Nakshatras in Vedic Astrology

Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions that divide the zodiac. They provide deeper insights than signs alone and are fundamental to Vedic Astrology predictions.

What are Nakshatras?

Nakshatras are:

• 27 divisions of the zodiac
• Based on fixed stars
• Each spans 13°20'
• More precise than signs
• Used for detailed predictions

The 27 Nakshatras

1. Ashwini

• Deity: Ashwini Kumaras
• Symbol: Horse's head
• Nature: Quick, healing
• Ruler: Ketu

2. Bharani

• Deity: Yama
• Symbol: Vulva
• Nature: Creative, transformative
• Ruler: Venus

3. Krittika

• Deity: Agni
• Symbol: Razor
• Nature: Sharp, cutting
• Ruler: Sun

4. Rohini

• Deity: Brahma
• Symbol: Cart
• Nature: Material, stable
• Ruler: Moon

5. Mrigashira

• Deity: Soma
• Symbol: Deer's head
• Nature: Searching, curious
• Ruler: Mars

6. Ardra

• Deity: Rudra
• Symbol: Teardrop
• Nature: Destructive, transformative
• Ruler: Rahu

7. Punarvasu

• Deity: Aditi
• Symbol: Bow
• Nature: Renewal, return
• Ruler: Jupiter

8. Pushya

• Deity: Brihaspati
• Symbol: Flower
• Nature: Nourishing, protective
• Ruler: Saturn

9. Ashlesha

• Deity: Nagas
• Symbol: Serpent
• Nature: Mysterious, intense
• Ruler: Mercury

10. Magha

• Deity: Pitris
• Symbol: Throne
• Nature: Royal, ancestral
• Ruler: Ketu

11. Purva Phalguni

• Deity: Bhaga
• Symbol: Hammock
• Nature: Creative, romantic
• Ruler: Venus

12. Uttara Phalguni

• Deity: Aryaman
• Symbol: Fig tree
• Nature: Helpful, charitable
• Ruler: Sun

13. Hasta

• Deity: Savitar
• Symbol: Hand
• Nature: Skillful, dexterous
• Ruler: Moon

14. Chitra

• Deity: Vishwakarma
• Symbol: Pearl
• Nature: Artistic, beautiful
• Ruler: Mars

15. Swati

• Deity: Vayu
• Symbol: Sword
• Nature: Independent, flexible
• Ruler: Rahu

16. Vishakha

• Deity: Indra-Agni
• Symbol: Archway
• Nature: Purposeful, determined
• Ruler: Jupiter

17. Anuradha

• Deity: Mitra
• Symbol: Lotus
• Nature: Friendly, cooperative
• Ruler: Saturn

18. Jyeshta

• Deity: Indra
• Symbol: Earring
• Nature: Elder, protective
• Ruler: Mercury

19. Mula

• Deity: Nirriti
• Symbol: Roots
• Nature: Destructive, transformative
• Ruler: Ketu

20. Purva Ashadha

• Deity: Apas
• Symbol: Fan
• Nature: Invincible, determined
• Ruler: Venus

21. Uttara Ashadha

• Deity: Vishvedevas
• Symbol: Elephant tusk
• Nature: Victorious, patient
• Ruler: Sun

22. Shravana

• Deity: Vishnu
• Symbol: Ear
• Nature: Listening, learning
• Ruler: Moon

23. Dhanishta

• Deity: Vasus
• Symbol: Drum
• Nature: Wealthy, musical
• Ruler: Mars

24. Shatabhisha

• Deity: Varuna
• Symbol: Circle
• Nature: Healing, mysterious
• Ruler: Rahu

25. Purva Bhadrapada

• Deity: Aja Ekapada
• Symbol: Sword
• Nature: Spiritual, transformative
• Ruler: Jupiter

26. Uttara Bhadrapada

• Deity: Ahir Budhnya
• Symbol: Twins
• Nature: Nurturing, spiritual
• Ruler: Saturn

27. Revati

• Deity: Pushan
• Symbol: Fish
• Nature: Nurturing, protective
• Ruler: Mercury

Nakshatra Characteristics

Ganas (Temperaments)

• Deva: Divine, gentle
• Manushya: Human, balanced
• Rakshasa: Demonic, intense

Elements

• Fire: Active, energetic
• Earth: Stable, material
• Air: Intellectual, flexible
• Water: Emotional, intuitive

Sex

• Male: Active, assertive
• Female: Receptive, nurturing
• Neuter: Balanced, neutral

Using Nakshatras

Birth Nakshatra

• Your Moon's Nakshatra
• Core personality
• Life themes
• Karmic patterns

Dasha Calculation

• Based on birth Nakshatra
• Determines Dasha sequence
• Timing of events
• Life phases

Compatibility

• Nakshatra matching
• Gana compatibility
• Element harmony
• Relationship dynamics

Nakshatras provide deep insights into personality, timing, and life patterns that signs alone cannot reveal.