The 27 Nakshatras are the lunar mansions of Vedic astrology. Each one spans 13°20' of the sidereal zodiac and is split into four padas of 3°20'. Your Janma Nakshatra is the one the Moon held at birth. It sets your Vimshottari Dasha order, your Ashtakoot matching scores and the muhurtas that suit you, which is why it adds precision beyond the Moon sign alone.
What Are Nakshatras and Why Do They Matter
The 12 zodiac signs divide the sky into 30° houses. The nakshatras are the older and finer layer: 27 equal sectors that follow the Moon's daily path. The Moon takes about 27.3 days to circle the zodiac, so it stays roughly one day in each nakshatra. That is how the nakshatra became the clock of Jyotish. It drives the Mahadasha timeline, the daily panchang and the choice of wedding or housewarming dates.
Trikaal Vaani reads every nakshatra with Swiss Ephemeris positions and Lahiri ayanamsa, then checks it against the chart's lagna and the nine planets. A star never works alone. It colours the Moon, and the Moon colours the mind.
What Is My Nakshatra by Date of Birth
Date alone is not enough, because the Moon moves about 13° in a day and can change nakshatra within hours. You need the exact birth time and place. The method is simple. Find the Moon's sidereal longitude, divide it by 13°20', and take the whole number plus one as the nakshatra number. The remainder, divided by 3°20', gives the pada.
Take a hypothetical Moon at 95° sidereal. 95 divided by 13.333 gives 7.125, so the nakshatra is the 8th, Pushya (93°20' to 106°40'). The remainder is 1°40', which is inside the first pada. Do not do this by hand for your own chart. Use the free nakshatra calculator, and read the step-by-step explanation in the nakshatra calculator guide. Hindi readers can follow janam nakshatra kaise pata kare.
Nakshatra Padas and the Navamsa Link
Each nakshatra has four padas, so the zodiac holds 108 padas. One pada equals one navamsa, 3°20'. That is why the pada of your Moon decides the Moon's sign in the Navamsa chart and also gives the first sound of a baby name. If your Moon is near the end of a pada, a birth time error of a few minutes can move you into the next one. Check this before you trust a pada-level reading.
The 27 Nakshatras Chart: Rashi, Lord and Deity
The table lists each nakshatra with its zodiac span, Vimshottari lord and presiding deity as given in the classical list of deities.[1] Deities are traditional attributions, not predictions.
| # | Nakshatra | Zodiac span | Lord | Deity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashwini | Aries 0°-13°20' | Ketu | Ashvins |
| 2 | Bharani | Aries 13°20'-26°40' | Venus | Yama |
| 3 | Krittika | Aries 26°40' to Taurus 10° | Sun | Agni |
| 4 | Rohini | Taurus 10°-23°20' | Moon | Brahma (Prajapati) |
| 5 | Mrigashira | Taurus 23°20' to Gemini 6°40' | Mars | Soma (Moon) |
| 6 | Ardra | Gemini 6°40'-20° | Rahu | Rudra |
| 7 | Punarvasu | Gemini 20° to Cancer 3°20' | Jupiter | Aditi |
| 8 | Pushya | Cancer 3°20'-16°40' | Saturn | Brihaspati |
| 9 | Ashlesha | Cancer 16°40'-30° | Mercury | Nagas |
| 10 | Magha | Leo 0°-13°20' | Ketu | Pitris |
| 11 | Purva Phalguni | Leo 13°20'-26°40' | Venus | Bhaga |
| 12 | Uttara Phalguni | Leo 26°40' to Virgo 10° | Sun | Aryaman |
| 13 | Hasta | Virgo 10°-23°20' | Moon | Savitr |
| 14 | Chitra | Virgo 23°20' to Libra 6°40' | Mars | Tvashtr |
| 15 | Swati | Libra 6°40'-20° | Rahu | Vayu |
| 16 | Vishakha | Libra 20° to Scorpio 3°20' | Jupiter | Indra and Agni |
| 17 | Anuradha | Scorpio 3°20'-16°40' | Saturn | Mitra |
| 18 | Jyeshtha | Scorpio 16°40'-30° | Mercury | Indra |
| 19 | Mula | Sagittarius 0°-13°20' | Ketu | Nirriti |
| 20 | Purva Ashadha | Sagittarius 13°20'-26°40' | Venus | Apas (Water) |
| 21 | Uttara Ashadha | Sagittarius 26°40' to Capricorn 10° | Sun | Vishvedevas |
| 22 | Shravana | Capricorn 10°-23°20' | Moon | Vishnu |
| 23 | Dhanishtha | Capricorn 23°20' to Aquarius 6°40' | Mars | Vasus |
| 24 | Shatabhisha | Aquarius 6°40'-20° | Rahu | Varuna |
| 25 | Purva Bhadrapada | Aquarius 20° to Pisces 3°20' | Jupiter | Aja Ekapada |
| 26 | Uttara Bhadrapada | Pisces 3°20'-16°40' | Saturn | Ahir Budhnya |
| 27 | Revati | Pisces 16°40'-30° | Mercury | Pushan |
Ketu Nakshatras: Ashwini, Magha and Mula
Ashwini is the swift healer, the first star of the zodiac, tied to quick starts, medicine and horse or travel work. Magha is the royal star of ancestry and authority, so lineage and family honour matter to these natives. Mula is the root star, which goes to the base of every problem and tests what is superficial. A Ketu nakshatra Moon often feels detached before it feels attached. If this feels heavy, a steady Ganesha mantra on Tuesdays and Saturdays and feeding a dog are simple supports. All three also appear in the Gandmool group, covered below.
Venus Nakshatras: Bharani, Purva Phalguni and Purva Ashadha
Bharani carries intense creative force, with Yama as its deity, so it handles heavy life-and-death themes with courage. Purva Phalguni is the star of pleasure, art and relaxed warmth. Purva Ashadha is the star of invincibility, giving persistence and the ability to inspire others. All three have a Venus Mahadasha as the first period. Venus nakshatras do well when the 2nd and 7th houses are strong, and they need balance between comfort and discipline. In the classical grouping Bharani and the Purva stars are fierce, so they suit bold tasks more than gentle beginnings.[4]
Sun Nakshatras: Krittika, Uttara Phalguni and Uttara Ashadha
Krittika is the cutting, purifying flame of Agni, good for teachers, editors and anyone who clears confusion. Uttara Phalguni is the star of patronage and lasting friendships, and a favoured star for marriage. Uttara Ashadha is the star of final victory won by dharmic means. Two of these three belong to the fixed group, which is why they are used for stable beginnings.[2] Sun nakshatras start with the six-year Sun Mahadasha, so authority issues often show early.
Moon Nakshatras: Rohini, Hasta and Shravana
Rohini is the most loved star, where the Moon is exalted, linked with beauty, fertility and abundance. Hasta is the star of skilled hands, healing and craft. Shravana is the star of listening and learning, a favourite of Vishnu. Rohini is also fixed, so it suits enduring work.[2] Hasta is light and quick, good for trade and arts.[5] Moon nakshatras begin with a ten-year Moon Mahadasha, and the Moon's own strength in the chart colours everything.
Mars Nakshatras: Mrigashira, Chitra and Dhanishtha
Mrigashira is the searching deer, gentle and curious, with a restless streak. Chitra is the brilliant jewel, tied to design and construction, and to Tvashtr, the divine architect. Dhanishtha is the star of rhythm, music and group prosperity. Mrigashira and Chitra are soft stars, good for friendship and fine work.[6] Mars nakshatras begin with a seven-year Mars period, and energy needs a healthy outlet, like sport or building, rather than argument.
Rahu Nakshatras: Ardra, Swati and Shatabhisha
Ardra is the storm star, with a turbulent emotional life that matures into insight. Swati is the free wind, giving independence and trade skill. Shatabhisha is the hundred healers, linked to research and hidden knowledge. Ardra is sharp, while Swati is movable and favours travel.[3][7] Rahu nakshatras begin with an 18-year Rahu Mahadasha, so early life can feel fast and unusual. Grounding routines and a quiet Durga or Shiva mantra are safe supports.
Jupiter Nakshatras: Punarvasu, Vishakha and Purva Bhadrapada
Punarvasu is the return of light, giving renewal and the ability to recover. Vishakha is the forked branch, goal-driven and competitive, with mixed soft-and-sharp results.[7] Purva Bhadrapada is the fiery feet, an idealistic and transformative star. Jupiter nakshatras begin with a 16-year Jupiter period, so learning and guidance matter. A Jupiter-ruled nakshatra does not guarantee a strong Jupiter, so check the planet's own dignity as well.
Saturn Nakshatras: Pushya, Anuradha and Uttara Bhadrapada
Pushya is the most nourishing star for material work, ruled by Saturn but guided by Brihaspati. Anuradha is the star of devotion, friendship and disciplined emotional depth. Uttara Bhadrapada is the calm philosopher with deep, steady wisdom. Pushya is light and Anuradha is soft in the classical grouping.[5][6] Saturn nakshatras begin with a long 19-year Saturn Mahadasha, so patience and consistent effort are the lesson. Read the Sade Sati period with this in mind.
Mercury Nakshatras: Ashlesha, Jyeshtha and Revati
Ashlesha is the serpent star, sharp, intuitive and sometimes guarded. Jyeshtha is the eldest star, protective and authoritative. Revati is the wealthy, nourishing star at the end of the zodiac, guided by Pushan. Ashlesha and Jyeshtha are sharp stars, while Revati is soft.[3][6] Mercury nakshatras begin with a 17-year Mercury period. All three are Gandmool, so the traditional calm remedy is a shanti puja and a Mercury or Vishnu mantra.
Nakshatra Lords and Your Vimshottari Mahadasha
Each planet rules three nakshatras, and the lord of your Janma Nakshatra gives your first Mahadasha. The total cycle is 120 years: Ketu 7, Venus 20, Sun 6, Moon 10, Mars 7, Rahu 18, Jupiter 16, Saturn 19 and Mercury 17. The classical text names Vimshottari as the chief system and builds it on the nakshatra.[8] The sequence starts from Krittika and runs three times around the 27 stars.[9]
| Lord | Nakshatras | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Ketu | Ashwini, Magha, Mula | 7 |
| Venus | Bharani, Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha | 20 |
| Sun | Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha | 6 |
| Moon | Rohini, Hasta, Shravana | 10 |
| Mars | Mrigashira, Chitra, Dhanishtha | 7 |
| Rahu | Ardra, Swati, Shatabhisha | 18 |
| Jupiter | Punarvasu, Vishakha, Purva Bhadrapada | 16 |
| Saturn | Pushya, Anuradha, Uttara Bhadrapada | 19 |
| Mercury | Ashlesha, Jyeshtha, Revati | 17 |
Dasha Balance at Birth
You are almost never born at the very start of a nakshatra, so the first Mahadasha is only partly left. If the Moon had covered one quarter of its nakshatra, three quarters of that period remains. This is the dasha balance, and it is why two people with the same nakshatra but different Moon degrees can be in different periods today. Check your own timeline with the free dasha calculator.
The Classical Nature Groups: Fixed, Fierce, Light, Soft, Sharp and Movable
Brihat Samhita sorts the nakshatras by temperament. Fixed (dhruva): Rohini and the three Uttaras.[2] Sharp (tikshna): Mula, Ardra, Jyeshtha and Ashlesha.[3] Fierce (ugra): Bharani, Magha and the Purva stars.[4] Light (laghu): Hasta, Ashwini and Pushya.[5] Soft (mridu): Anuradha, Chitra, Revati and Mrigashira.[6] Movable (chara): the Shravana group, Punarvasu and Swati.[7] These groups guide muhurta, for example a stable start in a fixed star and travel in a movable one. Our reading: use the group to pick the type of work, then confirm the day with the full panchang.
Deva, Manushya and Rakshasa Gana
In matching, each nakshatra belongs to a gana, a temperament type. Deva: Ashwini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Shravana, Revati. Manushya: Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada. Rakshasa: Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishakha, Jyeshtha, Mula, Dhanishtha, Shatabhisha. Rakshasa here means strong-willed and direct, not a demon. Gana adds up to 6 of the 36 Ashtakoot points.
Nadi and Yoni in Matching
Nadi has three types (Adi, Madhya and Antya) and carries the highest weight, 8 points. Same-nadi couples lose those points, which is the common reason for a low match score. Yoni gives 4 points and compares instinctive compatibility through animal symbols. A Nadi dosha is not a final verdict, because classical exceptions exist, for example when the Moon sign or nakshatra differs. Read these inside the full kundli matching and marriage compatibility analysis, not alone.
Nakshatra in Kundli Milan
Ashtakoot compares the two Moon nakshatras across eight factors for 36 points: Varna 1, Vashya 2, Tara 3, Yoni 4, Graha Maitri 5, Gana 6, Bhakoot 7 and Nadi 8. A score is a first filter, not a decision. A 30-point match can still carry a Mangal issue, and a 20-point match can be workable with strong 7th houses. Use the Kundali Milan tool only after checking the dasha timing of both charts.
Gandmool Nakshatras Without Fear
Gandmool nakshatras are Ashwini, Ashlesha, Magha, Jyeshtha, Mula and Revati. They sit at the junction of water and fire signs, so the Moon is changing element. Tradition asks for a shanti puja on the 27th day after birth or at a convenient time. This is a gentle remedy and not a verdict on the child or on the parents. Many Gandmool natives are successful and kind. Do the shanti if your family tradition asks for it, keep the mantra simple, and avoid anyone who sells fear.
Tara Bala: Daily Nakshatra Strength
Tara Bala counts from your Janma Nakshatra to the nakshatra of the day, divides the count by nine and reads the remainder. The favourable taras include Sampat, Kshema, Sadhana, Mitra and Parama Mitra, while Vipat, Pratyari and Vadha need care. It is a daily filter for starting work or travel. Compare the nakshatra on the daily panchang with your own.
Nakshatra, Career and Personality: How to Read Them
A nakshatra describes how the Moon colours your mind: instinct, comfort and reaction. It does not decide a job on its own. Combine it with the 10th house and its lord in the chart, the Mahadasha, and the career astrology factors. For example, a Pushya Moon often does well in teaching, care and finance when the 10th lord supports it, while an Ardra Moon may suit research or crisis work. For deeper reading, start with Moon and Nakshatra manifestation.
Nakshatra and Muhurta: Marriage, Property and Travel
For marriage, Rohini, Mrigashira, Magha, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Mula, Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada and Revati are the commonly accepted wedding stars, always combined with a good tithi and lagna. Use the Vivah Muhurat pages for dates. For a new house or a long journey, the fixed and movable groups serve respectively.[2][7] Use the Shubh Muhurat calculator for a personal filter.
Baby Names by Nakshatra Syllable
Each pada has a starting syllable, so the pada gives the first letter for a baby name. For example, the four padas of Ashwini begin with Chu, Che, Cho and La. Read the full list in lucky baby name letter by nakshatra, or use the baby name by nakshatra calculator. Pick a name the family loves. The syllable is a tradition, not a rule that can harm.
Simple Nakshatra Remedies That Are Safe
Remedies should be easy and honest. Chant the mantra of the nakshatra lord on its weekday, offer water to the Sun at sunrise if the Sun is the lord, keep the colour of the lord in a small way, and donate food or time. Gemstones need a proper chart check first, so read how to wear a gemstone before buying anything. Do not wear a stone only because of the nakshatra lord. A weak planet may need support, but a strong one may not.
Common Mistakes When Reading a Nakshatra
The first mistake is using tropical positions, which shift the Moon by about 24 degrees and can change the nakshatra. The second is trusting a rough birth time near a nakshatra boundary. The third is reading a nakshatra without the lagna and Moon sign. The fourth is believing that a single star makes a person lucky or unlucky. Keep the reading balanced, practical and chart-based. To check planetary strength, use the graha bal calculator and the weak planet finder.
Related Nakshatra Pages on Trikaal Vaani
Go deeper with single-star guides: Rohini Nakshatra, Pushya Nakshatra, Anuradha Nakshatra and Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra. For birth muhurta, read Pushya for baby birth, Hasta for baby birth and Revati for baby birth.
Next Steps: Calculate, Match and Check Your Dasha
First get your exact nakshatra and pada from the free nakshatra calculator. Then check your dasha timeline, your Lagna Bal and your Kundali Strength. For the full chart read by a human Jyotishi, start with the free Kundli reading.
Find My Nakshatra — Free Calculator →
Also explore: Mahadasha Explained | Moon Sign Guide | Navamsa Chart Guide
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✦ Find My Nakshatra — Free Calculator →शब्दावली · Glossary
- Nakshatra
- One of 27 equal sectors of 13°20' along the sidereal zodiac, named for a lunar mansion. The Moon spends roughly a day in each.
- Janma Nakshatra
- The nakshatra the Moon occupied at the moment of birth. It decides the first Mahadasha lord and much of Ashtakoot matching.
- Pada
- A quarter of a nakshatra, equal to 3°20'. Each pada falls in one navamsa sign and gives a starting syllable for names.
- Vimshottari Dasha
- The 120-year planetary period system that begins from the lord of the Janma Nakshatra.
- Gandmool
- Six nakshatras at water-fire sign junctions (Ashwini, Ashlesha, Magha, Jyeshtha, Mula, Revati) where a simple shanti is traditionally advised.
- Tara Bala
- A daily strength check that counts from your Janma Nakshatra to the nakshatra of the day, in groups of nine.
ग्रंथ सन्दर्भ · Classical Sources
(नक्षत्रदेवता) अश्वियमदहनकमलजशशिशूलभृददितिजीवफणिपितरः । योन्यर्यमदिनकृत्त्वष्टृपवनशक्राग्निमित्राश्च ।
— Brihat Samhita, Adhyaya 97 · Shlok 4The nakshatras are listed in order with their presiding deities, beginning with the Ashvins, Yama and Agni.
नक्षत्रों को उनके अधिष्ठाता देवताओं के क्रम से गिनाया गया है, जो अश्विनी कुमार, यम और अग्नि से आरंभ होता है।
त्रीणि उत्तराणि तेभ्यो रोहिण्यश्च ध्रुवाणि तैः कुर्यात् । अभिषेकशान्तितरुनगरधर्मबीजध्रुवारंभान् ।
— Brihat Samhita, Adhyaya 97 · Shlok 6The three Uttara nakshatras and Rohini are fixed (dhruva) and suit steady undertakings such as consecration, planting and founding a city.
तीन उत्तरा नक्षत्र और रोहिणी ध्रुव (स्थिर) हैं और अभिषेक, वृक्षारोपण, नगर-स्थापना जैसे स्थायी कार्यों के लिए उपयुक्त माने गए हैं।
मूलशिवशक्रभुजगाधिपानि तीक्ष्णानि तेषु सिद्ध्यन्ति । अभिघातमन्त्रवेतालबन्धवधभेदसंबन्धाः ।
— Brihat Samhita, Adhyaya 97 · Shlok 7Mula, Ardra, Jyeshtha and Ashlesha are sharp (tikshna) nakshatras suited to forceful or protective work.
मूल, आर्द्रा, ज्येष्ठा और आश्लेषा तीक्ष्ण नक्षत्र हैं जो उग्र या रक्षात्मक कार्यों के लिए कहे गए हैं।
उग्राणि पूर्वभरणीपित्र्याणि उत्सादनाशशाठ्येषु । योज्यानि बन्धविषदहनशस्त्रघातादिषु च सिद्ध्यै ।
— Brihat Samhita, Adhyaya 97 · Shlok 8The Purva nakshatras, Bharani and Magha are called ugra (fierce) and are used for harsh tasks, not for gentle beginnings.
पूर्वा नक्षत्र, भरणी और मघा उग्र कहे गए हैं और कठोर कार्यों में लिए जाते हैं, कोमल शुभारंभ में नहीं।
लघु हस्ताश्विनपुष्याः पण्यरतिज्ञानभूषणकलासु । शिल्पौषधयानादिषु सिद्धिकराणि प्रदिष्टानि ।
— Brihat Samhita, Adhyaya 97 · Shlok 9Hasta, Ashwini and Pushya are light (laghu) nakshatras that favour trade, learning, ornaments, arts and travel.
हस्त, अश्विनी और पुष्य लघु नक्षत्र हैं जो व्यापार, विद्या, आभूषण, कला और यात्रा जैसे कार्यों में सिद्धि देने वाले माने गए हैं।
मृदुवर्गो (मृदुवर्गः त्व्)ऽनूराधाचित्रापौष्णेन्दवानि मित्रार्थे । सुरतविधिवस्त्रभूषणमंगलगीतेषु च हितानि ।
— Brihat Samhita, Adhyaya 97 · Shlok 10Anuradha, Chitra, Revati and Mrigashira are soft (mridu) nakshatras that favour friendship, clothing, music and gentle work.
अनुराधा, चित्रा, रेवती और मृगशिरा मृदु नक्षत्र हैं जो मित्रता, वस्त्र, संगीत और कोमल कार्यों के लिए हितकर कहे गए हैं।
हौतभुजं सविशाखं मृदुतीक्ष्णम् तद्विमिश्रफलकारि । श्रवणत्रयमादित्यानिले च चरकर्मणि हितानि ।
— Brihat Samhita, Adhyaya 97 · Shlok 11The Shravana triad, Punarvasu and Swati are movable (chara) nakshatras suited to travel and activity, while Krittika and Vishakha give mixed soft-and-sharp results.
श्रवण आदि तीन, पुनर्वसु और स्वाति चर नक्षत्र हैं जो यात्रा और गतिशील कार्यों के लिए हितकर हैं, जबकि कृत्तिका और विशाखा मिश्र फल देते हैं।
दशाबहुविधास्तासु मुख्या विंशोत्तरी मता । कैश्चिदष्टोत्तरी कैश्चित्।ह् कथिता षोडशोत्तरी
— Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Adhyaya 46 — Dasha Adhyaya (the Dashas) · Shlok 3Of the many dasha systems, Vimshottari is named the chief one, and these dashas are built on the nakshatra.
अनेक दशाओं में विंशोत्तरी मुख्य मानी गई है और ये दशाएँ नक्षत्र पर आधारित हैं।
कृत्तिकातः समारभ्य त्रिरावृत्य दशाधिपाः । आचंकुरागुशबुकेशुपूर्वा विहगाः क्रमात्।ह्
— Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Adhyaya 46 — Dasha Adhyaya (the Dashas) · Shlok 12The dasha lords begin from Krittika and repeat three times around the nakshatras.
दशा के स्वामी कृत्तिका से आरंभ होकर नक्षत्रों में तीन बार दोहराए जाते हैं।