27 Nakshatras — Complete Guide to Lunar Constellations in Vedic Astrology
27 नक्षत्र — वैदिक ज्योतिष में चंद्र नक्षत्र गाइड
The 27 Nakshatras (lunar mansions or constellations) form the backbone of Vedic astrology's predictive system. While Western astrology focuses primarily on the 12 Sun signs, Vedic astrology places equal or greater importance on the Moon's Nakshatra — the constellation the Moon occupies at the time of birth. Your birth Nakshatra determines your Vimshottari Dasha starting point, your core emotional nature, and even the first syllable of your name.
📖 Explore More Topics →Each Nakshatra spans 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the zodiac, and together the 27 Nakshatras cover the full 360 degrees. They are further divided into 4 Padas (quarters) of 3 degrees 20 minutes each, giving 108 Padas total — which is why 108 is a sacred number in Hinduism.
The Nakshatra Groups
The Nakshatras are classified into three categories based on their ruling deity and temperament. Deva (divine) Nakshatras include Ashwini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Shravana, and Revati. These are generally gentle, auspicious, and supportive of spiritual activities. People born in Deva Nakshatras tend to be kind, principled, and community-minded.
Manushya (human) Nakshatras include Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Purva Bhadrapada, and Uttara Bhadrapada. These produce balanced individuals who excel in worldly pursuits while maintaining ethical standards.
Rakshasa (demonic) Nakshatras include Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishakha, Jyeshtha, Moola, Dhanishta, and Shatabhisha. Despite the fearsome name, these Nakshatras produce powerful, transformative individuals who challenge convention and drive change. Many leaders, innovators, and reformers are born in Rakshasa Nakshatras.
Important Nakshatras
Pushya is universally considered the most auspicious Nakshatra for starting ventures, buying property, and performing ceremonies. Only weddings are traditionally avoided during Pushya. Ashwini, ruled by the Ashwini Kumaras (celestial physicians), bestows healing abilities, speed, and initiative. Rohini, the Moon's favorite Nakshatra, brings beauty, creativity, and material abundance.
Moola Nakshatra, placed at the galactic center, is powerful but requires spiritual maturity. Births in Moola (especially the first Pada) traditionally call for special remedial rituals. Revati, the final Nakshatra, represents completion, protection, and safe journeys.
Nakshatra and Marriage Matching
In Ashtakoota (8-factor) marriage matching, three of the eight factors — Tara, Yoni, and Nadi — are directly based on the bride's and groom's Nakshatras. Nadi carries the highest weight (8 points) and assesses genetic compatibility. Yoni determines physical and emotional compatibility. Understanding Nakshatras is therefore essential for marriage matching analysis.