What are Nakshatras

June 25, 2025

Nakshatra in Astrology: A Detailed Overview

In Vedic astrology, Nakshatras (Sanskrit: नक्षत्र) play a crucial role in understanding the energies and influences associated with a person’s birth. The term “Nakshatra” translates to “asterism” or “constellation,” and refers to one of the 27 lunar mansions or segments of the sky that the Moon travels through during its cycle. Each Nakshatra represents a specific part of the zodiac and holds unique characteristics, strengths, and challenges.

1. What are Nakshatras?

Nakshatras are the 27 divisions of the sky through which the Moon passes in its monthly orbit. These 27 Nakshatras are mapped along the 360° of the ecliptic, with each Nakshatra covering 13° 20′ of the zodiac. They form the basis for the lunar calendar, and their influence on a person is considered crucial in Vedic astrology.

Each Nakshatra is ruled by a specific planetary deity or ruling planet, and each corresponds to a specific zodiac sign or portion of a zodiac sign. The Nakshatras influence the emotional, psychological, and spiritual characteristics of an individual. Understanding the Nakshatra that the Moon occupies at the time of birth can offer deep insights into one’s nature, desires, and life path.

2. The 27 Nakshatras

Each Nakshatra has its own symbolism, planetary ruler, deity, and distinctive qualities. Here’s a brief overview of the 27 Nakshatras:

3. Significance of Nakshatras

• Moon’s Position: In Vedic astrology, the position of the Moon in a particular Nakshatra at the time of your birth is crucial because it is believed to shape your mind, emotions, and instincts. It also influences your soul’s journey in this lifetime.

• Psychological Impact: Nakshatras influence a person’s mental and emotional makeup. For instance, some Nakshatras like Ashwini and Bharani may make a person energetic and pioneering, while others like Pushya and Swati can give a person a nurturing and adaptable nature.

• Karmic Influence: Nakshatras also reveal one’s karmic influences, including lessons to be learned in this life and the nature of one’s past-life connections.

4. Planetary Rulers of Nakshatras

Each Nakshatra is ruled by a planet, and this planet’s influence gives a distinct flavor to the Nakshatra:

• Ketu: Associated with spirituality and detachment.

• Venus: Indicates luxury, beauty, and pleasure.

• Sun: Represents authority, vitality, and leadership.

• Moon: Governs emotions, intuition, and mental state.

• Mars: Represents energy, ambition, and aggression.

• Mercury: Linked to intellect, communication, and analysis.

• Jupiter: Represents wisdom, growth, and spirituality.

• Saturn: Represents discipline, limitation, and hard work.

• Rahu: Symbolizes material desires, illusion, and transformation.

5. Nakshatra Doshas (Flaws)

Sometimes, certain Nakshatras can produce negative effects, especially when the Moon is placed in a Nakshatra that is considered unfavourable. These are called Nakshatra doshas and may indicate specific challenges that an individual needs to overcome. For example:

• Mula Nakshatra, ruled by Ketu, can sometimes indicate a person who faces a lack of stability or feels disconnected from their roots.

• Ashlesha Nakshatra may bring about tendencies for deceit or manipulation if there is an imbalance.

6. Nakshatras and Compatibility

In marriage and relationships, Nakshatra compatibility is often assessed through the Ashtakoota Milan system, which involves comparing the Nakshatras of both individuals. This is based on factors such as:

• Rasi (Zodiac Sign) Compatibility: Checking the compatibility of both partners’ Moon signs.

• Guna Milan: Comparing qualities like mental compatibility, emotional balance, and physical attraction.

• Mangal Dosha: Involves checking the placement of Mars and the potential for a harmful relationship dynamic.

7. Nakshatras and Muhurtha (Auspicious Timing)

Nakshatras are also used to determine auspicious times for events such as:

• Marriage

• Starting a new business

• Buying property

• Traveling

• Religious ceremonies

Each Nakshatra has favorable and unfavorable days for performing certain activities. For example, Rohini Nakshatra is known to be favorable for starting new ventures, while Mula Nakshatra is often avoided for auspicious events.

8. Nakshatra for Each Zodiac Sign

Each zodiac sign (Rashi) is divided into three Nakshatras, and the beginning, middle, and end of each sign are influenced by the Nakshatras:

• Aries (Mesha): Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika

• Taurus (Vrishabha): Rohini, Mrigashira, Ardra

• Gemini (Mithuna): Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha

• Cancer (Karka): Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni

• Leo (Simha): Hasta, Chitra, Swati

• Virgo (Kanya): Vishakha, Anuradha, Jyeshtha

• Libra (Tula): Mula, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha

• Scorpio (Vrischika): Shravana, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha

• Sagittarius (Dhanu): Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati

• Capricorn (Makara): Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika

• Aquarius (Kumbha): Rohini, Mrigashira, Ardra

• Pisces (Meena): Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha

Conclusion

Nakshatras are fundamental to Vedic astrology and serve as a deep reservoir of knowledge about the soul’s nature and life path. Understanding your Nakshatra can provide a nuanced view of your character, strengths, weaknesses, and karmic influences. By studying Nakshatras, astrologers