depth, intensity

26. Uttara Bhadrapada (3d20m to 16d40m Pisces)

Ruling planet: Saturn | Deity: Ahir Budhnya (serpent of the deep) | Symbol: Back of funeral cot or twins

Nature: Deep, wise, controlled. Uttara Bhadrapada represents the depths of wisdom and controlled power. Natives are disciplined, spiritually inclined, and capable of profound insight. Calm exterior masking great depth.

Qualities: Wisdom, discipline, depth, spiritual power, self-control

27. Revati (16d40m to 30d Pisces)

Ruling planet: Mercury | Deity: Pushan (nourisher, protector of travelers) | Symbol: Fish or drum

Nature: Nourishing, protective, final. Revati is the last nakshatra, completing the cycle. Natives are compassionate, protective, and spiritually refined. They guide others on their journeys and bring cycles to completion with grace.

Qualities: Compassion, nourishment, protection, spiritual refinement, completion

For Developers: Building Nakshatra Features

Nakshatra-based features are essential for any app targeting the Indian astrology market. They drive the most culturally significant calculations: dasha periods, matchmaking, and muhurat timing.

Essential nakshatra features:

• Birth nakshatra determination from Moon position
• Nakshatra-based personality profiles
• Dasha period calculation from birth nakshatra
• Nakshatra compatibility for matchmaking (Yoni, Gana, Nadi kuta)
• Daily nakshatra display in panchang
• Nakshatra transit alerts

RoxyAPI's Vedic Astrology API provides nakshatra calculations, Vimshottari dasha periods, Ashtakoota matchmaking, and panchang data. The same API key includes Western astrology, tarot, numerology, I-Ching, and dream interpretation.

Check the Vedic Astrology documentation for nakshatra endpoints. View pricing to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is my birth nakshatra determined? A: Your birth nakshatra (Janma Nakshatra) is the nakshatra occupied by the Moon at the exact moment of your birth. Since each nakshatra spans 13 degrees 20 minutes and the Moon moves about 13 degrees per day, precise birth time is essential for accurate nakshatra determination.

Q: How are nakshatras different from zodiac signs? A: The 12 zodiac signs (rashis) divide the 360-degree zodiac into 30-degree segments. The 27 nakshatras divide the same 360 degrees into 13.33-degree segments, providing 2.25 times more precision. Two people with the same Moon sign can have different birth nakshatras, resulting in meaningfully different personality profiles and dasha sequences.

Q: Why are nakshatras important for matchmaking? A: The Ashtakoota (eight-fold) matchmaking system in Vedic astrology uses nakshatras for several compatibility categories including Yoni (sexual compatibility), Gana (temperament), Nadi (health), and Tara (destiny). Nakshatras provide more precise compatibility scoring than signs alone.

Q: Can an API calculate nakshatras? A: Yes. Vedic astrology APIs calculate the Moon's sidereal position and determine the corresponding nakshatra. RoxyAPI provides nakshatra calculations with ruling planet, deity, and pada (quarter) information. The same API key covers six spiritual domains. View pricing or explore all products.

Q: What is a nakshatra pada? A: Each nakshatra is further divided into four padas (quarters) of 3 degrees 20 minutes each. The pada determines which navamsha (D9 divisional chart) sign the planet falls in and adds another layer of precision to the interpretation.

Explore Vedic astrology calculations. Visit RoxyAPI Vedic Astrology API, check pricing, or browse the complete API suite.