Understanding Nakshatras in Panchang
What Are Nakshatras?
Nakshatras, often translated as "lunar mansions" or "star constellations," are 27 divisions of the ecliptic, each spanning 13 degrees and 20 minutes of arc. As the Moon travels through the zodiac in approximately 27.3 days, it spends roughly one day in each Nakshatra. This daily Nakshatra, recorded in the Panchang, is one of the five essential elements used to determine the quality of each day.
The 27 Nakshatras
Each Nakshatra has a ruling deity, a planetary lord, and a distinct character:
- Ashwini: Ruled by Ketu, deity Ashwini Kumaras — swift healing, new beginnings
- Bharani: Ruled by Venus, deity Yama — transformation, restraint
- Krittika: Ruled by Sun, deity Agni — purification, sharp intellect
- Rohini: Ruled by Moon, deity Brahma — creativity, beauty, growth
- Mrigashira: Ruled by Mars, deity Soma — searching, curiosity
- Ardra: Ruled by Rahu, deity Rudra — storms, transformation, effort
- Punarvasu: Ruled by Jupiter, deity Aditi — renewal, return to goodness
- Pushya: Ruled by Saturn, deity Brihaspati — nourishment, most auspicious Nakshatra
- Ashlesha: Ruled by Mercury, deity Nagas — mysticism, intensity
- Magha: Ruled by Ketu, deity Pitris (Ancestors) — royalty, lineage
- Purva Phalguni: Ruled by Venus, deity Bhaga — leisure, love, creativity
- Uttara Phalguni: Ruled by Sun, deity Aryaman — patronage, contracts, friendship
- Hasta: Ruled by Moon, deity Savitar — skill, craftsmanship, healing
- Chitra: Ruled by Mars, deity Tvashtar — artistry, brilliance, design
- Swati: Ruled by Rahu, deity Vayu — independence, flexibility
- Vishakha: Ruled by Jupiter, deity Indra-Agni — determination, triumph
- Anuradha: Ruled by Saturn, deity Mitra — friendship, devotion, success abroad
- Jyeshtha: Ruled by Mercury, deity Indra — authority, seniority, protection
- Mula: Ruled by Ketu, deity Nirriti — roots, destruction for renewal
- Purva Ashadha: Ruled by Venus, deity Apas — invincibility, purification
- Uttara Ashadha: Ruled by Sun, deity Vishvedevas — final victory, leadership
- Shravana: Ruled by Moon, deity Vishnu — listening, learning, connection
- Dhanishta: Ruled by Mars, deity Vasus — wealth, musical talent, adaptability
- Shatabhisha: Ruled by Rahu, deity Varuna — healing, secrecy, mysticism
- Purva Bhadrapada: Ruled by Jupiter, deity Aja Ekapada — intensity, penance
- Uttara Bhadrapada: Ruled by Saturn, deity Ahir Budhnya — deep wisdom, spiritual depth
- Revati: Ruled by Mercury, deity Pushan — safe journeys, nourishment, completion
Nakshatras in Your Birth Chart
Your birth Nakshatra — the Nakshatra the Moon occupied at your birth — is known as your Janma Nakshatra or birth star. It determines your Vimshottari Dasha starting point and deeply influences your personality, compatibility, and life path. Find your birth Nakshatra by generating your Kundali at Purohit.app.
Nakshatras in Daily Panchang
The daily Nakshatra in the Panchang guides Muhurta selection for ceremonies, travel, and important decisions. Check today's Nakshatra at Purohit.app Panchang to align your activities with the lunar rhythm.