Core Concepts

Nakshatra

नक्षत्र • Nakshatra

Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions in Vedic astrology, dividing the zodiac into precise segments that reveal deeper personality traits and life patterns.

What is Nakshatra?

Nakshatra (Nakshatra, नक्षत्र) — Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions in Vedic astrology, dividing the zodiac into precise segments that reveal deeper personality traits and life patterns.

Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions (constellations) that divide the 360-degree zodiac into segments of 13°20' each. They form a uniquely Vedic system not found in Western astrology, providing a finer level of personality analysis than zodiac signs alone. Each Nakshatra has a ruling deity, symbol, ruling planet, and specific characteristics. The Moon's Nakshatra at birth (Janma Nakshatra) is considered highly significant — it determines the starting Mahadasha in the Vimshottari dasha system and is used for naming ceremonies, compatibility matching, and muhurta selection. The Nakshatras are further divided into 4 padas (quarters) of 3°20' each.

Examples

Ashwini Nakshatra (0°–13°20' Aries), ruled by Ketu, produces quick, healing personalities.
The Janma Nakshatra determines which Mahadasha you're born into — an Ashwini birth starts with Ketu Mahadasha.
In Gun Milan, the Nakshatra matching determines Nadi, Gana, and other compatibility factors.

Practical Application

Nakshatras are used for precise personality analysis, naming babies (each Nakshatra has associated syllables), determining the starting dasha period, compatibility matching, and selecting auspicious times (muhurta) for important activities.

Common Misconceptions

Nakshatras are not zodiac signs — there are 27 Nakshatras vs 12 zodiac signs, providing much finer personality differentiation.
Your Nakshatra doesn't change with the ayanamsa correction — both tropical and sidereal systems recognize the same star-based Nakshatra divisions.
Each zodiac sign contains 2.25 Nakshatras, so two people with the same Moon sign can have very different Nakshatras.

Related Terms

Rashiराशि
Dashaदशा
Mahadashaमहादशा
Gun Milanगुण मिलान

More Core Concepts Terms

KundliकुंडलीVedic Astrologyवैदिक ज्योतिषRashiराशिLagnaलग्नGrahaग्रह

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Nakshatra in Vedic astrology?

A Nakshatra is one of 27 lunar mansions that divide the zodiac into 13°20' segments. Each has unique characteristics, a ruling planet, deity, and symbol. The Moon's Nakshatra at birth is especially important for predictions and compatibility.

How many Nakshatras are there?

There are 27 Nakshatras in Vedic astrology, sometimes counted as 28 including Abhijit. Each spans 13°20' of the zodiac and contains 4 padas (quarters) of 3°20' each.

What is my Janma Nakshatra?

Your Janma Nakshatra is the Nakshatra where the Moon was placed at your birth. You can find it using a Kundli generator with your exact birth details.

Why are Nakshatras important?

Nakshatras provide deeper personality insights than signs alone, determine your starting Mahadasha, guide baby naming, enable precise compatibility matching, and are essential for selecting auspicious timings.