In astrology, the 27 regions of the celestial sky known as nakshatras are situated above the familiar 12 Zodiac constellations. Historical texts also refer to them as Lunar Mansions. “Nakshatras” are the names for these swaths of the sky.
Nakshatra List – List of 27 nakshatras
- Ashwini Nakshatra: Ashwini Nakshatra, which spans from 0° to 13°20′ Aries, is the first Nakshatra in astrology (Mesha). In the sixth century, Varahmihira went by the name Ashwini. A little Nakshatra called Ashwini signifies the start of any project. The emblem of this Nakshatra is a horse’s face. The Ashwini Nakshatra deities are known as Ashwini Kumars. Ashwini Nakshatra is ruled by Ketu.
- Bharani Nakshatra: The Bharani Nakshatra, which spans from 13°20′ to 26°40′ Aries, is the second Nakshatra in astrology (Mesha). Bharani is a vibrant and active Nakshatra that is by nature perilous and deceiving. The Nakshatra’s emblem is Yoni (the female organ of reproduction). This Nakshatra’s god is Yama, the God of Death. The planet Venus rules the Bharani Nakshatra.
- Krittika Nakshatra: In astrology, Krittika Nakshatra is the third Nakshatra, spanning from 26° 40′ Aries (Mesha) to 10° Taurus (Vrishabha). Krittika is a powerful Nakshatra because it represents the Sun rising. Krittika, also referred to as the “Star of Fire,” is a warrior deity that shines with strength, athleticism, and creativity. Nakshatra is represented by a razor. The patron god of the Krittika Nakshatra is Agni, the God of Fire.
- Rohini Nakshatra: Rohini is the fourth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology, spanning from 10° to 23°20′ Taurus (Vrishabha). The term “Rohan,” which means “to rise” or “to bring into life,” is the root of the word “Rohini.” Nakshatra is represented by a cart or chariot. The universe’s creator, Brahma Deva or Prajapati, is the deity of the Rohini Nakshatra. The Moon is the Rohini Nakshatra’s ruler.
- Mrigashira Nakshatra: Mrigashira is the fifth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology, ranging from 23° 20′ Taurus (Vrishabha) to 6° 40′ Gemini (Mithuna). Mrigashirsha is a Sanskrit noun that combines the terms for animal and head or top of the head, Mriga and Shirha, respectively. A deer’s head is used as this nakshatra’s emblem. Astronomical names for Mrigashira Nakshatra include Meissa and Orionis. The deity of the Mrigashirsha Nakshatra is Soma, who is the Moon. Mrigashira Nakshatra is ruled by the planet Mars.
- Ardra Nakshatra: The sixth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology is called Ardra, and it spans from 6° 40′ to 20° Gemini (Mithuna). Since the term “Ardra” means “moist” or “wet,” a teardrop, a diamond, or a human head are used as this Nakshatra’s symbols. Ardra Nakshatra’s deity is Rudra, the god of destruction. Rahu, the North Lunar Node, is the sign that rules the Ardra Nakshatra.
- Punarvasu Nakshatra: Punarvasu is the seventh Nakshatra in Vedic astrology, spanning from 20° Gemini (Mithuna) to 3°20′ Cancer (Karka). Punarvasu is made up of the two terms Punah and Vasu, which together indicate a ray of light or diamond and recurrence and repetition, respectively. Punavasu Nakshatra’s emblem is a home. Aditi, the Mother of the Adityas, is the deity of the Punarvasu Nakshatra. Punarvasu Nakshatra is ruled by the planet Jupiter.
- Pushya Nakshatra: Pushya is the eighth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology, spanning from 3°20′ to 16°40′ Cancer (Karka). It is believed that Pushya Nakshatra is a prosperous and exceptional Nakshatra. The Sanskrit term Pushti, which denotes sustenance, is where the word Pushya originates. This Nakshatra’s emblem is an arrow. Brihaspati, the God’s Priest, is the deity of the Pushya Nakshatra. Pushya Nakshatra is ruled by Saturn.
- Aslesha Nakshatra: Ashlesha is the ninth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology, with a range of 16°40′ to 30° Cancer (Karka). This Nakshatra’s emblem is a coil. The deities of the Ashlesha Nakshatra are Sarpas or Nagas. Ashlesha Nakshatra is ruled by the planet Mercury.
- Magha Nakshatra: Magha Nakshatra is the tenth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology, having a span of 0° to 13° Leo (Simha). The Magha Nakshatra’s emblem is a mansion. The ruler of the Magha Nakshatra is Ketu.
- Purva Phalguni Nakshatra: The eleventh Nakshatra in Vedic astrology, has a span of 13°20′ to 26°40′ Leo (Simha). It is believed that Purva Phalguni is the Nakshatra of fortune and wealth. This star marked the birth of Brihaspati. This Nakshatra’s emblem is a stage or a platform. The Purva Phalguni Nakshatra’s patron deity is Bhaga, the god of fortune and prosperity. Purva Phalguni Nakshatra is ruled by Venus.
- Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra: The twelfth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology is called Uttara Phalguni, and it spans from 26°40′ Leo (Simha) to 10° Virgo (Kanya). This Nakshatra is sometimes referred to as the Reddish Nakshatra because the Sun is its ruling planet. The sofa represents this Nakshatra. The patron deity of Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra is Aryama, the God of favours and patronage.
- Hasta Nakshatra: Hasta is the twelfth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology, spanning from 10° to 23°20′ Virgo (Kanya). This Nakshatra is represented by the hand or fist. Savithru, the deity of the Hasta Nakshatra, bestows energy that is both creative and transforming. The Moon is the Hasta Nakshatra’s ruler.
- Chitra Nakshatra: Chitra is the fourteenth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology, spanning 23°20′ Virgo (Kanya) to 6°40′ Libra (Tula). Chitra is a term used to describe someone who glitters, sparkles, or shines brilliantly. The symbol of the Nakshatra is a brilliant gem or pearl. The astrological designation for this Nakshatra is Spica. Chitra Nakshatra is ruled by the planet Mars.
- Swati Nakshatra: The fifteenth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology is called Swati, and it spans from 6°40′ to 20° Libra (Tula). The word “sword,” Swati, conveys a strong yearning for independence. Swati Nakshatra natives have the capacity to “bend with the wind” in order to endure any forces of change they may encounter. The universe is cleansed and kept clean by the god Vayu, who also sustains life. Coral serves as this Nakshatra’s emblem. This Nakshatra’s astrological designation is Arcturus. The Swati Nakshatra is ruled by Rahu, the north lunar node.
- Vishakha Nakshatra: Vishakha is the sixteenth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology, spanning from 20° Libra (Tula) to 3°20′ Scorpio (Vrishchika). This Nakshatra is represented by a thoran, or door ornament. Shakragni, a male hybrid of Indra, the god of the gods, and Agni, the god of fire, is the deity of the Vishakha Nakshatra. The ruler of Vishakha Nakshatra is Jupiter.
- Anuradha Nakshatra: Anuradha is the seventeenth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology, spanning from 3°20′ to 16°40′ Scorpio (Vrishchika). When necessary, Saturn, the planet’s ruler, bestows tenacity and discipline. This Nakshatra is represented by the rice mould. Mithra, one of the Adityas of friendship and cooperation, is the deity of the Anuradha Nakshatra.
- Jyeshtha Nakshatra: Jyeshtha is the eighteenth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology, spanning from 16°40′ to 30° Scorpio (Vrishchika). Jyeshtha is another word for senior or oldest. This Nakshatra is symbolised by an earring. The Supreme God Indhra is the deity of the Jyeshtha Nakshatra. Jyeshtha Nakshatra is ruled by Mercury.
- Moola Nakshatra: Vedic Astrology’s Moola Nakshatra, which spans from 0’00” to 13’20” Sagittarius, is the nineteenth Nakshatra (Dhanu). Our solar system is regarded as having its roots in the Moola Nakshatra. The Moola Nakshatra is represented by the lion’s tail. The goddess Nirhuthi is the patron deity of the Moola Nakshatra. The Ketu star sign rules the Moola Nakshatra.
- Purva Ashadha Nakshatra: Purva Ashadha is the twentieth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology, spanning from 13°20′ to 26°40′ Sagittarius (Dhanu). The Sanskrit word purva ashadha means “early victory” or “undefeated and unsubdued” Natives of the Purvashada Nakshatra possess the heavenly gift of eloquent discourse. The colour ivory represents this Nakshatra. Varuna is the deity of the Purva Ashadha Nakshatra. Purva Ashadha Nakshatra is ruled by Venus.
- Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra: The twenty-first Nakshatra in Vedic astrology is called Uttara Ashadha, and it spans from 26°40′ Sagittarius Dhanu to 10° Capricorn (Makara). The symbols for this Nakshatra are the planks of a bed or a little cot. The translation of Uttara Ashadha is “Later victory”. Vishwedhevas, or all the Vedic gods, are the deity of the Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra. Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra is ruled by the Sun.
- Shravana Nakshatra: Covering the area between 10° and 23°20′ Capricorn, Shravana is the twenty-second Nakshatra in Vedic astrology (Makara). Hearing is referred to as shravana in Sanskrit. Shravana Nakshatra inhabitants are renowned for their bright minds, aptitude for understanding many cultures, and capacity for spirituality. Three footprints are the Shravana Nakshatra’s emblem. The astronomical designation for this Nakshatra is Aquilae. The god of the Shravana Nakshatra is Vishnu, the protector of the cosmos. The ruler of Shravana Nakshatra is Moom.
- Dhanishta Nakshatra: Dhanishta is the twenty-third Nakshatra in Vedic astrology, spanning from 6°40′ Aquarius to 23°20′ Capricorn (Makara) (Kumbha). The Mardhala or Mrudhangam, an Indian drum, is the Dhanishtha’s emblem and stands for a love of music. The eight elemental gods, or Ashtavasu, are the deities of the Dhanishta Nakshatra. The planet Mars is Dhanishta Nakshatra’s ruler.
- Shatabisha Nakshatra: Shatabhisha is the twenty-fourth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology, spanning from 6°40′ to 20° Aquarius (Kumbha). An empty circle serves as Shatabisha’s symbol, signifying the sovereignty and independence of the lunar mansion. This Nakshatra’s ruling planet, Rahu, represents a desire to explore and discover new things. The god of the Shatabhisha Nakshatra is Indhra.
- Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra: The twenty-fifth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology is called Purva Bhadrapada, and it spans from 20° Aquarius (Kumbha) to 3°20′ Pisces (Meena). The inhabitants of Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra are wise, cunning, and rational. This Nakshatra is represented by two bed legs. Ajaikapadha is the deity of the Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra. Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra is ruled by Jupiter.
- Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra: The twenty-sixth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology is called Uttara Bhadrapada, and it spans from 3°20′ to 16°40′ Pisces (Meena). “The warrior star” is another name for Uttara Bhadrapada. The two bed legs serve as this Nakshatra’s emblem. The god of Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra is Ahirbudhnya. Saturn is the ruler of the Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra.
- Revati Nakshatra: Revati is the twenty-seventh Nakshatra in Vedic astrology, spanning from 16°40′ to 30° Pisces (Meena). Revati Nakshatra has a mridu, or gentle, character. The Nakshatra’s emblem is a fish, typically a couple of fish. The astronomical term for this Nakshatra is Piscium. The protector and nurturer of travellers and animals, Pushan, is the deity of the Revati Nakshatra. Revati Nakshatra is ruled by the planet Mercury.
Seven Groups of Nakshatra
The Brihat Samhita divides the Nakshatras into some basic categories that reflect their nature for Muhurta. Each group favours particular types of events, and these events paint a rather accurate portrait of that group’s character:
- Dhruva or Fixed Nakshatras are the Rohini and the three Uttaras (Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha, and Uttara Bhadrapada). must be used for permanent things like sowing seeds, burying the dead, planting trees, building communities, starting honourable activities, and coronations.
- Tikshna/Daruna (terrifying) Nakshatras – The Moola, Ardra, Jyestha, and Ashlesha Nakshatras are classified as Teekshna or Terrifying Nakshatras. These help you succeed in attacks, incantations, summoning goblins, imprisoning people, killing people, severing friendships, and other similar activities. Wait till the Moon is in one of those nakshatras if you want to raise a goblin.
- The three Purvas (Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, and Purvabhadrapada), Bharani, and Magha are collectively referred to as the “Ugra” or “Fierce” nakshatras. They are to be successfully employed in the destruction of adversaries, destruction, deception, imprisonment, poisoning, arson, hitting with weapons, murders, and similar acts.
- Hasta, Ashwini, and Pushya Nakshatras are referred to as Ksipra or Swift Nakshatras. They are useful for trade, sensual sports, education, decorating (or manufacturing ornaments), fine arts, skilled labour (like carpentry, smithy, etc.), medical care, travel, taking or disbursing loans, and other things.
- Anuradha, Chitra, Revati, and Mrigashira Nakshatras are collectively referred to as Mridu or Tender Nakshatras. Making friends, engaging in sexual activity, wearing clothing and jewellery, participating in auspicious rituals (such as marriage, Upanayana, and Cudakarana), and singing all benefit from their use.
- Krittika and Vishaka Nakshatras are referred to as Mrdutikshna/Sadharana (Tender-Dreadful) Nakshatras. These have conflicting effects.
- Shravana, Dhanistha, Shatabhisa, Punarvasu, and Swati Nakshatras are referred to as Chara (temporary) Nakshatras. These are useful for transient things.
We must assemble our knowledge from a variety of sources because there isn’t a single comprehensive authentic source on nakshatras. The Brihat Samhita employs nakshatras in a variety of ways that are connected to conventional astrology (part of the Samhita branch of Astrology). Interpretations of the Moon in various Nakshatras are provided in the Brihat Jataka. The interpretations should be interpreted as already being modified for the limitations of the Moon’s significations because the Moon governs the intellect and emotions. Greater than that is the Nakshatra’s complete importance.