What Is a Nakshatra?
The 27 lunar mansions of Jyotish
A nakshatra is a lunar mansion — one of 27 equal divisions of the zodiac, each 13°20′ wide, that the Moon travels through in roughly a day. Nakshatras are one of the oldest and most important layers of Vedic astrology, older even than the 12 rashis.
Why nakshatras matter
- Birth nakshatra (Janma nakshatra) — set by the Moon at birth; describes your core temperament and instincts.
- Vimshottari dasha — your entire 120-year planetary timeline is calculated from your birth nakshatra's lord.
- Compatibility — traditional marriage matching (ashtakoot guna milan) compares the nakshatras of two people.
- Muhurat — auspicious timing selects favourable nakshatras for events.
Padas — the four quarters
Each nakshatra divides into four padas of 3°20′, which map onto the Navamsa (D9) chart. The pada refines the nakshatra's meaning and links it to a specific navamsa sign.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a rashi and a nakshatra?
A rashi is one of 12 zodiac signs (30° each); a nakshatra is one of 27 finer lunar mansions (13°20′ each). Nakshatras give more detail and drive the dasha system.
Which nakshatra am I born under?
It depends on the Moon’s sidereal position at your birth. Navagraha calculates your birth nakshatra instantly from your date, time and place of birth.
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