27 Nakshatras in Vedic Astrology Explained

Nakshatras reflect a significant place in Vedic Astrology. They are offered as the lunar mansions that mirror the cosmic abode of Karma. Ancient scriptural texts held that the positions of planets and stars defined a person's profound future. They are considered the Moon's wives, as it completes a cycle in 27 houses in 27.3 days.

This derives from two words, "naksha" and "tara," meaning "Sky Map." Every day, the Moon passes through, resulting in the 27 Nakshatras.

Nakshatra's Role and Ideal Planet

They represent a distinct energy that reflects different stages, personality traits, life purposes, and timings. By understanding the celestial energies and the deity, you can align with the universe's blessings. Here is the table to learn about it deeply:

Astro signs	Planet/Navgrah	Nakshatra	Ruling Deity
Horse’s head	Ketu (descending node of the Moon)	Ashvini	Ashvins twins (horse-headed deities)
Yoni	Shukra (Venus)	Bharani	Yama
Knife	Surya (Sun)	Krittika	Agni
Chariot	Chandra (Moon)	Rohini	Brahma
Deer’s head	Mangala (Mars)	Mrigashirsha	Soma
Tear drop	Rahu (ascending node of the moon)	Ardra	Rudra
Bow and quiver	Brihaspati or Guru (Jupiter)	Punarvasu	Aditi
Cow’s udder	Shani (Saturn)	Pushya	Brihaspati
Serpent	Budha (Mercury)	Ashlesha	Nagas (snakes)
Throne	Ketu	Magha	Pitrs (forefathers)
Front legs of a bed	Shukra	Purva Phalguni	Bhaga (a prosperity deity)
The rear legs of a bed	Surya	Uttara Phalguni	Aryaman (a prosperity deity)
Hand	Chandra	Hasta	Surya
Jewel	Mangala	Chitra	Vishvakarman
Shoot of a plant or coral	Rahu	Swati	Vayu
Arch or potter’s wheel	Brihaspati	Vishakha	Indra and Agni
Arch or lotus	Shani	Anuradha	Mitra
Amulet, umbrella, or earring	Budha	Jyeshtha	Indra
Roots tied together or an elephant goad	Ketu	Mula	Nirriti (goddess of destruction)
Elephant tusk, fan, or winnowing basket	Shukra	Purva Ashadha	Apah (waters)
Elephant tusk or a small bed	Surya	Uttara Ashadha	Vishvadevas (all the gods)
Ear or three footprints	Chandra	Shravana	Vishnu
Drum or flute	Mangala	Dhanishtha	eight Vasus (eight gods of the elements)
Empty circle or 1,000 flowers	Rahu	Shatabhisha	Varuna
Swords or a two-faced man	Brihaspati	Purva Bhadrapada	Ajaikapada (one of the Rudras, or a form of Shiva)
Twins or two legs of a bed	Shani	Uttara Bhadrapada	Ahir Budhyana (a serpentine deity, one of the Rudras)
Fish	Budha	Revati	Pushan (deity of roads, cattle, and conveyance)

Significance of Nakshatra Four Pads

In Vedic astrology, a Nakshatra is divided into four Padas. Each pad shapes a person's personality, traits, behaviour, and destiny. It reflects an individual's natal chart, offering deep insights into emotional tendencies and glimpses of life's journey.

Four Pads are linked with the Navasma chart, an old tool used to know the material and spiritual aspects. The ruling planet in Pads' position symbolises the clear traits of the person's life.

Moon and Nakshatras Connection

The Moon moves through all 27 lunar mansions in 27.3 days.

It governs the individual's mind, memory, and mood. That is why astrologers closely observe the Moon to understand the natal chart:

• Moon influences on attachments
• It has an impact on the fear of the individual
• It reflects the love language
• Brings emotional reactions

Your Janma time answers questions such as:

• What does it mean to have a planet in Ketu's 
• What is the meaning of the lunar mansion lord Jupiter
• What does silver nakshatra paya mean

These placements reveal karmic themes and remedies.

Also, in Vedic astrology, the naming convention is based on the Moon's position and the planets' influence. Moon's position in the birth chart provides the first letter of the name. The belief that connecting universal energies and cosmic power helps balance one's life. Read more: Moon Mahadasha: Life Effect and Gemstones

Nakshatra Compatibility in Relationships

Compatibility in relationships provides insight into emotional chemistry, long-term compatibility, and subconscious dynamics between partners. It symbolises receiving and giving love, emotional needs, and communication. Moon placement governs instinctive response, attachment style, and emotional security. A match one brings intuitive understanding and effortless emotional connections. But unmatched ones require patience, compromise, and conscious effort to thrive. By analysing compatibility, couples can navigate challenges with awareness, strengthen their bond, and support mutual growth.

Compatibility also provides insight into long-term relational patterns, such as shared emotional language, preferred intimacy style, and alignment of life rhythms. Each lunar mansion has a ruling deity, symbol, and planetary influence that shape behavioural tendencies in love, commitment, and communication. Some constellations, such as Anuradha, symbolise loyalty and devotion, whereas Swati highlights independence and personal freedom. Understanding these nuances helps partners anticipate potential friction points, foster empathy, and cultivate a relationship environment that honours emotional needs, personal growth, and harmony.

Psychological and Emotional Insights of the Moon

In Vedic astrology, the Moon represents the mind, memory, emotions, and subconscious patterns. It governs how we respond to life, form attachments, and experience emotional well-being. Each one shapes the way the Moon expresses these energies, highlighting emotional tendencies, comfort zones, and instinctive responses. Some constellations seek stability, others crave independence or exploration, while others balance both impulses. Understanding these patterns enables individuals to navigate relationships, career, and personal growth more consciously. Read more: Understanding the Power of Moon Transit In Astrology

Every uncovered subconscious pattern formed during childhood, including fears, habitual responses, and emotional triggers. Some show heightened sensitivity, emotional intensity, or tendencies toward overthinking, while others favour detachment, independence, or strong resilience. Recognising these patterns allows for self-awareness, emotional healing, and personal growth. By understanding the Moon’s influence, individuals can align with their natural emotional rhythm, make conscious choices in love and career, and create life experiences that resonate with their inner truth. Ultimately, the Moon serves as a guiding compass, illuminating the path to emotional balance, resilience, and authentic living.

Vedic Astrology Nakshatras on Various Bases

Caste
Brahmin (Learned)	Krittika, Purva Ashadha, Purva Bhadrapada, Purva Phalguni
Kshatriya (Warrior)	Pushya, Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada, Uttara Phalguni
Merchant	Ashwini, Hasta, Punarvasu
Shudra (Public servant)	Anuradha, Magha, Revati, Rohini
Farmer/Creative	Chitra, Dhanishta, Jyeshtha, Mrigashirsha
Butcher	Ardra, Mula, Shatabhisha, Swati
Outcaste	Ashlesha, Bharani, Sravana, Vishakha

Disposition
Chara (Movable)	Dhanishta, Punarvasu, Shatabhisha, Sravana, Swati
Dhruva (Fixed)	Rohini, Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada, Uttara Phalguni
Kshipra (Fast moving)	Ashwini, Hasta, Pushya
Mridu (Soft, Tender)	Anuradha, Chitra, Mrigashirsha, Revati
Tikshna (Sharp, Pointed)	Ardra, Ashlesha, Jyeshtha, Mula
Ugra (Fierce)	Bharani, Magha, Purva Ashadha, Purva Bhadrapada, Purva Phalguni
Mixed (Sharp but also Soft)	Vishakha, Krittika

 

GANA (temperament)
Manusha (Humanly)	Ardra, Bharani, Purva Ashadha, Purva Bhadrapada, Purva Phalguni, Rohini, Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada, Uttara Phalguni
Rakhasa (Demonic)	Ashlesha, Chitra, Dhanishta, Jyeshtha, Krittika, Magha, Mula, Shatabhisha, Vishakha
Deva (Divine)	Anuradha, Ashwini, Hasta, Mrigashirsha, Punarvasu, Pushya, Revati, Sravana, Swati

 

GUNA (Quality)
Rajasic (Worldly)	Bharani, Hasta, Krittika, Purva Ashadha, Purva Phalguni, Rohini, Sravana, Swati, Uttara Phalguni
Tamasic (Dark)	Anuradha, Ardra, Chitra, Dhanishta, Magha, Mrigashirsha, Mula, Pushya, Shatabhisha, Uttara Bhadrapada
Sattvic (Selfless)	Ashlesha, Ashwini, Jyeshtha, Punarvasu, Purva Bhadrapada, Revati, Uttara Ashadha, Vishakha

 

PURPOSE
Artha (Woking for basic needs)	Bharani, Jyeshtha, Magha, Punarvasu, Purva Bhadrapada, Sravana, Swati
Dharma (Being duty-bound and righteous)	Anuradha, Ashlesha, Ashwini, Dhanishta, Pushya, Shatabhisha, Vishakha
Kama (Worldly)	Ardra, Chitra, Krittika, Mula, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Bhadrapada
Moksha (Salvation)	Hasta, Mrigashirsha, Purva Ashadha, Revati, Rohini, Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Phalguni

How to Calculate Your Nakshatra

Find your lunar mansion by knowing where the Moon is in the natal chart. The moon changes its place every day, which is why two people born on the same date can still have different birth stars. When we enter your birth date, time, and place into a Vedic astrology chart or a calculator, it shows your exact Moon position and reveals your ideal timing.

Each constellation is further divided into four parts, called padas, which add more detail about your emotions, habits, and life path. With the correct birth time, your natal chart becomes a powerful guide, helping you understand yourself, your relationships, and the energies shaping your life.

Conclusion

Lunar mansions offer more than astrology — they give us a language to understand our emotions, patterns, and life path. When we explore our birth chart, we see why we think, feel, and choose the way we do. Each placement teaches awareness, balance, and self-growth. By honouring our natal chart, we navigate life with greater clarity, purpose, and confidence.

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