The concept of Nakshatras (Sanskrit: नक्षत्रम्, romanized: Nakṣatram) is a key part of Vedic astrology. It helps explain how cosmic forces affect human life. Nakshatras, also called lunar mansions, are the moon’s homes as it moves through the zodiac. Each Nakshatra has its own traits, ruling planets, and specific effects on life. This article will look at the 27 lunar mansions, their meanings, and their influence on different aspects of life.
What is a Lunar Mansion?
A lunar mansion is one of 27 sections of the sky through which the moon moves during its cycle. Each section, or Nakshatra, takes up about 13°20′ of the zodiac. This creates 27 lunar mansions that the moon passes through each month. These Nakshatras have an impact on life, depending on where they appear in a person’s horoscope.
The idea of Nakshatras has been part of Eastern astrology for many years. It is said that the moon’s position in a Nakshatra at birth offers deep insights into one’s nature, behavior, and destiny. Nakshatras guide astrological readings and influence one’s birth chart, also known as Rashi and Nakshatra.
Names of the 27 Nakshatras, Their Rashi (Zodiac Signs), and Degrees in Vedic Astrology
Each Nakshatra has a symbol, ruling planet, and deity. Below is a list of Nakshatras, their Rashi, and degrees:
1. Ashwini Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Aries (Mesh Rashi)
- Degrees: 0° to 13°20′ Aries
2. Bharani Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Aries (Mesh Rashi)
- Degrees: 13°20′ to 26°40′ Aries
3. Krittika Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Aries (Part 1), Taurus (Part 2)
- Degrees: 26°40′ Aries to 10° Taurus
4. Rohini Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Taurus (Vrishabha Rashi)
- Degrees: 10° to 23°20′ Taurus
5. Mrigashira Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Taurus (Part 1), Gemini (Part 2)
- Degrees: 23°20′ Taurus to 6°40′ Gemini
6. Ardra Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Gemini (Mithun Rashi)
- Degrees: 6°40′ to 20° Gemini
7. Punarvasu Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Gemini (Part 1), Cancer (Part 2)
- Degrees: 20° Gemini to 3°20′ Cancer
8. Pushya Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Cancer (Karka Rashi)
- Degrees: 3°20′ to 16°40′ Cancer
9. Ashlesha Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Cancer (Karka Rashi)
- Degrees: 16°40′ to 30° Cancer
10. Magha Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Leo (Simha Rashi)
- Degrees: 0° to 13°20′ Leo
11. Purva Phalguni Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Leo (Simha Rashi)
- Degrees: 13°20′ to 26°40′ Leo
12. Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Leo (Part 1), Virgo (Part 2)
- Degrees: 26°40′ Leo to 10° Virgo
13. Hasta Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Virgo (Kanya Rashi)
- Degrees: 10° to 23°20′ Virgo
14. Chitra Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Virgo (Part 1), Libra (Part 2)
- Degrees: 23°20′ Virgo to 6°40′ Libra
15. Swati Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Libra (Tula Rashi)
- Degrees: 6°40′ to 20° Libra
16. Vishakha Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Libra (Part 1), Scorpio (Part 2)
- Degrees: 20° Libra to 3°20′ Scorpio
17. Anuradha Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Scorpio (Vrishchika Rashi)
- Degrees: 3°20′ to 16°40′ Scorpio
18. Jyeshtha Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Scorpio (Vrishchika Rashi)
- Degrees: 16°40′ to 30° Scorpio
19. Mula Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Sagittarius (Dhanu Rashi)
- Degrees: 0° to 13°20′ Sagittarius
20. Purva Ashadha Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Sagittarius (Dhanu Rashi)
- Degrees: 13°20′ to 26°40′ Sagittarius
21. Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Sagittarius (Part 1), Capricorn (Part 2)
- Degrees: 26°40′ Sagittarius to 10° Capricorn
22. Shravana Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Capricorn (Makara Rashi)
- Degrees: 10° to 23°20′ Capricorn
23. Dhanishta Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Capricorn (Part 1), Aquarius (Part 2)
- Degrees: 23°20′ Capricorn to 6°40′ Aquarius
24. Shatabhisha Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Aquarius (Kumbha Rashi)
- Degrees: 6°40′ to 20° Aquarius
25. Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Aquarius (Part 1), Pisces (Part 2)
- Degrees: 20° Aquarius to 3°20′ Pisces
26. Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Pisces (Meena Rashi)
- Degrees: 3°20′ to 16°40′ Pisces
27. Revati Nakshatra:
- Rashi: Pisces (Meena Rashi)
- Degrees: 16°40′ to 30° Pisces
These Nakshatras guide one’s personality, relationships, career, and more.
Nakshatras and Their Ruling Planets (Lords)
Each Nakshatra is ruled by a planet that influences its energy. Here’s the list of Nakshatras with their ruling planets:
1. Ashwini – Ketu
2. Bharani – Venus (Shukra)
3. Krittika – Sun (Surya)
4. Rohini Nakshatra – Moon (Chandra)
5. Mrigashira – Mars (Mangal)
6. Ardra – Rahu
7. Punarvasu – Jupiter (Guru)
8. Pushya – Saturn (Shani)
9. Ashlesha – Mercury (Budh)
10. Magha – Ketu
11. Purva Phalguni – Venus (Shukra)
12. Uttara Phalguni – Sun (Surya)
13. Hasta – Moon (Chandra)
14. Chitra – Mars (Mangal)
15. Swati – Rahu
16. Vishakha Nakshatra – Jupiter (Guru)
17. Anuradha – Saturn (Shani)
18. Jyeshtha – Mercury (Budh)
19. Mula – Ketu
20. Purva Ashadha – Venus (Shukra)
21. Uttara Ashadha – Sun (Surya)
22. Shravana – Moon (Chandra)
23. Dhanishta Nakshatra – Mars (Mangal)
24. Shatabhisha – Rahu
25. Purva Bhadrapada – Jupiter (Guru)
26. Uttara Bhadrapada – Saturn (Shani)
27. Revati – Mercury (Budh)
The ruling planet shapes the Nakshatra’s traits and how it affects life.
Click here to know about the The Role of Planets in Astrology
Symbols of the 27 Nakshatras in Vedic Astrology
Each Nakshatra has a symbol that reflects its energy:
1. Ashwini – Horse head
2. Bharani – Yoni (female organ)
3. Krittika – Flame
4. Rohini – Chariot
5. Mrigashira – Deer head
6. Ardra – Teardrop
7. Punarvasu – Bow and quiver
8. Pushya – Cow’s udder
9. Ashlesha – Serpent
10. Magha – Throne
11. Purva Phalguni – Hammock
12. Uttara Phalguni – Bed
13. Hasta – Hand
14. Chitra – Pearl
15. Swati – Coral
16. Vishakha – Triumphal arch
17. Anuradha – Lotus
18. Jyeshtha – Circular earring
19. Mula – Tied bunch of roots
20. Purva Ashadha – Fan
21. Uttara Ashadha – Elephant tusk
22. Shravana – Ear
23. Dhanishta – Drum
24. Shatabhisha – 100 flowers or stars
25. Purva Bhadrapada – Sword
26. Uttara Bhadrapada – Two-faced man
27. Revati – Fish
Each symbol relates to the Nakshatra’s traits and influences.
Effects of all 27 Nakshatras in Life
Each Nakshatra has unique characteristics and influences different aspects of life, such as career, marriage, wealth, health, and spiritual growth. Let’s explore the effects of all:
1. Ashwini
– Effect: Ashwini-born people are dynamic and adventurous. They have natural healing skills and are known for starting new projects quickly.
2. Bharani
– Effect: Bharani natives are creative and resilient. They face life’s challenges with strength, often emerging as strong leaders.
3. Krittika
– Effect: Krittika individuals are determined and ambitious. They have sharp intellects and are often found in leadership roles.
4. Rohini
– Effect: Rohini-born individuals are charming and creative. They are drawn to beauty and art and often enjoy material success. They are close to their families and homes.
5. Mrigashira
– Effect: Mrigashira individuals are curious, intellectual, and adaptable. They are seekers of knowledge and are often inclined toward travel and exploration.
6. Ardra
– Effect: Ardra natives are emotionally intense and strong. They are resilient and excel in solving problems, often emerging stronger from life’s trials.
7. Punarvasu
– Effect: Punarvasu brings renewal and optimism. Those born under this Nakshatra often go through life changes and have a positive, spiritual outlook.
8. Pushya
– Effect: Pushya is one of the most auspicious Nakshatras, symbolizing care and nurturing. Pushya natives are responsible, disciplined, and often succeed in supportive roles.
9. Ashlesha
– Effect: Ashlesha natives are sharp thinkers with a strategic mindset. They can be secretive and manipulative at times but excel in challenging situations.
10. Magha
– Effect: Magha individuals often hold positions of power and authority. They value tradition and are driven by duty and leadership.
11. Purva Phalguni
– Effect: Known for their charm and love of luxury, Purva Phalguni individuals are often involved in creative arts, entertainment, and enjoy life’s pleasures.
12. Uttara Phalguni
– Effect: These individuals are practical, generous, and reliable. They are often seen as protectors and supporters in their personal and professional lives.
13. Hasta
– Effect: Hasta natives are skillful and clever. They have a practical approach to life and excel in areas that require manual dexterity or creative manifestation.
14. Chitra
– Effect: Chitra individuals are artistic and charismatic. They have a great eye for beauty and are often involved in creative fields.
15. Swati
– Effect: Swati natives value independence and freedom. They are flexible and excel in environments where they can express their ideas freely.
16. Vishakha
– Effect: Vishakha individuals are driven and determined. They aim for success, often going through internal struggles to reach their goals.
17. Anuradha
– Effect: Anuradha natives are loyal, cooperative, and spiritual. They thrive in relationships and often follow a path of devotion.
18. Jyeshtha
– Effect: Yeshtha-born individuals are protective and authoritative. They often take on leadership roles but need balance to avoid arrogance.
19. Mula
– Effect: Mula natives are seekers of truth and often go through intense life experiences. They are known for their ability to uproot problems and bring about transformation.
20. Purva Ashadha
– Effect: Purva Ashadha individuals are optimistic, enthusiastic, and highly motivated. They excel in competitive environments and are natural leaders.
21. Uttara Ashadha
– Effect: Those born under Uttara Ashadha are disciplined, hardworking, and ambitious. They achieve success through determination and perseverance.
22. Shravana
– Effect: Shravana natives are good listeners and highly intellectual. They are often drawn to teaching, learning, and sharing knowledge, with a strong spiritual inclination.
23. Dhanishta
– Effect: Dhanishta individuals are prosperous, musical, and energetic. They are often successful in material pursuits and excel in leadership roles.
24. Shatabhisha
– Effect: Shatabhisha natives are introspective and secretive. They excel in research, healing, and mystical pursuits, often delving into deeper, hidden aspects of life.
25. Purva Bhadrapada
– Effect: Intensity and focus define Purva Bhadrapada natives. They are often drawn to spiritual growth and humanitarian efforts, seeking to make an impact on the world.
26. Uttara Bhadrapada
– Effect: Uttara Bhadrapada individuals are calm, patient, and disciplined. They have a mature spiritual outlook and seek to balance material and spiritual pursuits.
27. Revati
– Effect: Revati natives are gentle, caring, and compassionate. They often work in nurturing professions and are highly attuned to the needs of others, with a strong sense of service.
Nakshatra Groups and Their Suitability for Life Events
In Vedic astrology, Nakshatras are categorized into seven groups, each suitable for different activities:
1. Fixed Nakshatras (Dhruva/Sthira/Constant)
Nakshatras: Rohini, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada
Suitable for: Fixed and long-term activities such as laying foundations, house building, agriculture, starting a job or business, digging wells, and other stable projects.
2. Movable Nakshatras (Chara/Chala)
Nakshatras: Punarvasu, Swati, Shravana, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha
Suitable for: Movable activities like travel, journeys, vehicle-related work, and any tasks that involve movement or change.
3. Cruel Nakshatras (Ugra/Krura)
Nakshatras: Bharani, Magha, Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, Purva Bhadrapada
Suitable for: Aggressive or harsh actions like legal matters, surgery, use of weapons, obtaining licenses for arms, research in toxic substances, or any task requiring a tough or confrontational approach.
4. Ordinary Nakshatras (Mishra/Sadharana/Mixed)
Nakshatras: Krittika, Vishakha
Suitable for: Routine and mixed activities like fire-related work (e.g., welding, gas works), preparing medicines, Agnihotra rituals, and general business activities.
5. Short Nakshatras (Kshipra/Laghu/Dynamic)
Nakshatras: Ashvini, Pushya, Hasta, Abhijit
Suitable for: Quick or short-term activities such as starting new ventures, education, selling, making ornaments, fine arts, learning new skills, and making contracts. Pushya Nakshatra, however, is not considered auspicious for marriage ceremonies.
6. Gentle Nakshatras (Mridu/Maitra/Friendly)
Nakshatras: Mrigashirsha, Chitra, Anuradha, Revati
Suitable for: Gentle and creative activities like music, learning arts, making friends, wearing ornaments, playing, and engaging in harmonious and aesthetic pursuits.
7. Ferocious Nakshatras (Teekshna/Daruna/Bitter)
Nakshatras: Ardra, Ashlesha, Mula, Jyeshtha
Suitable for: Destructive or intense activities such as black magic, aggressive tasks, killing or hunting, Sadhana (spiritual practices), Hatha Yoga, and training animals.
Conclusion
Understanding Nakshatras can bring insight into many aspects of life. Each Nakshatra has unique traits, ruling planets, and symbols. Knowing your Nakshatra helps guide your career, relationships, and spiritual path. With this knowledge, you can align your actions with your true nature and purpose.
FAQs
1. How many Nakshatras are there?
There are 27 Lunar Mansions, each governing different aspects of life.
2. Are Nakshatras real?
Yes, they are an ancient Vedic concept used in astrology, based on lunar positions.
3. Which Nakshatras are good and which are bad?
Some Nakshatras like Ashwini, Rohini, and Vishakha are considered favorable, while others like Mula and Jyeshtha may bring challenges.
4. What are the 27 Nakshatras in order?
They are Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashira, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Vishakha, Anuradha, Jyeshtha, Mula, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, and Revati.
5. What is the difference between Nakshatras and Lunar Mansions?
Nakshatra and Lunar Mansion refer to the same concept of the moon’s 27 divisions in Vedic astrology.
6. Which Nakshatra is wealthy?
Nakshatras like Rohini and Dhanishta are known for bringing wealth and prosperity.
7. Which Nakshatra is the luckiest?
Ashwini and Pushya are often regarded as the luckiest ones due to their auspicious qualities.
For further insights into your Nakshatra, you can explore more at AstroVed.