Nakshatra - Stars That Shape Your Destiny

There are 27 Nakshatra in Hindu astrology with specific characteristics for all zodiac signs. Check the List of Nakshatra & their respective Lords.

In India, especially in the Hindu religion, Nakshatra holds a lot of importance, especially in fixing dates for different events. An astrologer or a Pandit looks over the list of nakshatras in order, matches the date with the moon's placement, and decides on a suitable “muhurta” or time for a particular ritual. Kundli or Janam Patri, charts, and mantras are all impacted by Nakshatra and are therefore utilised while designing any auspicious document.

We also have important dates each year in each month for different nakshatras. These are favourable dates to start a journey, conduct an activity, purchase items, visit pilgrimages or name a baby. It is believed that everything, right from an individual's birth, will bring happiness and wealth to the family if birth nakshatras are considered.

If we google nakshatra, we will come across nakshatra 27. What is the significance of 27? Let us explore by reading further.

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What is a Nakshatra?

Nakshatra is made of two words - “Naksha” and “Tara”. “Naksha” means a map, and “Tara” means a star. So, collectively, they mean the “mapping of the stars”. You may find its references in Rig Veda, Yajurveda and Atharva Veda.

Nakshatra meaning has been clearly mentioned in Indian astrology. It is a Vedic term used to describe constellations or groups of stars that influence a person’s life from the time they are born with the moon located at a certain angle.

We have 27 nakshatras in total. The 27 nakshatra names were first found in Vedanga Jyotisha, one of the earlier known Indian texts dated to the last centuries of BCE ( Before Common Era or Before Christ).

When the Moon travels and takes different positions in different nakshatras, it influences the zodiac signs of the people in which they are born. The Moon rules the nakshatras and takes almost 28 days to move from one zodiac sign to another. Moreover, the Moon places itself in every nakshatra for about a day and is about 13 degrees and 20 minutes in length. To better understand the nakshatras, they are further divided into four padas. Each pada is 3 degrees and 20 minutes in size. Each pada is also the 9th division of every zodiac, called “navamsa”. Each of them gets influenced by their specific navamsa and the ruling planet.

How can you know your Nakshatra?

Knowing your nakshatra is essential as it shapes your personality, behaviour and characteristics and your relationship with different people based on the placement of the planets in each nakshatra.

In order to know your nakshatra or the nakshatra in which you are born, you must visit an astrologer with the exact time, place and date of your birth. Based on the information that you provide, the astrologer matches the position of the moon with your birth information and will identify your nakshatra.

The moon's position is in a particular zodiac sign at a particular degree during the birth of an individual. This happens under a group of stars or constellations or nakshatra and, of course, the planets travelling alongside.

Know about your nakshatra today on the InstaAstro website and the Instaastro app.

Types of Nakshatras

Following is the list of all the 27 nakshatras. We have different nakshatra names for each of the 27 constellations.

The 27 nakshatra names in English are the same as in Hindi, while in Tamil, we call it the “natchathram list”, which has different names for each nakshatra according to their language. Similarly, we have 27 nakshatra names in Telugu as well.

The nakshatra list in order of the moon’s placement has been numbered. This nakshatra sequence is how the moon impacts our life through different degrees when we take birth. Let us know the names of 27 nakshatras in English or 27 stars in English.

There is also an extra nakshatra added to the 27 nakshatra list. It’s made by overlapping Uttarashada and Sravana nakshatra, and the moon travels in this extra nakshatra in between them.

Nakshatra and their lords

All nakshatra names are associated with different features that form the personality of their natives. The 27 nakshatra and their lords, both deities and planets, bring their attributes to their specific native and represent their qualities through them. Likewise, keeping in mind different features of the nakshatra, the ancient Vedic books have mentions of nakshatra signs or symbols or 27 nakshatra images.

The 27 nakshatra chart or the nakshatra table will help us improve our awareness of 27 constellations or nakshatras. We will look at each of the features corresponding to the nakshatra in order of the moon’s visit.

Following is each nakshatra list with its respective nakshatra lord, ruling planet/ planetary lord and nakshatra symbols.

No.NAKSHATRANAKSHATRA LORD or DEITYPLANETARY LORDNAKSHATRA SYMBOLS
1AshwiniAshwin KumaraKetuHorse's Head
2BharaniLord YamaVenusYoni
3KrittikaAgniSunKnife
4RohiniBrahmaMoonCart, temple, banyan tree
5MrigashirshaSomaMarsDeer's head
6ArdraRudraRahuTeardrop, diamond, a human head
7PunarvasuAditiJupiterBow and quiver
8PushyaBrihaspatiSaturnCow's udder, lotus, arrow and circle
9AshleshaSarpas or NagasMercurySerpent
10MaghaPitrs or forefathersKetuRoyal throne
11Purva PhalguniAryamanVenusFront legs of the bed, hammock, fig tree
12Uttara PhalguniBhagaSunFour legs of the bed, hammock
13HastaSaviti or SuryaMoonHand or fist
14ChitraTvastar or VishwakarmaMarsBright jewel or pearl
15SwatiVayuRahuShoot of plant, coral
16VishakhaIndra and AgniJupiterTriumphal arch, potter's wheel
17AnuradhaMitraSaturnTriumphal arch, lotus
18JyeshtaIndraMercuryCircular amulet, umbrella, earring
19MoolaNirtiKetuBunch of roots tied together, elephant goad
20Purva AshadhaApahVenusElephant tusk, fan, winnowing basket
21Uttara AshadhaVisvedevasSunElephant tusk
22ShravanaVishnuMoonEar or three footprints
23DhanishtaEight VasusMarsDrum or flute
24ShatabhishaVarunaRahuEmpty circle, flowers or stars
25Purva BhadrapadaAjaikapadaJupiterSwords or two front legs of cot, a man with two faces
26Uttara BhadrapadaAhirbudhnyaSaturnTwins, back legs of cot, snake in the water
27RevatiPushanMercuryPair of fish, drum
28Abhijit (Additional nakshatra)BrahmaMercury or KetuHorse's Head

Rashi and Nakshatra List

The sky is divided into 12 zodiac signs(Rashi) and 27 nakshatras. Under each nakshatra names list, there is a Rashi list, and therefore, when the moon travels through different nakshatras, it automatically visits all the zodiac signs one after the other.

If you know your Sun sign or Rashi, the following are the 27 nakshatra names with Rashi.

No.NakshatraNakshatra Rasi or Zodiac Sign
1AshwiniAries
2BharaniAries
3KrittikaAries and Taurus
4RohiniTaurus
5MrigashirshaTaurus and Gemini
6ArdraGemini
7PunarvasuGemini and Cancer
8PushyaCancer
9AshleshaCancer
10MaghaLeo
11Purva PhalguniLeo
12Uttara PhalguniLeo and Virgo
13HastaVirgo
14ChitraVirgo and Libra
15SwatiLibra
16VishakhaLibra and Scorpio
17AnuradhaScorpio
18JyeshtaScorpio
19MulaSagittarius
20PurvashadhaSagittarius
21UttarashadhaSagittarius and Capricorn
22AbhijitCapricorn
23ShravanaCapricorn
24DhanisthaCapricorn and Aquarius
25ShatabhishakAquarius
26PurvabhadrapadaAquarius Pisces
27UttarabhadrapadaPisces
28PiscesRevati

Features of Nakshatras

While formulating characteristics of each nakshatra, the following are the main features considered to give each individual under a specific nakshatra specific characteristics.

  1. Gender: Nakshatras are divided into two categories, Male and Female. Their behaviour, personality and characteristics show some similarities and differences.
  1. Male Nakshatras: Ashwini, Bharani, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Uttara Phalguni, Swati, Jyeshta, Mula, Purvashadha, Uttarashadha, Shravana, Purva Bhadrapada and Abhijit.
  2. Female Nakshatras: Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashirsha, Ardra, Punarvasu, Purva Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Vishakha, Anuradha, Dhanistha, Shatabhishak, Uttara Bhadrapada and Revati
  1. Gana: Gana relates to the temperament of individuals under each nakshatra. It places nakshatras under different categories of Gana on the basis of how they behave and react to a particular situation. Nakshatras are kept under the following three broad Ganas.
    • Deva Gana: Deva Gana includes the quality of being humble and good-hearted. Ashwini, Mrigashirsha, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, and Revati come under this category.
    • Manusya Gana: Manusya Gana includes the quality of being human and thus has good and bad qualities both. Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Shravana, and the Purva and Uttara Nakshatras come under this category.
    • Rakshasa Gana: Rakshasa Gana includes the quality of a demon. It is being stubborn and aggressive. Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishakha, Jyestha, Mula, Dhanistha, and Shatabhishak Nakshatras come under this category.
  1. Animal and Bird: Nakshatras are closely associated with the attributes of an animal and bird in Vedic Astrology. The animal and bird of each nakshatra say a lot about the individual characteristics born in that particular nakshatra. The behavioural aspects of an individual match with that of the bird and animal.
  2. Guna: Guna means Energy. We have three main gunas to represent the energies of different nakshatras. We have nine stars or zodiac signs in each Guna with their corresponding nakshatra.
    • Rajas: Rajas guna is the energy of movement, ambition, activity and change.
    • Tamas: Tamas guna brings the energy of being lazy, low on activity and materialistic.
    • Sattva: Sattva guna brings the energy of manifestation and intelligence.

Nakshatras and their characteristics

  • Ashwini Nakshatra: Ashwini Nakshatra has the symbol of a Horse's Head. The ruling planet is Ketu, and the presiding deity is Ashwini kumara. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 0 to 13.2 degrees in Aries. They are courageous, sharp-minded, assertive and take the initiative.
  • Bharani Nakshatra: Bharani nakshatra has the symbol of a Yoni. The ruling planet is Venus, and the presiding deity is Yama. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 13-20′ – 26-40′ range in the Aries sign. They have pure hearts but take impulsive decisions.
  • Krittika Nakshatra: Krittika nakshatra has the symbol of a Knife or spear. The ruling planet is the Sun, the supreme power, and the presiding deity is Agni. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 26°40′ to 30°00′ in Aries and 30°00′ to 40°00′ in Taurus. They have the desire to gain knowledge continuously but are impatient.
  • Rohini Nakshatra: Rohini Nakshatra has the symbol of a Cart, temple, and banyan tree. The ruling planet is the Moon, and the presiding deity is Lord Brahma. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 0°00′ to 53°20′ in Taurus. They are elegant, calm and gentle but get angry at the slightest remark.
  • Mrigasira Nakshatra: Rohini Nakshatra has the symbol of a Deer’s head. The ruling planet is Mars, and the presiding deity is Soma. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 23°20 degrees in Taurus to 6°40' degrees in Gemini. They are intelligent, sincere and obedient but very sensitive and indecisive.
  • Ardra Nakshatra: Ardra Nakshatra has the symbol of a Teardrop, a diamond, and a human head. The ruling planet is the Rahu, and the presiding deity is Rudra. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 6°40' to 20°00' degrees in Gemini. They are not emotionally balanced and have the destructive qualities of Lord Rudra and Lord Shiva.
  • Punarvasu Nakshatra: Punarvasu Nakshatra has the symbol of a Bow and quiver. The ruling planet is Jupiter, and the presiding deity is Goddess Aditi. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 20 degrees 00 minutes of Mithun (Gemini) to 03 degrees 20 minutes of Karka (Cancer). They tend to be polite and kind in behaviour at a younger age, but later, as they grow, they start becoming slightly aggressive and arrogant.
  • Pushya Nakshatra: Pushya Nakshatra has the symbol of a Cow’s udder, lotus, arrow, and circle. The ruling planet is Saturn, and the presiding deity is Brihaspati. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 93:2 to 106:4 in the Cancer Sun Sign and is also known as Maha Nakshatra or highly auspicious Nakshatra. They tend to be excited to progress in life and are caring and protective.
  • Ashlesha Nakshatra: Ashlesha Nakshatra has the symbol of a Serpent. The ruling planet is Mercury, and the presiding deity is the Sarpas or Nagas. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 16:40-30:00 degrees Cancer. They tend to be secretive and manipulative and are meant to be great politicians.
  • Magha Nakshatra: Magha Nakshatra has the symbol of a Royal throne. The ruling planet is Ketu, and the presiding deity is the Pitrs. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 00°00′ to 13°20′ degrees in the Leo sign. They tend to be kind-hearted and have a king-like aura. They are run by moral standards and principles.
  • Purva Phalguni Nakshatra: Purva Phalguni Nakshatra has the symbol of the Front legs of a bed, hammock, and fig tree. The ruling planet is Venus, and the presiding deity is the Aryaman. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 13.20 degrees till 26.40 degrees in Sinha or Leo zodiac sign. They tend to be proficient, polite, honest, knowledgeable and inclined towards the field of art and social work.
  • Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra: Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra has the symbol of the Four legs of the bed, a hammock. The ruling planet is the Sun, and the presiding deity is the Bhaga. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 26:40 degrees Leo and 10:00 degrees Virgo. They tend to be cool and calm even in difficult situations. Because of their nature, they have no enemies around them.
  • Hasta Nakshatra: Hasta Nakshatra has the symbol of the Hand or fist. The ruling planet is the Moon, and the presiding deity is the Savita or Surya. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 10 – 23:20 in the Virgo zodiac sign. They tend to be disciplined and don’t like delays. They fall in the category of desired professionals.
  • Chitra Nakshatra: Chitra Nakshatra has the symbol of the Bright jewel or pearl. The ruling planet is Mars, and the presiding deity is Vishwakarma. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 23:20 degrees Virgo and 6:40 degrees Libra. They are known as lone rangers and are intelligent. They tend to be creative and workaholics.
  • Swati Nakshatra: Swati Nakshatra has the symbol of a Shoot of a plant, coral. The ruling planet is Rahu, and the presiding deity is Vayu or wind. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 186:4 to 200:0 in the Scorpio Sun Sign. They are known as a young planet in the winds. They tend to be socially interactive and goal-oriented.
  • Vishakha Nakshatra: Vishakha Nakshatra has the symbol of a Triumphal archway and a potter’s wheel. The ruling planet is Jupiter, and the presiding deity is Lord Indra. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 20:00 degrees Libra-3:20 degrees Scorpio. They tend to be optimistic and sharp-minded. They are determined to complete any task they take up. They are god-fearing and careful of their deeds.
  • Anuradha Nakshatra: Anuradha Nakshatra has the symbol of a Triumphal archway and lotus. The ruling planet is Saturn, and the presiding deity is Mitra. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 03°20' to 16°40' degrees in Scorpio. They tend to be pure-hearted and believe in simple living. They are selfless, have attractive personalities, and shine in social and political fields.
  • Jyeshtha Nakshatra: Jyeshtha Nakshatra has the symbol of a Circular amulet, umbrella, and earring. The ruling planet is Mercury, and the presiding deity is Indra. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 16:40 – 30 in Scorpio. They tend to be passionate about love.
  • Moola Nakshatra: Moola Nakshatra has the symbol of a Bunch of roots tied together, an elephant goad. The ruling planet is Ketu, and the presiding deity is Nirit. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 0°00 to 13°20′ in the Sagittarius sign. They tend to be peaceful, courageous and sometimes manipulative.
  • Purva Ashadha Nakshatra: Purva Ashadha Nakshatra has the symbol of an Elephant tusk, fan, and winnowing basket. The ruling planet is the Sun, and the presiding deity is Apah. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 13:20 – 26:40 in the Sagittarius zodiac sign. They tend to be enthusiastic, energetic and very intelligent and perform well even in unfavourable circumstances.
  • Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra: Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra has the symbol of an elephant tusk. The ruling planet is the Sun, and the presiding deity is Visvedevas. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 26:40 degrees Sagittarius-10:00 degrees Capricorn. They tend to be intelligent, hardworking and multitasking.
  • Shravana Nakshatra: Shravana Nakshatra has the symbol of an Ear or three footprints. The ruling planet is Jupiter, and the presiding deity is Vishnu. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between Shravana and Nakshatra. They tend to be very religious and are fond of visiting temples.
  • Dhanishta Nakshatra: Dhanishta Nakshatra has the symbol of a Drum or flute. The ruling planet is Mars, and the presiding deity is Eight Vasus. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 23°20′ Capricorn to 06°40′ Aquarius. They tend to be vibrant, frank and easily adapt to situations but spend a lot of money.
  • Shatabhisha Nakshatra: Shatabhisha Nakshatra has the symbol of an Empty circle, flowers, or stars. The ruling planet is Rahu, and the presiding deity is Varuna. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 06°40' to 20°00' degrees in the Aquarius zodiac sign. They tend to have an objective in life and tell the truth.
  • Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra: Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra has the symbol of a Sword or two front legs of the cot, a man with two faces. The ruling planet is Jupiter, and the presiding deity is Ajikapada. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between 16:40 – 30 in Scorpio. They tend to lead simple life and are peaceful but short-tempered.
  • Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra: Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra has the symbol of Twins, the back legs of the cot, and snakes in the water. The ruling planet is Saturn, and the presiding deity is Ahir Budhyana. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between degrees 3:20 – 16:40 in the Pisces zodiac. They tend to be happy and have good communication skills.
  • Revati Nakshatra: Revati Nakshatra has the symbol of a Pair of fish and drums. The ruling planet is Mercury, and the presiding deity is Pushan. People are born in this nakshatra when the moon is between degrees 16.40 – 30.00 in the Pisces sign. They tend to be sweet and friendly and do not intrude into anyone’s space.

Conclusion

Our Universe is vast, and so is its association with us. It is amusing to know that we have a cosmic connection to our lives through different patterns of the stars with the moon signs (Rashi nakshatra list), the planets, and the name of 27 stars or Nakshatras. Not only that, our destinies are connected with each nakshatra lord chart or nakshatra lord list, as their blessings and attributes formulate the characteristics of each individual born on earth.

Everybody should be curious about their nakshatras and related lords, planets, features and characteristics. This would help us better understand ourselves and connect with our minds and souls. One should know their Birth nakshatra and Birth rashi and make offerings to their respective deities for a prosperous and peaceful life.

Don't know where to start your journey of knowing yourself better? We at InstaAstro got you covered. We are here to help you with all your questions related to life, career, love, marriage, solutions, guidance and more. Chat or have a call with our expert astrologers today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rohini Nakshatra is the most powerful nakshatra and is the nakshatra of lord Krishna.
The following nakshatras are considered to be very auspicious for the birth of a baby. These nakshatras are as follows:
  • Rohini nakshatra
  • Mrigashirsha nakshatra
  • Pushya nakshatra
  • Hasta nakshatra
According to Vedic Astrology, Krittika, Sravana, Punarvasu, Magha, and Shatabhisha nakshatras are intelligent.
Rohini, Mrigashirsha, Magha, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Swat, Anuradha, Mula or Moola, Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada and Revati are good for marriage.
Bharani Nakshatra has a long life and has the gana, Manusya/ human.
Natchathiram is a Tamil word for Nakshatra, or a group of stars. The people of Tamil Nadu believe that it has a lot of impact on their lives.
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