What is Nakshatra?

Nakshatra or Constellation is a combination of two words – Naks meaning sky and Shetra meaning region or an area. A Nakshatra is a region or area of the sky. They are divisions of 13 degrees 20 minutes each starting from zero Aries and ending at 30 degree Pisces. Together they comprise of 360 degrees. They are sub divisions of the zodiac signs and are further sub-divided into 4 Padas or quarters each. Each Pada has a span of 3 degrees 20 minutes. Each sign or rashi contains 9 padas. Just as the Sun rules the zodiac signs, the Nakshatras are ruled by the moon. The moon resides in each Nakshatra for one day as it moves approximately 13 degrees 20 minutes in that period. The Nakshatras are classified under three main groups- Deva (divine), Manusha (Human), Rakshasa (Demonic). They are further divided on the basis of gender and ruling deity and gunas. The presence of the planets and deities in these Nakshatras determine the true nature of an individual. These Nakshatras are read by astrologers to find out auspicious dates for cultural or religion related events. The Nakshatra in which the moon is present at the time of our birth is called the Janma Naksahtra. Readings are done keeping on the basis of that.

27 Nakshatras

ASHWINI

Symbol- Horse head
Ruling planet- Ketu
Gender- Male
Gana- Deva
Guna- Rajas/rajas/rajas
Presiding Deity- Ashwini Kumaras, the horse headed twins
Animal- Male Horse
Indian Zodiac- 0° – 13°20′ Mesha

It’s considered ‘The star of Transport’. Under the influence of this star the people tend to be adventurous and full of energy. They are always ready to try new things and take risks. They cannot remain still and are impatient and restless. They like movement, doing something all the time. They can be irresponsible in what they do and behave in an immature manner. This star controls all form pf transports.

BHARANI

Symbol- Yoni
Ruling planet- Venus
Gender- Female
Gana- Manusha
Guna- rajas/rajas/tamas
Presiding Deity- Yama
Animal- Elephant
Indian Zodiac- 13° 20′ – 26°40′ Mesha

It’s considered ‘the star of restraint’. Under the influence of this star the people go through various struggles for personal growth and transformation. They tend to be jealous of others and have self-doubt. They are honest and disciplined people and give more importance to their own opinions.

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KRITTIKA

Symbol- Knife or razor
Ruling planet- Sun
Gender- Female
Gana- Rakshasa
Guna- rajas/rajas/sattva
Presiding Deity- Agni
Animal- Female Sheep
Indian Zodiac- 26°40′ Mesha – 10° Vrishabha

It’s considered ‘the star of fire’. Under its influence the people are ambitious. They are passionate and determined towards everything that they do. They tend to be successful. They are faced with various ups and downs in life. They make great protectors and take good care of those close to them.

ROHINI

Symbol- Ox cart or chariot

Ruling planet- Moon

Gender- Female

Gana- Manusha

Guna- rajas/tamas/rajas

Presiding Deity- Prajapati

Animal- Cobra

Indian Zodiac- 10° – 23°20′ Vrishabha

It’s considered ‘the star of ascent’. Under its influence the people are beautiful, charming and have a certain standard. They like material things and possessions and have a high standard of living. They are critical of others and tend to look down on people. They are talented and creative people.

MRIGASHIRA

Symbol- Deer’s head
Ruling planet- Mars
Gender- Female
Gana- Neuter Deva
Guna- rajas/tamas/tamas
Presiding Deity- Soma
Animal- Female Serpent
Indian Zodiac- 23° 20′ Vrishabha – 6° 40′ Mithuna

It’s considered ‘the star of searching’. Under its influence the people tend to be travellers. They are always looking for new things and knowledge. They like collecting and increasing their possession. They are very intelligent and are good at uncovering things. They travel a lot in order to make more sense of their life.

ARDRA

Symbol- Tear drop
Ruling planet- Rahu
Gender- Female
Gana- Manusha
Guna- rajas/tamas/sattva
Presiding Deity- Rudra
Animal- Female dog
Indian Zodiac- 6° 40′ – 20° Mithuna

The symbol suggests grief. Under its influence the people tend to be destructive. They grow through the destruction. They are good at overcoming and using bad things to their benefit. They tend to be emotionally distant when it comes to others and are cold and stern. They are constantly suffering and overcoming obstacles which leads to their inner growth.

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PUNARVASU

Symbol- Quiver of arrows
Ruling planet- Jupiter
Gender- Male
Gana- Deva
Guna- rajas/sattva/rajas
Presiding Deity- Aditi
Animal- Female cat
Indian Zodiac- 20° Mithuna – 3°20′ Karka

It’s considered ‘the star of renewal’. Under its influence the people are good at overcoming bad situations. They have a positive outlook on life and are inspirational and kind. They have a forgiving nature and are liked by everyone. They like travelling and are content with what they have.

PUSHYA

Symbol- Wheel
Ruling planet- Saturn
Gender- Male
Gana- Deva
Guna- rajas/sattva/tamas
Presiding Deity- Brihaspati
Animal- Ram
Indian Zodiac- 3°20′ -16°40′ Karka

Under its influence the people tend to be very religious and give high importance to their beliefs and laws. They believe that they are always right and tend to be arrogant towards people who disagree with them. They are kind and helpful towards people in need and are good at sharing.

ASHLESHA

Symbol- Coiled Serpant
Ruling planet- Mercury
Gender- Female
Gana- Rakshasa
Guna- rajas/sattva/sattva
Presiding Deity- Nagas
Animal- male cat
Indian Zodiac- 16°40′ – 30° Karka

It’s considered as ‘the clinging star’. Under its influence the people tend to be wise and intelligent. But they often use their wisdom for dark deeds. They tend to be cunning and liars. Eventually they suffer the consequences of what they do which leads to their growth. They don’t like getting humiliated or criticised.

MAGHA

Symbol- Royal throne
Ruling planet- Ketu
Gender- Female
Gana- Rakshasa
Guna- tamas/rajas/rajas
Presiding Deity- Pitris
Animal- male rat
Indian Zodiac- 0° – 13°20′ Simha

Under its influence the people tend be great leaders and good at taking charge. They like power and wealth and work for attaining these things. They have this need for recognition. They are loyal towards the people they care. They have a high self-opinion and sometimes tend to be arrogant towards others.

PURVA PHALGUNI

Symbol- Hammock, front legs of bed
Ruling planet- Venus
Gender- Female
Gana- Manusha
Guna- tamas/rajas/tamas
Presiding Deity- Bhaga
Animal- Female rat
Indian Zodiac- 13°20′ – 26°40′ Simha

Under its influence the people tend to be very carefree and relaxed. They like enjoying. They are good at communicating and are very social. They are loyal and kind towards the people they love and have long lasting relationships. They are often very lazy but they are talented and very creative.

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UTTARA PHALGUNI

Symbol- Hammock, four legs of bed
Ruling planet- Sun
Gender- Female
Gana- Manusha
Guna- tamas/rajas/sattva
Presiding Deity- Aryaman
Animal- Bull
Indian Zodiac- 26°40′ Simha- 10° Kanya

It’s called ‘the star of Patronage. Under its influence the people are good natured and loving creatures. They like making friends. They are at their best when in a relationship. They are kind and helpful towards everyone. They do not do well alone and tend to be insecure. But when in a relationship they tend to be dependent and caring.

HASTA

Symbol- Hand or fist
Ruling planet- Moon
Gender- Male
Gana- Deva
Guna- tamas/tamas/rajas
Presiding Deity- Surya
Animal- female buffalo
Indian Zodiac- 10° – 23°20′ Kanya

Under its influence the people tend to be good with their hands. They make good healers and artists. They are very intelligent and talented people. They are good at grasping things quickly. It’s hard for them to let go of things and feelings. They like the profession were they’re able to help others with their skills.

CHITRA

Symbol- Pearl, gem
Ruling planet- Mars
Gender- Female
Gana- Rakshasa
Guna- tamas/tamas/tamas
Presiding Deity- Vishwakarma
Animal- female tiger
Indian Zodiac- 23°20′ Kanya – 6°40′ Tula

It’s called ‘the star of opportunity’. Under its influence the people are charming and beautiful. They are good at expressing themselves. They communicative very well with others. They are very artistic and have a good imagination. They are good at creating new things and make great artists.

SWATI

Symbol- Sword, coral
Ruling planet- Rahu
Gender- Female
Gana- Deva
Guna- tamas/tamas/sattva
Presiding Deity- Vaya
Animal- male buffalo
Indian Zodiac- 6°40′ – 20° Tula

Under its influence the people tend to be good at communicating and expressing their thoughts and ideas. They make great artists. They are curious and are always ready to learn new things. They are intuitive and have great instincts. They can sometimes be shallow and egoistic.

VISHAKA

Symbol- Decorated archway, potter’s wheel
Ruling planet- Jupiter
Gender- Female
Gana- Rakshasa
Guna- tamas/sattva/rajas
Presiding Deity- Indragni
Animal- male tiger
Indian Zodiac- 20° Tula – 3°20′ Vrishchika

It’s called ‘the star of Purpose’. Under its influence the people have set goals and ambitions. They work hard and are determined and very focused. They like competitions and never back down easily. They can get jealous of others very easily and often get angry when things don’t go their way.

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ANURADA

Symbol- Triumphal archway, lotus
Ruling planet- Saturn
Gender- Male
Gana- Deva
Guna- tamas/sattva/tamas
Presiding Deity- Mitra
Animal- female deer or rabbit
Indian Zodiac- 3°20′ – 16°40′ Vrishchika

Under it influence the people make very good leaders. They are very organized about whatever they do. They are good at balancing their work and relationship. They are good at cooperation and adjusting whether it be in a relationship or in group work. They are good at sharing and make great friends.

JYESHTA

Symbol- Umbrella, earring
Ruling planet- Mercury
Gender- Female
Gana- Rakshasa
Guna- tamas/sattva/sattva
Presiding Deity- Indra
Animal- Male deer or rabbit
Indian Zodiac- 16°40′ – 30° Vrishchika

Under its influence the people are wise and intelligent. They tend to be experienced and are good at dealing with power and wealth. They are protective towards theirs family members and are usually the leaders of their house. They face a lot of hardships in life. They are not very social and have few trusting friends.

MULA

Symbol- Bunch of roots tied together
Ruling planet- Ketu
Gender- Female
Gana- Neuter Rakshasa
Guna- sattva/rajas/rajas
Presiding Deity- Nirriti
Animal- Male dog
Indian Zodiac- 0° – 13°20′ Dhanus

It’s called ‘the root star’. Under its influence the people are good investigators and good at uncovering secrets. They face various ups and downs in life which gives them a sense of pain and loss. They tend to have a resenting nature and always blame others for their situations.

PURVA ASHADHA

Symbol- Elephant tusk, fan, basket
Ruling planet- Venus
Gender- Male
Gana- Manusha
Guna- sattva/rajas/tamas
Presiding Deity- Apas
Animal- Male monkey
Indian Zodiac- 13°20′ – 26°40′ Dhanus

It’s called ‘the invincible star’. Under its influence the people are independent and strong. They are always trying to improve their situation by increasing their status. They are good at manipulating and influencing others and have great communication skills. They have anger issues and are often aggressive.

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UTTARA ASHADHA

Symbol- Elephant tusk, small cot, planks of bed
Ruling planet- Sun
Gender- Female
Gana- Manusha
Guna- sattva/rajas/sattva
Presiding Deity- Vishwadevas
Animal- Male mongoose
Indian Zodiac- 26°40′ Dhanus – 10° Makara

It’s called ‘the universal star’. Under its influence the people are patient, soft and kind. They have great endurance power. They are responsible people and do their work with great determination. They are sincere and never lie. They often become lazy when they lose interest and what they are doing.

SHRAVANA

Symbol- Ear, three footprints in uneven row
Ruling planet- Jupiter
Gender- Male
Gana- Deva
Guna- sattva/tamas/rajas
Presiding Deity- Vishnu
Animal- female monkey
Indian Zodiac- 10° – 23°20′ Makara

It’s called ‘the star of learning’. Under its influence the people are intellectually wise. They are always looking for new things to learn. They are good at listening as well as teaching others. They tend to be restless and always travel to different places in search of more knowledge

DHANISHTA

Symbol- Drum or flute
Ruling planet- Mars
Gender- Female
Gana- Rakshasa
Guna- sattva/tamas/tamas
Presiding Deity- 8 Vasus
Animal- Female Lion
Indian Zodiac- 23°20′ Makara – 6°40′ Kumbha

It’s called ‘the star of symphony’. Under its influence the people have a lot of wealth and possessions. They are inclined towards music and dancing. But just like the musical instruments they tend to be hollow on the inside and are always looking for things to fill this void. This often makes them self-absorbed.

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SHATABHISHA

Symbol- Empty circle. Thousand flowers or stars
Ruling planet- Rehu
Gender- Female
Gana- Neuter Rakshasa
Guna- sattva/tamas/sattva
Presiding Deity- Varun
Animal- Mare
Indian Zodiac- 6°40′ – 20° Kumbha

It’s called ‘the veiling star’. Under its influence the people are secretive and philosophical. They make good healers. They can moody and lonely as they are not good at communication. They tend to think highly of themselves in terms of knowledge and consider themselves to know everything.

PURVA BHADRAPADA

Symbol- Sword, two front legs of a funeral cot, Man with two faces
Ruling planet- Jupiter
Gender- Male
Gana- Manusha
Guna- sattva/sattva/rajas
Presiding Deity- Aja Ekapada
Animal- Male lion
Indian Zodiac- 20° Kumbha – 3°20′ Meena

It’s called ‘the star of transformation’. Under its influence the people are passionate and very indulgent in whatever they do. They are two faced and are secretive about themselves. They will face problems and accidents in life and hence have to be careful. They are good at communication and influencing people.

UTTARA BHADRAPADA

Symbol- twins, back legs of a cot, a snake in the water
Ruling planet- Saturn
Gender- Male
Gana- Manusha
Guna- sattva/sattva/tamas
Presiding Deity- Ahir Bhudyana
Animal- Female Cow
Indian Zodiac- 3°20′ – 16°40′ Meena

It’s called ‘the warrior star’. Under its influence the people are good at controlling their emotions. They tend to be lazy. They have a kind and cheerful nature. They are extremely protective of the people they love and like home and family and the simple pleasures that come with it.

REVATI

Symbol- drum, pair of fish
Ruling planet- Mercury
Gender- Female
Gana- Deva
Guna- sattva/sattva/sattva
Presiding Deity- Pushan
Animal- Female Elephant
Indian Zodiac- 16°40′ – 30° Meena

This is the last Nakshatra. It indicates a journey, the final one from this life to the next. Under its influence the people are loving, kind and helpful. They are happy and positive people. They like being social and getting to know new people. They are creative and imaginative. They make great artists. They are care givers and are always helping others.