The 27 Nakshatras Explained

Vedic astrology divides the zodiac into 27 Nakshatras (lunar mansions). Each carries a distinct energy and a ruling planet that ties it into the dasha system. Here is an overview of all 27.

The 27 Nakshatras and their rulers

• Ashwini (Ketu) — healing, speed, new beginnings.
• Bharani (Venus) — creativity, discipline, transformation.
• Krittika (Sun) — sharpness, purification, ambition.
• Rohini (Moon) — beauty, growth, abundance.
• Mrigashira (Mars) — curiosity, searching, gentleness.
• Ardra (Rahu) — intensity, storms, transformation.
• Punarvasu (Jupiter) — renewal, optimism, return.
• Pushya (Saturn) — nourishment, care, one of the most auspicious.
• Ashlesha (Mercury) — insight, mysticism, intensity.
• Magha (Ketu) — ancestry, authority, tradition.
• Purva Phalguni (Venus) — pleasure, creativity, fortune.
• Uttara Phalguni (Sun) — service, reliability, partnership.
• Hasta (Moon) — skill, dexterity, cleverness.
• Chitra (Mars) — craftsmanship, beauty, brilliance.
• Swati (Rahu) — independence, adaptability, trade.
• Vishakha (Jupiter) — determination, goal-focus, ambition.
• Anuradha (Saturn) — friendship, devotion, balance.
• Jyeshtha (Mercury) — seniority, protection, intensity.
• Mula (Ketu) — roots, investigation, transformation.
• Purva Ashadha (Venus) — invincibility, influence, purification.
• Uttara Ashadha (Sun) — lasting victory, integrity, leadership.
• Shravana (Moon) — listening, learning, connection.
• Dhanishta (Mars) — rhythm, wealth, achievement.
• Shatabhisha (Rahu) — healing, secrecy, the unconventional.
• Purva Bhadrapada (Jupiter) — intensity, idealism, transformation.
• Uttara Bhadrapada (Saturn) — depth, wisdom, calm.
• Revati (Mercury) — compassion, nourishment, completion.

How Nakshatras are used

Your Moon's Nakshatra shapes your core temperament and, crucially, sets your starting Vimshottari Dasha. Each Nakshatra also divides into four padas for finer analysis, and Nakshatra compatibility drives Guna Milan in matching.

Find your Nakshatra

Generate your personalized report to discover your birth Nakshatra and pada, and read what a Nakshatra is.