27 Nakshatras in Vedic Astrology: Complete Guide to Meaning, Lords, Symbols and Padas

August 13, 202611 min readAstro Pathshala

In Vedic astrology, the zodiac is not understood only through the 12 Rashis. There is another deeper layer of interpretation known as Nakshatra, or the lunar mansion.

The 27 Nakshatras divide the 360° zodiac into 27 equal sections of 13°20′ each. Each Nakshatra is further divided into four Padas of 3°20′.

While the Rashi gives a broad picture of a person's nature and life circumstances, the Nakshatra can provide a more refined layer for understanding temperament, tendencies, motivations and the way a planet expresses itself in a horoscope.

This is why understanding the Nakshatras is essential for students of Vedic astrology.

What Is a Nakshatra?

The Sanskrit word 'Nakshatra' is traditionally used for the lunar mansions or stellar divisions through which the moon travels.

In Jyotish, the Nakshatra occupied by the Moon at the time of birth is commonly called the 'Janma Nakshatra' or 'Birth Star'.

For example, if the Moon is placed in Rohini at the time of birth, Rohini becomes the person's Janma Nakshatra.

The Nakshatra system is particularly important because the Moon represents the mind, emotions, perception and psychological responses in Jyotish.

Therefore, the Moon's Nakshatra can add considerable detail to the interpretation of the horoscope.

How Many Nakshatras Are There?

There are 27 principal Nakshatras used in the standard Vedic astrology system.

They are:

Ashwini
Bharani
Krittika
Rohini
Mrigashira
Ardra
Punarvasu
Pushya
Ashlesha
Magha
Purva Phalguni
Uttara Phalguni
Hasta
Chitra
Swati
Vishakha
Anuradha
Jyeshtha
Mula
Purva Ashadha
Uttara Ashadha
Shravana
Dhanishtha
Shatabhisha
Purva Bhadrapada
Uttara Bhadrapada
Revati

Each occupies 13°20′ of the sidereal zodiac.

The 27 Nakshatras at a Glance

No.	Nakshatra	Ruling Planet	Key Theme
1	Ashwini	Ketu	Speed, healing, beginnings
2	Bharani	Venus	Responsibility, endurance, transformation
3	Krittika	Sun	Purification, courage, sharpness
4	Rohini	Moon	Growth, beauty, creativity
5	Mrigashira	Mars	Search, curiosity, exploration
6	Ardra	Rahu	Transformation, intensity, research
7	Punarvasu	Jupiter	Renewal, restoration, optimism
8	Pushya	Saturn	Nourishment, discipline, wisdom
9	Ashlesha	Mercury	Intuition, psychology, strategy
10	Magha	Ketu	Ancestors, authority, heritage
11	Purva Phalguni	Venus	Pleasure, creativity, relationships
12	Uttara Phalguni	Sun	Commitment, partnership, responsibility
13	Hasta	Moon	Skill, craftsmanship, control
14	Chitra	Mars	Beauty, design, creativity
15	Swati	Rahu	Independence, flexibility, movement
16	Vishakha	Jupiter	Determination, ambition, achievement
17	Anuradha	Saturn	Friendship, devotion, discipline
18	Jyeshtha	Mercury	Seniority, protection, authority
19	Mula	Ketu	Roots, investigation, transformation
20	Purva Ashadha	Venus	Victory, confidence, purification
21	Uttara Ashadha	Sun	Leadership, lasting success
22	Shravana	Moon	Learning, listening, knowledge
23	Dhanishtha	Mars	Wealth, rhythm, achievement
24	Shatabhisha	Rahu	Healing, research, mystery
25	Purva Bhadrapada	Jupiter	Intensity, ideals, transformation
26	Uttara Bhadrapada	Saturn	Depth, stability, wisdom
27	Revati	Mercury	Protection, completion, journey

The traditional Nakshatra sequence and planetary rulership follow the repeating Vimshottari order: Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury.

1. Ashwini Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Ketu
Symbol: Horse's head
Deities: Ashwini Kumaras

Ashwini is the first Nakshatra and is associated with speed, movement, healing and new beginnings.

People strongly influenced by Ashwini may demonstrate quick decision-making, enthusiasm and a desire to initiate things.

Its energy is fast and pioneering.

Keywords: Speed, healing, initiative, independence, beginnings.

2. Bharani Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Venus
Symbol: Yoni
Deity: Yama

Bharani represents the ability to carry, contain and endure.

It is associated with responsibility, creativity, intensity and transformation.

Bharani can give strong desires and considerable endurance when properly directed.

Keywords: Responsibility, creativity, endurance, transformation.

3. Krittika Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Sun
Symbol: Knife or blade
Deity: Agni

Krittika carries the symbolism of fire and purification.

It can represent the ability to separate what is useful from what is unnecessary.

Strong Krittika influence may produce courage, decisiveness and a sharp analytical nature.

Keywords: fire, purification, courage, sharpness, determination.

4. Rohini Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Moon
Symbol: Chariot
Deity: Prajapati

Rohini is traditionally associated with fertility, growth, beauty, creativity and attraction.

It has a strong connection with material development and the ability to create and nurture.

Keywords: Beauty, growth, creativity, attraction, nourishment.

5. Mrigashira Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Mars
Symbol: Deer’s head
Deity: Soma

Mrigashira has a searching quality.

It represents curiosity, exploration and the desire to discover something new.

People influenced by this Nakshatra may continuously search for knowledge, experiences or better opportunities.

Keywords: curiosity, exploration, research, searching.

6. Ardra Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Rahu
Symbol: Teardrop
Deity: Rudra

Ardra carries an intense and transformative quality.

It is associated with storms, emotional intensity, destruction of old patterns and the possibility of renewal.

Ardra can be especially significant in charts involving research, technology, investigation and unconventional subjects.

Keywords: Transformation, research, intensity, storms, breakthrough.

7. Punarvasu Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Symbol: Bow and quiver
Deity: Aditi

Punarvasu represents renewal and return to a state of balance.

Its energy is associated with restoration, optimism and the ability to rebuild after setbacks.

Keywords: Renewal, optimism, restoration, recovery.

8. Pushya Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Saturn
Symbol: Flower or nourishment
Deity: Brihaspati

Pushya is traditionally associated with nourishment, learning, discipline and spiritual development.

It can give a strong sense of responsibility and the desire to support others.

Keywords: Nourishment, wisdom, discipline, teaching.

9. Ashlesha Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Mercury
Symbol: Coiled serpent
Deities: Nagas

Ashlesha is associated with depth, intuition, psychology and subtle perception.

Its influence can make a person observant and strategic.

The same depth must be handled carefully because excessive suspicion or manipulation can become a challenge.

Keywords: Intuition, psychology, strategy, depth.

10. Magha Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Ketu
Symbol: Throne
Deities: Pitris

Magha has a strong connection with ancestry, tradition, authority and heritage.

It can create a desire for recognition, dignity and connection with one's lineage.

Keywords: ancestors, authority, tradition, status.

11. Purva Phalguni Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Venus
Symbol: Front legs of a bed
Deity: Bhaga

Purva Phalguni is associated with enjoyment, creativity, relationships, relaxation and artistic expression.

It can give attraction toward beauty, comfort and pleasurable experiences.

Keywords: Creativity, pleasure, relationships, luxury.

12. Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Sun
Symbol: Back legs of a bed
Deity: Aryaman

Uttara Phalguni represents commitment, agreements, friendship and responsibility.

It has a stronger emphasis on sustaining relationships and responsibilities than simply enjoying them.

Keywords: Commitment, partnership, responsibility, stability.

13. Hasta Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Moon
Symbol: Hand
Deity: Savitar

Hasta literally evokes the symbolism of the hand.

It is associated with craftsmanship, skill, dexterity and the ability to shape circumstances.

People with strong Hasta influence may excel when practical skill and precision are required.

Keywords: skill, craftsmanship, intelligence, practical ability.

14. Chitra Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Mars
Symbol: Pearl or bright jewel
Deity: Tvashtar

Chitra represents beauty, design and creation.

It can be significant for artists, designers, architects and people who work with aesthetics and visual presentation.

Keywords: Beauty, design, creativity, architecture.

15. Swati Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Rahu
Symbol: Young plant or coral
Deity: Vayu

Swati is strongly associated with independence and movement.

It can give flexibility, adaptability and a desire to establish one's own identity.

Keywords: Independence, flexibility, movement, adaptability.

16. Vishakha Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Symbols: Archway or potter's wheel
Deities: Indra and Agni

Vishakha carries the quality of focused ambition.

It can represent determination, goal orientation and persistence.

Once a person chooses a direction, Vishakha energy can be highly determined.

Keywords: ambition, determination, achievement, focus.

17. Anuradha Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Saturn
Symbol: Lotus
Deity: Mitra

Anuradha is associated with friendship, devotion, discipline and cooperation.

It can give the ability to develop meaningful relationships while maintaining perseverance.

Keywords: Friendship, devotion, discipline, loyalty.

18. Jyeshtha Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Mercury
Symbol: Earring or circular talisman
Deity: Indra

Jyeshtha represents seniority, responsibility and protection.

It can create strong leadership instincts and a desire to protect those who depend upon the individual.

Keywords: seniority, authority, protection, responsibility.

19. Mula Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Ketu
Symbol: Roots
Deity: Nirriti

'Mula' means root.

This Nakshatra is strongly connected with investigation, going to the source and removing superficial layers.

It can be important in charts involving research, spirituality, occult subjects and transformational experiences.

Keywords: Roots, investigation, transformation, research.

20. Purva Ashadha Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Venus
Symbol: Fan
Deity: Apas

Purva Ashadha is associated with confidence, purification, enthusiasm and victory.

It can create a strong desire to prove oneself and overcome obstacles.

Keywords: Confidence, victory, purification, determination.

21. Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Sun
Symbol: Elephant tusk
Deities: Vishvedevas

Uttara Ashadha is associated with lasting achievement, leadership and universal principles.

It tends to favour persistence and results that develop over time.

Keywords: leadership, achievement, integrity, lasting success.

22. Shravana Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Moon
Symbol: Ear
Deity: Vishnu

Shravana is strongly connected with listening, learning, communication and knowledge.

It can be particularly useful for understanding educational ability, communication and the absorption of information.

Keywords: Listening, learning, communication, knowledge.

23. Dhanishtha Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Mars
Symbol: Drum
Deities: Vasus

Dhanishtha is associated with rhythm, prosperity, achievement and social recognition.

Its symbolism connects it with music, resources and collective success.

Keywords: wealth, rhythm, music, achievement.

24. Shatabhisha Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Rahu
Symbol: Circle
Deity: Varuna

Shatabhisha has a strong connection with healing, research, mystery and investigation.

The Nakshatra can be particularly interesting when analysing subjects involving science, technology, medicine or hidden knowledge.

Keywords: healing, research, mystery, investigation.

25. Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Symbol: Front legs of a funeral cot
Deity: Aja Ekapada

Purva Bhadrapada has an intense and philosophical quality.

It can encourage deep thinking, idealism and interest in transformation and spiritual subjects.

Keywords: Philosophy, intensity, ideals, transformation.

26. Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Saturn
Symbol: Back legs of a funeral cot
Deity: Ahir Budhnya

Uttara Bhadrapada represents depth, stability and maturity.

Its energy can be quiet but powerful, with an emphasis on patience, wisdom and inner development.

Keywords: wisdom, stability, depth, patience.

27. Revati Nakshatra

Ruling Planet: Mercury
Symbol: Fish
Deity: Pushan

Revati is the final Nakshatra of the zodiac.

It is associated with journeys, protection, nourishment, completion and safe passage.

Revati can represent the completion of one cycle before beginning another.

Keywords: Completion, travel, protection, compassion.

What Are Nakshatra Padas?

Every Nakshatra contains four padas.

Each Pada measures 3°20′.

This gives astrologers a more refined method of interpretation.

Two people may have their moon in the same Nakshatra but in different padas. Their basic Nakshatra influence may be similar, while their expression can differ considerably.

The Padas also connect the Nakshatra with the Navamsa system, making them particularly important in advanced Jyotish interpretations.

How Do Nakshatras Help in Kundli Analysis?

Nakshatras can be used at several levels of horoscope interpretation.

1. Birth Nakshatra

The Moon's Nakshatra can be examined to understand emotional and psychological tendencies.

2. Nakshatra Lord

The planet ruling the Nakshatra becomes an important factor in interpretation.

3. Pada

The Pada provides additional refinement to the Nakshatra placement.

4. Planetary Nakshatra

It is not only the Moon whose Nakshatra matters.

The Sun, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu can also be analysed according to the Nakshatra they occupy.

5. Dasha

Nakshatra plays a fundamental role in the calculation of the Vimshottari Dasha system, beginning from the Nakshatra occupied by the Moon at birth.

6. Marriage Compatibility

Nakshatras are traditionally considered in several systems of marriage matching and compatibility analysis.

7. Muhurta

Nakshatras are also important in selecting auspicious timings for various activities.

Nakshatra vs Rashi: What Is the Difference?

A simple way to understand the difference is the following:

Rashi = broader field of expression

Nakshatra = finer psychological and karmic patterns

For example, knowing that the Moon is in Taurus tells us the Moon's rashi.

Knowing whether the Moon is in Krittika, Rohini or Mrigashira gives another layer of information.

Therefore, an experienced astrologer should not interpret the Moon only from its Rashi.

The Nakshatra, Pada, Nakshatra Lord, house placement, aspects and overall horoscope context should also be considered.

How to Find Your Birth Nakshatra

To calculate the Janma Nakshatra accurately, you generally need the following:

Date of birth
Exact time of birth
Place of birth

The Moon's sidereal position at the time of birth determines the birth Nakshatra.

Because the Moon moves relatively quickly through the zodiac, an accurate birth time can be particularly important when the Moon is close to a Nakshatra boundary.

The Deeper Secret of Nakshatra Interpretation

Learning the names of all 27 Nakshatras is only the beginning.

True Jyotish interpretation requires understanding the relationship between the following:

Planet + Rashi + Nakshatra + Nakshatra Lord + Pada + House + Aspects + Dasha

For example, simply saying the following:

"Jupiter is in Rohini."

is not enough for a complete prediction.

The astrologer should examine:

Which house Jupiter occupies
Which signs Jupiter rules
Jupiter's dignity
Its conjunctions and aspects
The condition of the Moon
Rohini's lord, Moon
The Pada occupied by Jupiter
Relevant Dashas
Relevant divisional charts

This integrated approach produces a much more meaningful interpretation than memorising isolated Nakshatra keywords.

Frequently Asked Questions About 27 Nakshatras

Which is the first Nakshatra?

Ashwini is the first Nakshatra in the standard 27-Nakshatra sequence.

Which is the last Nakshatra?

Revati is the 27th and final Nakshatra.

How many Padas does each Nakshatra have?

Each Nakshatra has four padas.

How many degrees is one Nakshatra?

Each Nakshatra spans 13°20′.

Which Nakshatra is my birth Nakshatra?

Your Janma Nakshatra is determined by the position of the Moon at your exact birth time and place.

Are Nakshatras important in Vedic astrology?

Yes. Nakshatras are used in several important areas of Jyotish, including birth-star analysis, planetary interpretation, Vimshottari Dasha, and traditional Muhurta and compatibility methods.

Conclusion

The 27 Nakshatras form one of the most fascinating layers of Vedic astrology.

From Ashwini's speed to Revati's completion, each Nakshatra carries its own symbolism, planetary rulership, deity, Shakti and distinctive pattern of expression.

However, a Nakshatra should never be interpreted in isolation.

For accurate horoscope analysis, the Nakshatra must be studied together with the planet, Rashi, Pada, house, Nakshatra lord, aspects, Dashas and relevant divisional charts.

If you are learning Vedic astrology, mastering the 27 Nakshatras can take your horoscope interpretation from basic Rashi-level analysis toward a much more refined level of Jyotish understanding.

Want to learn Vedic astrology systematically? Explore Astro Pathshala's astrology courses and learn how to interpret Nakshatras, Rashis, planets, divisional charts and Dashas step by step.