27 Nakshatras: Complete Guide
What Are Nakshatras?
Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions or star constellations through which the Moon travels during its monthly cycle. Each nakshatra spans 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the zodiac, and the Moon spends approximately one day in each. In Vedic astrology (Jyotish), your birth nakshatra — determined by the Moon position at the time of birth — is considered even more important than your Sun sign. It reveals deep aspects of your personality, life path, and spiritual purpose. Generate your free kundali to discover your birth nakshatra.
The Complete List of 27 Nakshatras
1. Ashwini (Aries 0-13 deg) — Deity: Ashwini Kumaras | Planet: Ketu | Quality: Swift healing and new beginnings
2. Bharani (Aries 13-26 deg) — Deity: Yama | Planet: Venus | Quality: Transformation and restraint
3. Krittika (Aries-Taurus) — Deity: Agni | Planet: Sun | Quality: Purification and sharp intellect
4. Rohini (Taurus 10-23 deg) — Deity: Brahma | Planet: Moon | Quality: Growth, beauty, and fertility
5. Mrigashira (Taurus-Gemini) — Deity: Soma | Planet: Mars | Quality: Searching and curiosity
6. Ardra (Gemini 6-20 deg) — Deity: Rudra | Planet: Rahu | Quality: Storms, destruction, and renewal
7. Punarvasu (Gemini-Cancer) — Deity: Aditi | Planet: Jupiter | Quality: Renewal and return of light
8. Pushya (Cancer 3-16 deg) — Deity: Brihaspati | Planet: Saturn | Quality: Nourishment, most auspicious
9. Ashlesha (Cancer 16-30 deg) — Deity: Sarpa | Planet: Mercury | Quality: Mysticism and kundalini energy
10-18. Magha through Jyeshtha span Leo through Scorpio, covering themes from royal authority (Magha) to service (Hasta) to elder wisdom (Jyeshtha).
19-27. Moola through Revati span Sagittarius through Pisces, covering themes from uprooting (Moola) to spiritual listening (Shravana) to cosmic compassion (Revati).
How Nakshatras Affect Your Life
Your birth nakshatra influences your temperament, health tendencies, career inclinations, and relationship compatibility. Each nakshatra has four padas (quarters), further refining its expression. In marriage matching, nakshatra compatibility (Ashtakoota Milan) is the primary system used, evaluating eight factors between partners.
Practical Applications
Check the panchang daily to see which nakshatra the Moon is transiting — this affects mood and activities for everyone. Certain nakshatras are better for specific tasks: Rohini for business, Pushya for auspicious beginnings, Hasta for skilled work, and Revati for travel.
To understand how nakshatras influence your life in detail, generate your kundali. For personalized nakshatra-based guidance, consult a Vedic astrologer. Explore our learning resources for deeper nakshatra wisdom.