Complete List of 27 Nakshatra Names in Vedic Astrology

Vedic astrology is one of the oldest and most intricate systems of celestial interpretation in human history, drawing on thousands of years of observation and scholarship. At its heart lies a sophisticated lunar framework that goes far beyond the familiar twelve signs of the Western zodiac. Understanding this framework begins with the Nakshatras, the twenty-seven lunar mansions that form the backbone of Vedic astrological practice.

In Vedic astrology, Nakshatras are the lunar mansions or constellations through which the Moon passes during its monthly cycle. These 27 Nakshatras each span 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the zodiac, and are pivotal for understanding a person's characteristics, life path, and compatibility with others. Each Nakshatra has a ruling planet, a presiding deity, and unique symbols, all of which deeply influence the traits of individuals born under them.

Introduction to Nakshatras

The term Nakshatra is derived from the Sanskrit words Naksha, meaning map, and Tara, meaning star. Together, the word refers to a lunar mansion or a specific sector along the ecliptic in ancient Indian astronomy. The 27 Nakshatras divide the full 360-degree zodiac into equal segments, each carrying its own energy, mythology, and astrological significance.

Unlike the solar-based Western astrological system, Vedic astrology places enormous importance on the Moon's position at the time of birth. The Nakshatra in which your Moon is placed at birth, sometimes called your birth star, reveals nuances of your inner temperament, emotional nature, and karmic tendencies that your Moon sign alone cannot fully describe. Studying the Nakshatras alongside your birth chart offers a far more textured and precise understanding of who you are.

Characteristics of Nakshatras

Each Nakshatra is associated with a unique set of qualities that shape the personality and destiny of those born under its influence. These characteristics are drawn from the Nakshatra's ruling planet, its presiding deity known as the Devata, its symbolic form, its associated animal, and its designated quality or guna. Understanding these layers is what makes Nakshatra analysis such a powerful tool in Vedic astrology.

Ruling Planets and Deities

Each Nakshatra is governed by one of nine planetary rulers, cycling through the Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, Ketu, and Venus in a repeating pattern across all twenty-seven mansions. The ruling planet shapes the core energy and motivational drive of the Nakshatra. Simultaneously, the presiding deity provides the mythological and spiritual context, connecting the Nakshatra to specific cosmic principles and divine qualities.

Symbols and Animal Associations

The symbolic image assigned to each Nakshatra is not merely decorative. It encodes the essential nature of that mansion in a way that transcends words. For example, the symbol of a sword speaks to cutting precision and courage, while the symbol of a jewel evokes brilliance and refinement. Animal associations add another layer, often describing instinctual behavior and compatibility in personal relationships.

Complete List of 27 Nakshatras and Their Meanings

Below is the complete list of all 27 Nakshatras in order, from the first degree of Aries through the final degrees of Pisces, along with their core meanings and ruling planets.

• Ashwini - The star of transport and healing. Ruled by Ketu. Spans 0 to 13 degrees 20 minutes Aries.
• Bharani - The star of restraint and transformation. Ruled by Venus. Spans 13 degrees 20 minutes to 26 degrees 40 minutes Aries.
• Krittika - The star of fire and purification. Ruled by the Sun. Spans 26 degrees 40 minutes Aries to 10 degrees Taurus.
• Rohini - The star of growth and beauty. Ruled by the Moon. Spans 10 to 23 degrees 20 minutes Taurus.
• Mrigashira - The star of searching and curiosity. Ruled by Mars. Spans 23 degrees 20 minutes Taurus to 6 degrees 40 minutes Gemini.
• Ardra - The star of sorrow and renewal. Ruled by Rahu. Spans 6 degrees 40 minutes to 20 degrees Gemini.
• Punarvasu - The star of restoration and good fortune. Ruled by Jupiter. Spans 20 degrees Gemini to 3 degrees 20 minutes Cancer.
• Pushya - The star of nourishment and devotion. Ruled by Saturn. Spans 3 degrees 20 minutes to 16 degrees 40 minutes Cancer.
• Ashlesha - The star of clinging and mysticism. Ruled by Mercury. Spans 16 degrees 40 minutes to 30 degrees Cancer.
• Magha - The star of power and ancestral honor. Ruled by Ketu. Spans 0 to 13 degrees 20 minutes Leo.
• Purva Phalguni - The star of pleasure and creativity. Ruled by Venus. Spans 13 degrees 20 minutes to 26 degrees 40 minutes Leo.
• Uttara Phalguni - The star of partnership and prosperity. Ruled by the Sun. Spans 26 degrees 40 minutes Leo to 10 degrees Virgo.
• Hasta - The star of skill and dexterity. Ruled by the Moon. Spans 10 to 23 degrees 20 minutes Virgo.
• Chitra - The star of brilliance and artistry. Ruled by Mars. Spans 23 degrees 20 minutes Virgo to 6 degrees 40 minutes Libra.
• Swati - The star of independence and adaptability. Ruled by Rahu. Spans 6 degrees 40 minutes to 20 degrees Libra.
• Vishakha - The star of purpose and determination. Ruled by Jupiter. Spans 20 degrees Libra to 3 degrees 20 minutes Scorpio.
• Anuradha - The star of devotion and friendship. Ruled by Saturn. Spans 3 degrees 20 minutes to 16 degrees 40 minutes Scorpio.
• Jyeshtha - The star of seniority and protection. Ruled by Mercury. Spans 16 degrees 40 minutes to 30 degrees Scorpio.
• Mula - The star of foundation and inquiry. Ruled by Ketu. Spans 0 to 13 degrees 20 minutes Sagittarius.
• Purva Ashadha - The star of invincibility and early victory. Ruled by Venus. Spans 13 degrees 20 minutes to 26 degrees 40 minutes Sagittarius.
• Uttara Ashadha - The star of lasting achievement. Ruled by the Sun. Spans 26 degrees 40 minutes Sagittarius to 10 degrees Capricorn.
• Shravana - The star of listening and learning. Ruled by the Moon. Spans 10 to 23 degrees 20 minutes Capricorn.
• Dhanishtha - The star of wealth and musical rhythm. Ruled by Mars. Spans 23 degrees 20 minutes Capricorn to 6 degrees 40 minutes Aquarius.
• Shatabhisha - The star of healing and secrecy. Ruled by Rahu. Spans 6 degrees 40 minutes to 20 degrees Aquarius.
• Purva Bhadrapada - The star of intense passion and transformation. Ruled by Jupiter. Spans 20 degrees Aquarius to 3 degrees 20 minutes Pisces.
• Uttara Bhadrapada - The star of depth and cosmic wisdom. Ruled by Saturn. Spans 3 degrees 20 minutes to 16 degrees 40 minutes Pisces.
• Revati - The star of nourishment and completion. Ruled by Mercury. Spans 16 degrees 40 minutes to 30 degrees Pisces.

Understanding the Classification of Nakshatras

Beyond their individual natures, Nakshatras are classified according to several important systems that astrologers use to make practical predictions and assess compatibility between individuals.

The Three Gunas

Every Nakshatra belongs to one of three gunas, or fundamental qualities of nature: Rajas (active and passionate), Tamas (inert and transformative), and Sattva (pure and harmonious). These qualities operate on multiple levels within each Nakshatra, creating a rich matrix of energy that influences behavior and spiritual development.

The Four Goals of Life

Nakshatras are also classified according to the four Purusharthas, or goals of human life: Dharma (righteousness and duty), Artha (material wealth and security), Kama (desire and pleasure), and Moksha (liberation and spiritual freedom). This classification helps astrologers understand the primary motivational thrust behind a person's life journey as reflected by their birth Nakshatra.

Nakshatras and the Zodiac Signs

While the 27 Nakshatras and the 12 zodiac signs both divide the ecliptic, they do so differently, and each sign contains approximately two and a quarter Nakshatras within it. The interplay between a planet's sign placement and its Nakshatra placement is what gives Vedic astrology its remarkable precision. For a complete picture of these layered influences, studying your full birth chart is highly recommended.

The 28th Nakshatra: Abhijit

While the standard system recognizes 27 Nakshatras, Vedic astrology acknowledges a 28th Nakshatra called Abhijit. This Nakshatra corresponds to the bright star Vega and occupies a small segment near the end of Capricorn and the beginning of Aquarius. Abhijit is considered highly auspicious and is primarily used in muhurtha, the selection of favorable times for important activities, rather than in natal chart analysis. Its name means "the victorious one," and its energy is associated with achievement and divine blessing.

Why Nakshatras Matter in Astrology

The Nakshatras provide a layer of astrological analysis that the zodiac signs alone cannot offer. Where a sign describes broad archetypal tendencies shared by roughly one-twelfth of the population, a Nakshatra narrows the field considerably, offering far more specific information about temperament, timing, and life themes. Vedic astrologers use Nakshatras extensively in the Vimshottari Dasha system, a planetary period system determined entirely by the Moon's Nakshatra at birth, which maps out the unfolding of karma across a lifetime.

Nakshatras are also central to compatibility assessment in Vedic astrology. The traditional system of Ashta Koota matching, used widely in relationship analysis, tests the harmony between two individuals across eight criteria, most of which are derived directly from the Nakshatra positions of their respective Moons. Exploring these dimensions through a horoscope reading can illuminate the deeper patterns at work in your relationships and personal timing.

Calculate Your Nakshatra for Free

Knowing your birth Nakshatra is as simple as having your birth date, time, and place. With this information, a Vedic astrologer or a reliable calculation tool can determine the precise position of your Moon at birth and identify which of the 27 lunar mansions it occupied. This single piece of information opens a doorway into an extraordinarily detailed understanding of your personality and life path. You can begin by exploring your birth chart to uncover your Nakshatra along with all the planetary placements that shape your unique astrological profile.

Key Takeaways

• The 27 Nakshatras are lunar mansions that divide the zodiac into equal segments of 13 degrees and 20 minutes each, forming the foundational framework of Vedic astrology.
• Each Nakshatra carries a ruling planet, a presiding deity, a symbolic image, and a set of qualities that together define the nature and life themes of those born under its influence.
• Your birth Nakshatra is determined by the position of your Moon at the moment of birth and provides deeper insight into your personality than your zodiac sign alone.
• Nakshatras are essential for timing predictions through the Vimshottari Dasha system and for assessing relationship compatibility in traditional Vedic matchmaking.
• A 28th Nakshatra called Abhijit exists and is used primarily in electional astrology for selecting auspicious moments, rather than in natal chart interpretation.