27 Nakshatras: Names, Lords, Symbols & Meanings

What Nakshatras are used for

Nakshatras are traditionally used to study temperament, emotional patterns, compatibility, naming conventions, planetary periods and the selection of auspicious timings. They provide a more detailed layer of interpretation than the twelve zodiac signs alone.

Astrology is a traditional interpretive practice, not a scientifically proven method of predicting personality or future events. The meanings below describe Jyotish traditions and should not be treated as guaranteed facts about an individual.

What is a Nakshatra?

The Sanskrit term Nakshatra is commonly translated as "lunar mansion," "asterism" or "birth star." The sidereal zodiac contains 360 degrees. When divided into 27 equal parts:

360° ÷ 27 = 13°20′

Each Nakshatra therefore occupies 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the zodiac.

The Moon takes approximately 27.3 days to complete one orbit relative to the background stars, so it moves through roughly one Nakshatra each day. India's science and technology educational material similarly describes the Moon's sidereal period as approximately 27⅓ days.

Although the birth Moon receives the most attention, every planet in a Kundli occupies a Nakshatra. An astrologer may therefore study:

• The Moon's Nakshatra
• The Ascendant's Nakshatra
• The Nakshatra occupied by the Lagna lord
• The Nakshatra of the active Dasha planet
• Nakshatras occupied by other important planets
• The planetary lord of each Nakshatra
• The Pada occupied within the Nakshatra

A Nakshatra should not be interpreted from its name or symbol alone. Its zodiac sign, Pada, planetary lord, house placement, aspects and Dasha context all affect the traditional reading.

What is a Janma Nakshatra?

Your Janma Nakshatra is the Nakshatra occupied by the Moon at the moment of birth. To calculate it accurately, a chart system needs:

1. Date of birth
2. Exact time of birth
3. Place of birth
4. A consistent sidereal calculation setting
5. The selected ayanamsha

Two people with the same Moon sign can have different birth Nakshatras because most zodiac signs contain parts of three Nakshatras. For example, the sidereal sign Aries contains:

• Ashwini
• Bharani
• The first Pada of Krittika

A person can therefore have an Aries Moon without automatically having Ashwini as the birth Nakshatra.

How Nakshatras differ from zodiac signs

The twelve Rashis or zodiac signs divide the sky into sections of 30 degrees. The 27 Nakshatras divide the same zodiac into sections of 13°20′.

A zodiac sign provides one interpretive layer. The Nakshatra provides a more specific subdivision within that sign.

A planet near the beginning of a sign may occupy a different Nakshatra from a planet near the end of the same sign. Their sign remains the same, but their Nakshatra lord, deity, symbol and Pada change.

What are Nakshatra Padas?

Each Nakshatra is divided into four quarters called Padas or Charanas.

13°20′ ÷ 4 = 3°20′ per Pada, and 27 Nakshatras × 4 Padas = 108 Padas

The Pada provides a more precise location within a Nakshatra. It also connects the Nakshatra position with the Navamsha chart. A complete Nakshatra description might therefore be written as:

• Rohini Nakshatra, Pada 2
• Anuradha Nakshatra, Pada 4
• Revati Nakshatra, Pada 1

The four Padas of one Nakshatra are not interpreted as identical. They can fall in different Navamsha signs and may emphasise different expressions of the same broader Nakshatra symbolism.

The nine Nakshatra lords

Each Nakshatra is traditionally ruled by one of nine Grahas. The sequence repeats three times across the 27 Nakshatras: Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury. The same order is used in the Vimshottari Dasha system.

The Moon's birth Nakshatra establishes the starting planetary lord in the Vimshottari Dasha sequence. The Moon's progress through that Nakshatra determines how much of the first Mahadasha remains at birth.

Complete list of the 27 Nakshatras

Traditional symbols and deity names can vary slightly between texts, translations and regional traditions. The table below uses commonly cited associations. Its "traditional theme" column is a concise editorial summary, not a fixed personality prediction.

The names, rulers, deities and degree ranges align with common 27-Nakshatra reference tables and traditional deity lists.

1. Ashwini

Ashwini is the first Nakshatra and begins at 0° Aries. Its horse-head symbol suggests speed, movement and the impulse to begin.

Its presiding deities, the Ashwini Kumaras, are traditionally described as divine physicians. For that reason, Ashwini is commonly connected with assistance, rapid action and restoration. Ketu rules Ashwini in the Vimshottari sequence.

An Ashwini placement should not automatically be interpreted as impulsive or medically gifted. The planet occupying Ashwini, its Pada, house and surrounding chart determine how the symbolism is applied.

2. Bharani

Bharani is associated with Yama, the deity of restraint, order and mortality. Its womb or Yoni symbol is connected with bearing, containing and carrying something through a process.

Traditional readings often connect Bharani with responsibility, limits, endurance and transformation. Venus rules Bharani. This creates a more complex symbolism than simply classifying it as pleasant or difficult: Venus represents relationship and value, while Yama represents boundaries and consequence.

3. Krittika

Krittika crosses from Aries into Taurus. Its common symbols include a blade, flame or spear, while its deity is Agni, the fire deity. Traditional interpretations associate Krittika with cutting, refining, separating and purifying.

The Sun rules this Nakshatra in the Vimshottari system. A placement in Krittika may therefore be read through themes of clarity, identity and decisive action, depending on the planet and Pada involved.

4. Rohini

Rohini lies entirely within Taurus and is ruled by the Moon. Its symbol is a chariot or ox cart.

Traditional meanings focus on fertility, cultivation, attraction, growth and the creation of tangible forms. This does not mean every Rohini placement guarantees beauty, wealth or artistic ability. A complete reading also examines Venus, because Venus rules Taurus, and the house occupied by the planet in Rohini.

5. Mrigashira

Mrigashira spans Taurus and Gemini. The deer-head symbol conveys alertness, sensitivity and continuous searching.

Its deity is Soma, and its planetary lord is Mars. Traditional interpretation may therefore combine curiosity and seeking with active effort. Depending on the rest of the chart, the search may concern knowledge, relationships, security, travel or a specialised skill.

6. Ardra

Ardra lies within Gemini and is associated with Rudra. Its commonly cited symbols include a teardrop, storm or diamond.

Traditional themes include intensity, disruption, grief, investigation and renewal after disturbance. Rahu rules Ardra. It is misleading to describe every Ardra placement as destructive. The symbolism can also be applied to research, confrontation with complexity and the ability to work through difficult material.

7. Punarvasu

Punarvasu spans Gemini and Cancer. Its bow-and-quiver symbol is associated with return and renewed direction. Aditi is its presiding deity, and Jupiter is its planetary lord.

Traditional interpretations frequently emphasise restoration, homecoming, recovery and rebuilding after an Ardra-like disruption.

8. Pushya

Pushya lies in Cancer and is associated with Brihaspati, the teacher or priest of the gods. Its symbols include a flower, udder and circle. Its broad traditional theme is nourishment through structure, teaching, duty or care.

Saturn rules Pushya in the Vimshottari sequence. The combination of Cancer and Saturn symbolism is one reason Pushya is often interpreted through responsible care rather than comfort alone.

9. Ashlesha

Ashlesha completes Cancer. Its serpent symbol and Naga deities are associated with coils, binding, hidden movement and concentrated awareness. Mercury rules Ashlesha.

Traditional interpretations may connect it with strategy, insight, persuasion or complexity. It should not be reduced to negative labels such as deception or manipulation without support from the rest of the chart.

10. Magha

Magha begins Leo and is ruled by Ketu. Its royal throne symbol is connected with status, inheritance and the seat occupied by previous generations. Its presiding deities are the Pitris or ancestors.

Traditional readings often focus on heritage, lineage, authority and the responsibility that comes with inherited position.

11. Purva Phalguni

Purva Phalguni lies in Leo and is ruled by Venus. The front legs of a bed are among its best-known symbols. Its deity, Bhaga, is associated with enjoyment and one's allotted share.

Traditional meanings include creativity, affection, pleasure, hospitality and rest. These themes still require context; Venus, the Sun and the relevant house must also be assessed.

12. Uttara Phalguni

Uttara Phalguni crosses from Leo into Virgo. Its symbol is commonly given as the back legs of a bed. Aryaman, associated with contracts, hospitality and social bonds, is its deity. The Sun is its planetary lord.

Traditional interpretation moves from Purva Phalguni's enjoyment toward commitment, agreement and the maintenance of a relationship or responsibility.

13. Hasta

Hasta lies within Virgo and is ruled by the Moon. Its hand symbol relates to holding, shaping, arranging and performing skilled actions. Savitar is its presiding deity.

Hasta is often associated with craftsmanship, organisation and turning an idea into something tangible. The condition of Mercury, ruler of Virgo, adds another layer to the reading.

14. Chitra

Chitra spans Virgo and Libra. Its symbol is a bright jewel or pearl, and its deity is Tvashtr or Vishvakarma, the celestial craftsman. Mars rules Chitra.

Traditional themes include design, construction, beauty, distinction and the desire to produce something visible or well formed.

15. Swati

Swati lies in Libra and is associated with Vayu, the wind deity. Its symbols vary and can include a young plant moving in the wind, coral or a sword. Rahu rules Swati.

Traditional readings often emphasise movement, independence, flexibility, commerce and adaptation. The plant-in-the-wind image should not be taken to mean weakness; it can also describe survival through responsiveness.

16. Vishakha

Vishakha crosses from Libra into Scorpio. Its symbols include a triumphal arch, decorated gateway or forked branch. Indra and Agni are commonly named as its deities, while Jupiter is its planetary lord.

Traditional interpretation focuses on ambition, concentration, competition and reaching a chosen objective.

17. Anuradha

Anuradha lies within Scorpio and is associated with Mitra, a deity connected with friendship and alliance. The lotus and archway are common symbols. Saturn rules Anuradha.

Traditional themes include loyalty, cooperation, disciplined devotion and the ability to build relationships across differences.

18. Jyeshtha

Jyeshtha completes Scorpio. Its name conveys seniority, and its symbols include an earring, amulet or protective umbrella. Indra is its presiding deity, and Mercury is its planetary lord.

Traditional interpretations may emphasise leadership, protection, influence and the burden attached to being the senior or responsible person.

19. Mula

Mula begins Sagittarius. Its symbol is a bundle of tied roots, while Nirriti is its deity. Ketu rules Mula.

Traditional readings associate it with investigation, uprooting and reaching the foundation of a problem. This symbolism should not be converted into a prediction of inevitable destruction.

20. Purva Ashadha

Purva Ashadha lies in Sagittarius and is ruled by Venus. Its deity is Apas, associated with water. Common symbols include a fan, elephant tusk and winnowing basket.

Traditional themes include cleansing, persuasion, conviction and declaring one's position.

21. Uttara Ashadha

Uttara Ashadha crosses from Sagittarius into Capricorn. Its deities are the Vishvadevas or universal gods. The Sun rules this Nakshatra, and the elephant tusk is among its symbols.

Traditional interpretation focuses on enduring achievement, ethics, responsibility and principles intended to remain valid beyond immediate circumstances.

22. Shravana

Shravana lies in Capricorn and is ruled by the Moon. Its symbols include an ear and three footprints. Vishnu is its presiding deity.

Its traditional themes include listening, learning, transmitting information and progressing through attentive observation. Drik Panchang similarly lists the ear or three footprints, Vishnu and the Moon among Shravana's principal associations.

23. Dhanishtha

Dhanishtha spans Capricorn and Aquarius. Its symbols include a drum and flute, and its deities are the eight Vasus. Mars rules Dhanishtha.

Traditional meanings include rhythm, group coordination, performance, resources and activity organised around a shared purpose.

24. Shatabhisha

Shatabhisha lies in Aquarius and is ruled by Rahu. Varuna is its presiding deity. The empty circle is one of its most widely cited symbols; other traditions refer to many stars or flowers.

Traditional readings often emphasise privacy, boundaries, systems, investigation and healing inquiry. Drik Panchang identifies the empty circle and Rahu as standard associations.

25. Purva Bhadrapada

Purva Bhadrapada crosses from Aquarius into Pisces. Its deity is Aja Ekapada, and Jupiter is its planetary lord. Its symbol is commonly described as the front legs of a funeral cot.

Traditional interpretations include intensity, idealism, transition, sacrifice and commitment to a demanding principle.

26. Uttara Bhadrapada

Uttara Bhadrapada lies within Pisces and is ruled by Saturn. Its deity is Ahir Budhnya, often translated as the serpent of the deep. The back legs of a funeral cot and twin imagery are common symbols.

Traditional themes include depth, stability, patience, restraint and the ability to remain composed through prolonged circumstances.

27. Revati

Revati completes Pisces and the 27-Nakshatra cycle. Its deity is Pushan, associated with nourishment, guidance and safe journeys. Mercury rules Revati, while the fish and drum are among its symbols.

Traditional interpretations often emphasise completion, protection, travel, guidance and helping something reach its proper destination.

Why do some traditions mention 28 Nakshatras?

Some older and specialised traditions include Abhijit as an additional Nakshatra between Uttara Ashadha and Shravana.

The standard system used for Vimshottari Dasha, four-Pada divisions, most birth-chart calculations and common Panchang Nakshatra reporting uses 27 equal Nakshatras.

Abhijit may still appear in some Muhurta and specialised traditional systems. Its inclusion should not be confused with adding another equal 13°20′ division to the standard 27-part zodiac. Both 27- and 28-Nakshatra traditions exist, for different applications.

How Nakshatras connect with Vimshottari Dasha

The Vimshottari Dasha system assigns a fixed sequence of planetary periods:

The full sequence totals 120 years.

Your Moon's Nakshatra identifies the lord of the first Mahadasha. The Moon's exact progress through that Nakshatra determines the remaining balance of the starting period. For example, a birth Moon in:

• Ashwini starts from Ketu's position in the sequence.
• Rohini starts from the Moon's position.
• Swati starts from Rahu's position.
• Revati starts from Mercury's position.

This does not mean the full planetary period always remains at birth. The remaining balance depends on the Moon's precise degree within the Nakshatra.

Nakshatras in compatibility

Nakshatras are used in traditional Kundli matching systems, including Ashtakoot matching. Factors may include:

• Varna
• Vashya
• Tara
• Yoni
• Graha Maitri
• Gana
• Bhakoot
• Nadi

These factors produce a traditional compatibility score, but the score should not be used alone to decide whether a marriage will succeed. A more complete traditional assessment may also examine:

• Both complete birth charts
• Seventh houses and their lords
• Venus and Jupiter
• Moon compatibility
• Manglik considerations
• Relevant Dashas
• Individual circumstances and consent

Gana labels such as Deva, Manushya and Rakshasa should not be translated into judgments that one person is morally good, ordinary or evil. They are traditional classification terms, not assessments of human worth.

Nakshatras and baby naming

Each Pada is traditionally associated with particular starting sounds used in some Hindu naming practices. The sound is selected from the Moon's birth Nakshatra and Pada. Regional language and family tradition can affect how the syllable is written or pronounced.

Because baby naming is a subject in its own right, the complete list of naming syllables for each Pada is best consulted in a dedicated baby-naming guide.

How to find your Nakshatra

To find your birth Nakshatra:

1. Enter your birth date.
2. Enter your exact birth time.
3. Select your birthplace.
4. Generate your sidereal Vedic birth chart.
5. Locate the Moon.
6. Note its Nakshatra and Pada.

The Moon sign alone is not enough because one Moon sign contains portions of multiple Nakshatras. If the Moon is close to a Nakshatra boundary, birth-time and calculation accuracy become especially important.

You can generate your birth chart on the JyotishVed homepage and read the Moon's Nakshatra and Pada directly from it.

Find your Nakshatra from your free birth chart →

How to interpret your birth Nakshatra responsibly

A useful Nakshatra interpretation should include more than a list of personality traits. Check:

• The Moon's zodiac sign
• The Moon's house
• Nakshatra and Pada
• Nakshatra lord
• Placement and condition of that lord
• Aspects on the Moon
• Current Mahadasha and Antardasha
• Relevant transits
• Strength of the Moon
• The overall chart (see how to read your Kundli)

Avoid conclusions such as:

• "Everyone born in this Nakshatra has the same personality."
• "This Nakshatra guarantees wealth."
• "This Nakshatra causes divorce."
• "People from this Nakshatra are dangerous."
• "One incompatible Nakshatra makes marriage impossible."

Nakshatra symbolism is one interpretive layer within a much larger chart.

Conclusion

The 27 Nakshatras divide the sidereal zodiac into sections of 13°20′, with each Nakshatra divided into four Padas of 3°20′. Each has a traditional planetary lord, deity, symbol and interpretive theme. The Moon's birth Nakshatra is especially important because it identifies the Janma Nakshatra and establishes the starting point of the Vimshottari Dasha sequence.

However, your birth star should not be read in isolation. Its zodiac sign, Pada, house, planetary lord, aspects and Dasha context all contribute to a responsible interpretation.

Find your Nakshatra from your free birth chart →

Sources

• Government of Jharkhand — Nakshatra Van: Nakshatras as 27 or 28 divisions associated with prominent stars.
• India Science and Technology — Indian astronomy (PDF): the Moon's sidereal period and the historical 27/28 Nakshatra framework.
• Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra — Internet Archive: traditional presiding deities and the astrological framework.
• Drik Panchang — Nakshatra reference: degree spans, deities, symbols and ruling planets.
• PanchangTime — Nakshatra calculation method: 13°20′ Nakshatras and 3°20′ Padas.
• ARS Astro — Vimshottari Dasha: Nakshatra lords and the 120-year Vimshottari sequence.
• Rajvidya — Complete Nakshatra reference: a cross-reference for the 27 names, zodiac spans, lords, deities and symbols.