27 Nakshatras in Vedic Astrology – Complete Guide (नक्षत्र मार्गदर्शिका)
By Cosmi Astro | Updated April 2026 | 15 min read
Nakshatras (नक्षत्र) are the 27 lunar mansions of Vedic astrology — one of its most unique and powerful tools. The Moon spends approximately one day in each nakshatra as it completes its monthly journey through the zodiac. Your Janma Nakshatra (birth nakshatra) is determined by the nakshatra where your Moon is placed at birth, and it reveals deep personality traits, karmic patterns, and life themes that your Sun or Moon sign alone cannot show.
Each nakshatra spans exactly 13°20' of the zodiac (360° ÷ 27). Each has a ruling planet (linked to the Vimshottari dasha system), a presiding deity, a symbol, and distinct psychological characteristics.
How to Find Your Birth Nakshatra
Your birth nakshatra is the nakshatra where your Moon is placed in your Vedic birth chart (Kundali). You need your birth date, time, and place. Generate your free Kundali to find your exact Janma Nakshatra.
All 27 Nakshatras – Complete Reference
| # | Nakshatra | Sign | Ruler | Symbol | Key Themes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashwini | Aries | Ketu | Horse head | Healing, speed, new beginnings |
| 2 | Bharani | Aries | Venus | Yoni (womb) | Transformation, birth/death, extremes |
| 3 | Krittika | Aries/Taurus | Sun | Knife/flame | Cutting truth, purification, sharp intellect |
| 4 | Rohini | Taurus | Moon | Cart/chariot | Fertility, beauty, growth, sensuality |
| 5 | Mrigashira | Taurus/Gemini | Mars | Deer head | Seeking, gentle nature, searching for truth |
| 6 | Ardra | Gemini | Rahu | Teardrop/diamond | Storms, destruction, transformation, intensity |
| 7 | Punarvasu | Gemini/Cancer | Jupiter | Quiver of arrows | Return, renewal, home, flexibility |
| 8 | Pushya | Cancer | Saturn | Flower/circle | Nourishment, most auspicious nakshatra |
| 9 | Ashlesha | Cancer | Mercury | Serpent | Clinging, serpent wisdom, mysticism |
| 10 | Magha | Leo | Ketu | Royal throne | Ancestors, authority, royalty, pride |
| 11 | Purva Phalguni | Leo | Venus | Hammock/fig tree | Pleasure, relaxation, creativity, romance |
| 12 | Uttara Phalguni | Leo/Virgo | Sun | Bed/fig tree | Service, commitment, social harmony |
| 13 | Hasta | Virgo | Moon | Hand | Skillful hands, healing, craftsmanship |
| 14 | Chitra | Virgo/Libra | Mars | Pearl/gem | Beauty, art, architecture, brilliance |
| 15 | Swati | Libra | Rahu | Sword/young sprout | Independence, flexibility, business acumen |
| 16 | Vishakha | Libra/Scorpio | Jupiter | Decorated gateway | Goal-focus, ambition, determination |
| 17 | Anuradha | Scorpio | Saturn | Lotus flower | Devotion, friendship, success in groups |
| 18 | Jyeshtha | Scorpio | Mercury | Circular amulet | Seniority, power, protection, eldest |
| 19 | Mula | Sagittarius | Ketu | Bundle of roots | Foundation, research, uprooting, liberation |
| 20 | Purva Ashadha | Sagittarius | Venus | Elephant tusk/fan | Invincibility, early victory, purification |
| 21 | Uttara Ashadha | Sagittarius/Capricorn | Sun | Elephant tusk | Final victory, universal principles |
| 22 | Shravana | Capricorn | Moon | Ear/three footprints | Listening, learning, connection across distances |
| 23 | Dhanishtha | Capricorn/Aquarius | Mars | Drum/flute | Wealth, rhythm, fame, music |
| 24 | Shatabhisha | Aquarius | Rahu | Empty circle | Healing, mystery, secrecy, hundred medicines |
| 25 | Purva Bhadrapada | Aquarius/Pisces | Jupiter | Sword/front legs of funeral cot | Fire, transformation, spiritual fire |
| 26 | Uttara Bhadrapada | Pisces | Saturn | Twins/back legs of funeral cot | Depth, wisdom, restraint, serpent of depth |
| 27 | Revati | Pisces | Mercury | Fish/drum | Journey, nourishment, completion, protection |
The Three Nadi Groups (नाड़ी)
The 27 nakshatras are divided into three Nadi groups, which are important for Kundali matching:
- Aadi Nadi (Vata): Ashwini, Ardra, Punarvasu, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Jyeshtha, Mula, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada
- Madhya Nadi (Pitta): Bharani, Mrigashira, Pushya, Purva Phalguni, Chitra, Anuradha, Purva Ashadha, Dhanishtha, Uttara Bhadrapada
- Antya Nadi (Kapha): Krittika, Rohini, Ashlesha, Magha, Swati, Vishakha, Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Revati
If both marriage partners share the same Nadi, it creates Nadi Dosha — traditionally indicating health and children-related challenges.
Why Nakshatras Matter More Than Sun/Moon Signs
In Vedic astrology, nakshatras reveal personality nuances that signs alone cannot. Two people born as "Aries Moon" may be very different if one is Ashwini nakshatra (fast, healing) and another is Bharani (intense, transformative). The nakshatra adds the texture and depth to the sign's broad brushstrokes.
Nakshatras are also the basis of the Vimshottari Dasha system — the primary timing tool of Vedic astrology. The sequence of your planetary periods depends entirely on your Moon nakshatra at birth.