27 Nakshatras in Vedic Astrology

A Nakshatra is one of 27 lunar mansions used in Vedic (Jyotish) astrology. The Moon traverses one Nakshatra roughly every 24 hours as it completes its monthly cycle through the zodiac, and the Nakshatra occupied by the Moon at the time of your birth is called your Janma Nakshatra or birth star. Each Nakshatra has its own ruling planet, presiding deity, symbol, and set of personality characteristics.

Your birth Nakshatra is determined by the position of the Moon in the sidereal zodiac at the exact time and place of your birth. To find it accurately, generate a free Kundli (Vedic birth chart) using your date, time, and place of birth — the Moon's Nakshatra will be displayed in the chart details.

The 12 Rashis (zodiac signs) each span 30 degrees of the zodiac, while the 27 Nakshatras each span 13°20′. Both systems coexist in Jyotish: Rashis describe broad personality archetypes and planetary influences, while Nakshatras offer a finer, more detailed layer of insight — each Nakshatra reveals specific qualities, deities, and karmic themes that the Rashi alone cannot convey.

Nakshatras are used across nearly every branch of Jyotish. The birth Nakshatra determines the starting Dasha (planetary period) in the Vimshottari system, which is one of the primary tools for timing life events. Nakshatras are also essential in Muhurta (electional astrology) for choosing auspicious dates, in Kundli matching (synastry) for compatibility assessment, and in understanding the deeper karmic and psychological nature of a person.

There are 27 Nakshatras (some traditions add a 28th, Abhijit), each spanning 13°20′ of the zodiac — from Ashwini and Bharani through to Uttara Bhadrapada and Revati. Each is ruled by a planet and a presiding deity and is divided into four padas (quarters). You can explore every one in our Nakshatra library.