Nakshatra Guide | Explore All 27 Nakshatras And Their Meanings

The Nakshatra system is the foundation of Vedic astrology. While the Rashi (Moon sign) divides the zodiac into 12 parts of 30° each, the Nakshatra system divides it into 27 parts of 13°20′ each, making it more granular and specific. Your Nakshatra reveals your deeper nature, soul purpose, innate talents, and karmic patterns. This comprehensive guide explores all 27 Nakshatras with their deities, ruling planets, symbols, and practical applications for compatibility, baby naming, and spiritual growth.

What Is a Nakshatra and How Does It Differ from a Rashi?

A Nakshatra is a lunar mansion in Vedic astrology one of 27 divisions of the zodiac, each spanning 13°20′, that the Moon passes through in its monthly journey.

Nakshatra vs Rashi – Key Differences:

Feature	Nakshatra (Birth Star)	Rashi (Moon Sign)
Based on	Moon’s position in a specific constellation	Moon’s position in a zodiac sign
Number of divisions	27	12
Granularity	More granular (13°20′)	Less granular (30°)
What it represents	Deeper karmic nature, soul purpose, temperament	Mind, emotions, personality
In Vedic astrology	Used for compatibility, baby naming, deeper analysis	Used for general personality, emotional nature
Changes	Every ~2.3 hours	Every ~2.3 days

Why Both Matter:

Your Nakshatra reveals your deeper nature — your soul’s purpose, your innate talents, and your karmic patterns. Your Rashi reveals your mind and emotions. Together, they provide a complete picture of who you are.

Example: Someone born under Ashwini Nakshatra (in Mesha Rashi) has the bold, pioneering energy of Mesha combined with the healing, swift nature of Ashwini. The Nakshatra adds a layer of specificity to the Rashi.

To find your Nakshatra, use the Nakshatra Finder tool to discover your birth star and Pada.

The 27 Nakshatras – Complete List with Deities and Lords

The 27 Nakshatras in Vedic astrology, each with its ruling planet and presiding deity.

#	Nakshatra	Rashi	Lord Planet	Deity	Gana	Symbol
1	Ashwini	Mesha	Ketu	Ashwini Kumaras	Deva	Horse’s head
2	Bharani	Mesha	Venus	Yama	Manushya	Yoni (womb)
3	Krittika	Mesha/Vrishabha	Sun	Agni	Rakshasa	Knife or flame
4	Rohini	Vrishabha	Moon	Brahma	Manushya	Cart, temple
5	Mrigashira	Vrishabha/Mithuna	Mars	Soma	Deva	Deer’s head
6	Ardra	Mithuna	Rahu	Rudra	Manushya	Teardrop, diamond
7	Punarvasu	Mithuna/Karka	Jupiter	Aditi	Deva	Bow of arrows
8	Pushya	Karka	Saturn	Brihaspati	Deva	Cow’s udder, lotus
9	Ashlesha	Karka	Mercury	Sarpas (Serpents)	Rakshasa	Serpent
10	Magha	Simha	Ketu	Pitrs (Ancestors)	Rakshasa	Royal throne
11	Purva Phalguni	Simha	Venus	Bhaga	Manushya	Front legs of bed
12	Uttara Phalguni	Simha/Kanya	Sun	Aryaman	Manushya	Back legs of bed
13	Hasta	Kanya	Moon	Savitri	Deva	Hand or fist
14	Chitra	Kanya/Tula	Mars	Vishvakarma	Rakshasa	Bright jewel
15	Swati	Tula	Rahu	Vayu	Deva	Shoot of plant
16	Vishakha	Tula/Vrishchika	Jupiter	Indra-Agni	Rakshasa	Triumphal arch
17	Anuradha	Vrishchika	Saturn	Mitra	Deva	Lotus flower
18	Jyeshtha	Vrishchika	Mercury	Indra	Rakshasa	Earring, umbrella
19	Mula	Dhanu	Ketu	Nirriti	Rakshasa	Roots, tail of lion
20	Purva Ashada	Dhanu	Venus	Apas	Manushya	Elephant tusk
21	Uttara Ashada	Dhanu/Makara	Sun	Vishvadevas	Manushya	Elephant tusk
22	Shravana	Makara	Moon	Vishnu	Deva	Ear, 3 footprints
23	Dhanishta	Makara/Kumbha	Mars	Vasus	Rakshasa	Drum, flute
24	Shatabhisha	Kumbha	Rahu	Varuna	Rakshasa	Empty circle, flower
25	Purva Bhadrapada	Kumbha/Meena	Jupiter	Aja Ekapada	Manushya	Front of funeral cot
26	Uttara Bhadrapada	Meena	Saturn	Ahirbudhnya	Manushya	Back of funeral cot
27	Revati	Meena	Mercury	Pushan	Deva	Fish, pair of fish

For a deeper understanding of each Nakshatra’s ruling planet, explore the complete Graha Guide covering all 9 Vedic planets.

What Are Nakshatra Padas and Why Do They Matter?

Each Nakshatra is divided into 4 Padas (quarters). Each Pada spans 3°20′ and is associated with specific starting syllables for names.

The Pada system is essential for:

Baby Naming: The starting syllable of a baby’s name is determined by the Pada of their birth Nakshatra.
Character Refinement: Each Pada adds a layer of specificity to the Nakshatra’s characteristics.
Compatibility: Pada-level matching is more precise than Nakshatra-level matching.

The 108 Padas – Complete Syllable System

27 Nakshatras × 4 Padas = 108 Padas. Each Pada is associated with specific starting syllables used in traditional Hindu naming. Explore the complete Rashi Baby Names guide for naming by Nakshatra.

Why Padas Matter for Accuracy:

The same Nakshatra can have different qualities depending on the Pada. For example:

Krittika Nakshatra, Pada 1: Mesha Rashi (fire energy, initiator)
Krittika Nakshatra, Pada 4: Vrishabha Rashi (earth energy, stabilizer)

The same Nakshatra spans two Rashis depending on the Pada.

How Are Nakshatras Grouped by Element?

The 27 Nakshatras are divided into four elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Each element represents a fundamental energy type that shapes the personality and approach to life.

Fire Nakshatras (Agni Tattva):

Krittika, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Purva Ashada, Uttara Ashada, Magha

Traits: Passionate, energetic, transformative, driven

Earth Nakshatras (Prithvi Tattva):

Rohini, Mrigashira, Hasta, Chitra, Vishakha, Anuradha

Traits: Grounded, practical, stable, material-focused

Air Nakshatras (Vayu Tattva):

Ashwini, Bharani, Punarvasu, Swati, Shatabhisha, Dhanishta

Traits: Intellectual, social, communicative, adaptable

Water Nakshatras (Jala Tattva):

Ardra, Ashlesha, Pushya, Shravana, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati

Traits: Emotional, intuitive, sensitive, nurturing

How Element Shapes Nakshatra Personality:

Fire Nakshatras are driven and ambitious
Earth Nakshatras are practical and reliable
Air Nakshatras are intellectual and social
Water Nakshatras are emotional and intuitive

For more on elements, explore the complete Rashi Elements guide.

How Are Nakshatras Grouped by Gana (Nature)?

Each Nakshatra belongs to one of three Ganas: Deva (Divine), Manushya (Human), or Rakshasa (Demon). The Gana is used in compatibility analysis to understand the fundamental nature of two individuals.

Deva Nakshatras (Divine Nature):

Ashwini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Shravana, Revati

Traits: Spiritual, refined, pure, idealistic

Manushya Nakshatras (Human Nature):

Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Purva Ashada, Uttara Ashada, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada

Traits: Practical, balanced, social, grounded

Rakshasa Nakshatras (Demon Nature):

Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishakha, Jyeshtha, Mula, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha

Traits: Intense, powerful, transformative, driven

Understanding Gana Compatibility:

Same Gana = highly compatible
Deva + Manushya = moderately compatible
Deva + Rakshasa = challenging
Manushya + Rakshasa = moderately compatible
Same Gana = best compatibility

Complete Nakshatra Reference Table – All 27 at a Glance

A comprehensive reference table showing all 27 Nakshatras with their key attributes.

#	Nakshatra	Rashi	Planet	Deity	Gana	Symbol
1	Ashwini	Mesha	Ketu	Ashwini Kumaras	Deva	Horse’s head
2	Bharani	Mesha	Venus	Yama	Manushya	Yoni
3	Krittika	Mesha/Vrishabha	Sun	Agni	Rakshasa	Knife
4	Rohini	Vrishabha	Moon	Brahma	Manushya	Cart
5	Mrigashira	Vrishabha/Mithuna	Mars	Soma	Deva	Deer’s head
6	Ardra	Mithuna	Rahu	Rudra	Manushya	Teardrop
7	Punarvasu	Mithuna/Karka	Jupiter	Aditi	Deva	Bow of arrows
8	Pushya	Karka	Saturn	Brihaspati	Deva	Cow’s udder
9	Ashlesha	Karka	Mercury	Sarpas	Rakshasa	Serpent
10	Magha	Simha	Ketu	Pitrs	Rakshasa	Royal throne
11	Purva Phalguni	Simha	Venus	Bhaga	Manushya	Bed front
12	Uttara Phalguni	Simha/Kanya	Sun	Aryaman	Manushya	Bed back
13	Hasta	Kanya	Moon	Savitri	Deva	Hand
14	Chitra	Kanya/Tula	Mars	Vishvakarma	Rakshasa	Jewel
15	Swati	Tula	Rahu	Vayu	Deva	Shoot of plant
16	Vishakha	Tula/Vrishchika	Jupiter	Indra-Agni	Rakshasa	Triumphal arch
17	Anuradha	Vrishchika	Saturn	Mitra	Deva	Lotus
18	Jyeshtha	Vrishchika	Mercury	Indra	Rakshasa	Earring
19	Mula	Dhanu	Ketu	Nirriti	Rakshasa	Roots
20	Purva Ashada	Dhanu	Venus	Apas	Manushya	Elephant tusk
21	Uttara Ashada	Dhanu/Makara	Sun	Vishvadevas	Manushya	Elephant tusk
22	Shravana	Makara	Moon	Vishnu	Deva	Ear
23	Dhanishta	Makara/Kumbha	Mars	Vasus	Rakshasa	Drum
24	Shatabhisha	Kumbha	Rahu	Varuna	Rakshasa	Empty circle
25	Purva Bhadrapada	Kumbha/Meena	Jupiter	Aja Ekapada	Manushya	Funeral cot front
26	Uttara Bhadrapada	Meena	Saturn	Ahirbudhnya	Manushya	Funeral cot back
27	Revati	Meena	Mercury	Pushan	Deva	Fish

How Is Nakshatra Used for Compatibility (Porutham)?

Nakshatra compatibility (Porutham) is the system of matching the Nakshatras of two individuals for marriage and partnership compatibility. In Vedic astrology, Nakshatra matching is one of the most important factors in marriage compatibility. It evaluates 10 key factors (Poruthams).

The 10 Poruthams:

Porutham	What It Evaluates	Maximum Points
Dina	Overall compatibility and health	1
Gana	Temperament and nature	6
Yoni	Sexual compatibility and chemistry	4
Rasi	Zodiac sign compatibility	7
Rasyadhipathi	Ruling planet compatibility	5
Vedha	Obstacles in the relationship	1
Vasiya	Mutual attraction and control	2
Rajju	Health and longevity	4
Nadi	Health and progeny	8

General Nakshatra Compatibility Guide:

Nakshatra	Highly Compatible	Moderately Compatible	Low Compatibility
Ashwini	Bharani, Krittika	Rohini, Mrigashira	Ardra, Ashlesha
Bharani	Ashwini, Krittika	Rohini, Mrigashira	Ardra, Ashlesha
Krittika	Ashwini, Bharani	Rohini, Mrigashira	Ardra, Ashlesha
Rohini	Mrigashira, Ardra	Ashwini, Bharani	Magha, Mula
Mrigashira	Rohini, Ardra	Ashwini, Bharani	Magha, Mula
Ardra	Rohini, Mrigashira	Ashwini, Bharani	Magha, Mula
Punarvasu	Pushya, Ashlesha	Magha, Purva Phalguni	Ashwini, Bharani
Pushya	Punarvasu, Ashlesha	Magha, Purva Phalguni	Ashwini, Bharani
Ashlesha	Punarvasu, Pushya	Magha, Purva Phalguni	Ashwini, Bharani

For accurate compatibility analysis, use the Rashi Matching Calculator to assess your relationship compatibility.

How to Choose a Baby Name by Nakshatra

In traditional Hindu practice, a baby’s name is chosen based on the Pada of their birth Nakshatra.

Starting Syllables for Each Nakshatra:

Nakshatra	Pada 1	Pada 2	Pada 3	Pada 4
Ashwini	A, E, U, I	O, Va, Vi, Vu	Ve, Vo, Ka, Ki	Ku, Gha, Ga, Ge
Bharani	O, Va, Vi, Vu	Ve, Vo, Ka, Ki	Ku, Gha, Ga, Ge	Gu, Gay, Sa, Si
Krittika	Ve, Vo, Ka, Ki	Ku, Gha, Ga, Ge	Gu, Gay, Sa, Si	Su, Se, So, Da
Rohini	Gu, Gay, Sa, Si	Su, Se, So, Da	Di, Du, De, Do	Ta, Ti, Tu, Te
Mrigashira	Su, Se, So, Da	Di, Du, De, Do	Ta, Ti, Tu, Te	To, Pa, Pi, Pu
Ardra	Ta, Ti, Tu, Te	To, Pa, Pi, Pu	Pe, Po, Sha, Shi	Shu, She, Sho, Da
Punarvasu	To, Pa, Pi, Pu	Pe, Po, Sha, Shi	Shu, She, Sho, Da	Di, Du, Tha, Jha
Pushya	Pe, Po, Sha, Shi	Shu, She, Sho, Da	Di, Du, Tha, Jha	Na, Ne, Nu, Ne
Ashlesha	Shu, She, Sho, Da	Di, Du, Tha, Jha	Na, Ne, Nu, Ne	No, Ya, Yi, Yu

Example: If a baby is born under Ashwini Nakshatra, Pada 1, the name should start with A, E, U, or I. Names like Aarav (A) or Esha (E) would be appropriate.

For more naming guidance, explore the complete Rashi Baby Names guide.

What Are Nakshatra Yonis and Their Animal Symbols?

Each Nakshatra has a Yoni (animal symbol) that represents its instinctual nature and sexual compatibility.

Nakshatra	Yoni (Animal)	Compatibility
Ashwini	Horse	Horse, Cow
Bharani	Elephant	Elephant, Sheep
Krittika	Sheep	Sheep, Elephant
Rohini	Serpent	Serpent, Buffalo
Mrigashira	Serpent	Serpent, Buffalo
Ardra	Dog	Dog, Cat
Punarvasu	Cat	Cat, Dog
Pushya	Goat	Goat, Deer
Ashlesha	Cat	Cat, Dog
Magha	Rat	Rat, Mongoose
Purva Phalguni	Rat	Rat, Mongoose
Uttara Phalguni	Cow	Cow, Horse
Hasta	Buffalo	Buffalo, Serpent
Chitra	Tiger	Tiger, Deer
Swati	Buffalo	Buffalo, Serpent
Vishakha	Tiger	Tiger, Deer
Anuradha	Deer	Deer, Goat
Jyeshtha	Deer	Deer, Goat
Mula	Dog	Dog, Cat
Purva Ashada	Monkey	Monkey, Lion
Uttara Ashada	Mongoose	Mongoose, Rat
Shravana	Monkey	Monkey, Lion
Dhanishta	Lion	Lion, Monkey
Shatabhisha	Horse	Horse, Cow
Purva Bhadrapada	Lion	Lion, Monkey
Uttara Bhadrapada	Cow	Cow, Horse
Revati	Elephant	Elephant, Sheep

How Yoni Affects Compatibility:

Same Yoni = highly compatible
Similar Yoni = moderately compatible
Opposite Yoni = low compatibility

What Are Nakshatra Symbols and Their Meanings?

Each Nakshatra has a symbol that represents its core qualities and energy.

Nakshatra	Symbol	Meaning
Ashwini	Horse’s head	Speed, healing, new beginnings
Bharani	Yoni (womb)	Birth, transformation, discipline
Krittika	Knife or flame	Purification, power, passion
Rohini	Cart, temple	Growth, creativity, nourishment
Mrigashira	Deer’s head	Curiosity, exploration, searching
Ardra	Teardrop, diamond	Transformation, intensity, healing
Punarvasu	Bow of arrows	Renewal, growth, optimism
Pushya	Cow’s udder, lotus	Nourishment, prosperity, protection
Ashlesha	Serpent	Depth, transformation, healing
Magha	Royal throne	Leadership, authority, legacy
Purva Phalguni	Front legs of bed	Creativity, love, pleasure
Uttara Phalguni	Back legs of bed	Commitment, partnership, unions
Hasta	Hand or fist	Skill, creativity, expression
Chitra	Bright jewel	Creativity, design, innovation
Swati	Shoot of plant	Freedom, movement, flexibility
Vishakha	Triumphal arch	Purpose, determination, achievement
Anuradha	Lotus flower	Friendship, collaboration, support
Jyeshtha	Earring, umbrella	Power, authority, leadership
Mula	Roots, tail of lion	Transformation, healing, liberation
Purva Ashada	Elephant tusk	Confidence, purification, renewal
Uttara Ashada	Elephant tusk	Achievement, victory, success
Shravana	Ear, 3 footprints	Wisdom, learning, listening
Dhanishta	Drum, flute	Prosperity, wealth, success
Shatabhisha	Empty circle, flower	Healing, cosmic order, transformation
Purva Bhadrapada	Front of funeral cot	Liberation, spiritual growth
Uttara Bhadrapada	Back of funeral cot	Depth, hidden knowledge
Revati	Fish, pair of fish	Completion, nourishment, spiritual fulfillment

Can Two People Have the Same Nakshatra?

Yes, two people can have the same Nakshatra, as millions of people share the same birth star.

The Moon spends approximately one day in each Nakshatra, so everyone born on that day shares the same Nakshatra. However, the Pada (quarter) adds more specificity, creating 108 distinct divisions.

Example: All people born when the Moon is in Ashwini Nakshatra have Ashwini as their birth star. However, they may be in different Padas (1-4), which affects their starting syllables and personality nuances.

Is Nakshatra More Important Than Rashi?

In Vedic astrology, Nakshatra and Rashi serve different purposes and neither is “more important” – they complement each other.

Aspect	Nakshatra	Rashi
What it represents	Deeper nature, soul purpose, karmic patterns	Mind, emotions, personality
Granularity	More granular (27 divisions)	Less granular (12 divisions)
Uses	Compatibility, baby naming, deeper analysis	General personality, emotional nature
In the chart	Indicates innate talents, life purpose	Indicates mind and emotions

Both are essential for a complete reading. The Nakshatra adds depth and specificity to the Rashi. For more on Rashis, explore the complete Rashi Characteristics guide.

Does Nakshatra Change Based on Birth Time?

Yes, the Nakshatra changes approximately every 23 hours based on birth time and date.

The Moon moves through all 27 Nakshatras in approximately 27.3 days, spending about 1 day in each Nakshatra. The exact timing depends on the Moon’s speed, which varies slightly.

The Nakshatra changes at a specific time each day. To determine the exact Nakshatra, you need the birth date, time, and place.

Example: If the Moon moves from Ashwini to Bharani at 2:00 PM on your birth date, and you were born at 1:00 PM, your Nakshatra is Ashwini. If you were born at 3:00 PM, your Nakshatra is Bharani. The birth time determines which one applies.

To find your exact Nakshatra, use the Nakshatra Finder tool to discover your birth star and Pada.

How to Use Your Nakshatra in Daily Life

Your Nakshatra is a powerful tool for self-understanding and practical applications in daily life.

Using Your Nakshatra

For Self-Understanding:

Your Nakshatra reveals your deeper nature, innate talents, and soul purpose. Use it to understand your core strengths and challenges.

For Career:

Your Nakshatra influences your natural abilities and career path. Use it to find work that aligns with your innate talents.

For Relationships:

Your Nakshatra affects compatibility with others. Use it to understand relationship dynamics.

For Baby Naming:

Use your child’s Nakshatra to choose an auspicious name that starts with the correct syllable. Explore the complete Rashi Baby Names guide.

For Spiritual Growth:

Your Nakshatra reveals your spiritual path and life purpose.

For more Vedic astrology insights, explore the Learn Astrology section for deeper understanding of Jyotish. For more Vedic astrology tools and resources, explore the complete collection of Rashi guides and calculators at RashiFinder.

Nakshatra Guide | Complete Guide to the 27 Nakshatras in Vedic Astrology

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