Vedic Astrology
The 27 nakshatras (नक्षत्र)
Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions of Vedic astrology, each a 13°20′ slice of the sidereal zodiac. Your rashi gives the broad strokes; your nakshatra adds the fine print. The one your Moon sat in at birth, your janma nakshatra, shapes how your mind works and how your dasha timeline runs.
How it works
How nakshatras work
The Moon moves through about one nakshatra a day, so it clears all 27 in a single sidereal month. Each one carries a ruling planet, a presiding deity, a symbol and a gana (temperament class), and splits into four padas (quarters) that map onto the navamsa chart.
The ruling planets run in a fixed, repeating sequence used by the Vimshottari dasha system. That pattern never shifts, which is exactly why the lord of any nakshatra can be checked against the math.
The Vimshottari lord cycle
The 27 nakshatra lords cycle through this 9-planet order three times over, Ashwini to Revati:
The full set
All 27 nakshatras
1.Ashwini
KetuAries (Mesha)
The fast starter who heals and pioneers.
2.Bharani
VenusAries (Mesha)
The bearer who carries the weight of creation.
3.Krittika
SunAries to Taurus (Mesha to Vrishabha)
The sharp flame that cuts through illusion.
4.Rohini
MoonTaurus (Vrishabha)
The fertile garden where things grow and flourish.
5.Mrigashira
MarsTaurus to Gemini (Vrishabha to Mithuna)
The gentle seeker always searching for more.
6.Ardra
RahuGemini (Mithuna)
The storm that clears the way for renewal.
7.Punarvasu
JupiterGemini to Cancer (Mithuna to Karka)
The return of light after the darkness.
8.Pushya
SaturnCancer (Karka)
The nourisher, considered the most auspicious of all.
9.Ashlesha
MercuryCancer (Karka)
The coiled serpent of hidden wisdom and influence.
10.Magha
KetuLeo (Simha)
The throne of lineage, legacy and honour.
11.Purva Phalguni
VenusLeo (Simha)
The hammock of rest, romance and pleasure.
12.Uttara Phalguni
SunLeo to Virgo (Simha to Kanya)
The reliable partner who keeps every promise.
13.Hasta
MoonVirgo (Kanya)
The skilled hand that holds its goal.
14.Chitra
MarsVirgo to Libra (Kanya to Tula)
The brilliant jewel crafted with care.
15.Swati
RahuLibra (Tula)
The independent reed that bends but never breaks.
16.Vishakha
JupiterLibra to Scorpio (Tula to Vrishchika)
The single-minded drive toward a chosen goal.
17.Anuradha
SaturnScorpio (Vrishchika)
The friend who succeeds through devotion and alliance.
18.Jyeshtha
MercuryScorpio (Vrishchika)
The eldest, carrying seniority and its burdens.
19.Mula
KetuSagittarius (Dhanus)
The root-seeker who digs to the foundation.
20.Purva Ashadha
VenusSagittarius (Dhanus)
The undefeated one, sure of victory.
21.Uttara Ashadha
SunSagittarius to Capricorn (Dhanus to Makara)
The later victory that lasts because it is earned.
22.Shravana
MoonCapricorn (Makara)
The listener who learns and connects.
23.Dhanishta
MarsCapricorn to Aquarius (Makara to Kumbha)
The drumbeat of wealth, rhythm and music.
24.Shatabhisha
RahuAquarius (Kumbha)
The hundred healers, secretive and independent.
25.Purva Bhadrapada
JupiterAquarius to Pisces (Kumbha to Meena)
The fiery idealist capable of radical change.
26.Uttara Bhadrapada
SaturnPisces (Meena)
The deep calm of wisdom and patience.
27.Revati
MercuryPisces (Meena)
The gentle guide who sees the journey safely home.
Find yours
Find your birth nakshatra
You can’t read your nakshatra off your sun sign, it comes down to exactly where the Moon was when you were born. Destivio works out your Moon nakshatra and pada from your birth date, time and place, then breaks down what it actually means for you, in plain language.
Get your free readingWant the bigger picture? Explore the 12 zodiac signs or your mulank number.