Unlocking the Mysteries of Nakshatras in Vedic Astrology

Nakshatras, the 27 constellations of Vedic astrology, are more than just celestial ornaments in the night sky. They provide profound insights into our karmic journeys and offer a map to decode life’s complexities. Derived from the Sanskrit term meaning “Star Map,” nakshatras form the heart of Jyotish Shastra, or Vedic astrology. Without understanding nakshatras, Vedic astrology would remain incomplete.

Whether you’re an astrology enthusiast seeking more profound knowledge or a spiritual seeker uncovering the cosmic narrative, this guide will introduce you to the fascinating world of nakshatras and their influence on our lives.

What Are Nakshatras?

Nakshatras are lunar constellations that divide the ecliptic (the path the Moon travels across the zodiac) into 27 segments. Each nakshatra spans approximately 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the zodiac wheel, and every nakshatra is imbued with unique qualities, cosmic symbolism, and ruling deities.

Together, these 27 constellations reflect the entire cycle of life—from birth to enlightenment. For instance:

  • Ashvini, the first nakshatra, represents infancy and complete reliance on external support.
  • Revati, the final nakshatra, symbolizes ultimate liberation and spiritual enlightenment.

Understanding these nakshatras gives us invaluable insights into our life’s purpose, challenges, and karmic patterns.

Why Are Nakshatras Important?

While Western astrology primarily relies on Sun signs, Vedic astrology places the Moon at its core. The Moon governs our emotions, thoughts, and experiences, making nakshatras a powerful tool to comprehend one’s internal and external worlds. Some significant reasons why nakshatras play a vital role in Jyotish include:

  • Personalized Insights: Astrologers can uncover your natural tendencies, strengths, and life path by identifying the nakshatra where the Moon is positioned at the time of your birth (your Janma Nakshatra).
  • Timelines of Life: Nakshatras help trace the evolution of a soul through various phases of life, offering guidance on karmic responsibilities and opportunities.
  • Practical Insights: Whether it’s understanding personality traits or selecting auspicious dates for important events, nakshatras provide valuable insights that guide decisions.

The Journey Through Nakshatras

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1. Ashvini - अश्विनी "physician to the Gods"

  • Lord: Ketu (South lunar node)
  • Symbol : Horse’s head
  • Deity : Ashvins, the horse-headed twins who are physicians to the gods
  • Indian zodiac: 0° – 13°20′ Mesha
  • Western zodiac 23°46 Aries – 7°06′ Taurus
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2. Bharani - भरणी "the bearer"

  • Lord: Shukra (Venus)
  • Symbol: Yoni, the female organ of reproduction
  • Deity: Yama, god of death or Dharma
  • Indian zodiac: 13° 20′ – 26°40′ Mesha
  • Western zodiac 7°06′ – 20°26′ Taurus
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3. Krittika - कृत्तिका an old name of the Pleiades; personified as the nurses of Kārttikeya, a son of Shiva.

  • Lord: Surya (Sun)
  • Symbol: Knife or spear
  • Deity : Agni, god of fire
  • Indian zodiac: 26°40′ Mesha – 10° Vrishabha
  • Western zodiac 20°26′ Taurus – 3°46’ Gemini
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4. Rohini - रोहिणी "the red one", a name of Aldebaran. Also known as brāhmī

  • Lord: Chandra (Moon)
  • Symbol: Cart or chariot, temple, banyan tree
  • Deity : Brahma or Prajapati, the Creator
  • Indian zodiac: 10° – 23°20′ Vrishabha
  • Western zodiac 3°46 – 17°06′ Gemini
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5. Mrigashira - मृगशिर "the deer's head". Also known as āgrahāyaṇī

  • Lord: Mangala (Mars)
  • Symbol: Deer’s head
  • Deity: Soma, Chandra, the Moon god
  • Indian zodiac: 23° 20′ Vrishabha – 6° 40′ Mithuna
  • Western zodiac: 17°06′ Gemini – 0°26′ Cancer
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6. Ardra - आर्द्रा "the storm god"

  • Lord: Rahu (North lunar node)
  • Symbol: Teardrop, diamond, a human head
  • Deity : Rudra, the storm god
  • Indian zodiac: 6° 40′ – 20° Mithuna
  • Western zodiac: 0°26′ – 13°46 Cancer
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7. Punarvasu - पुनर्वसु (dual) "the two restorers of goods", also known as yamakau "the two chariots"

  • Lord: Guru (Jupiter)
  • Symbol : Bow and quiver
  • Deity : Aditi, mother of the gods
  • Indian zodiac: 20° Mithuna – 3°20′ Karka
  • Western zodiac 13°46 – 27°06′ Cancer
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8. Pushya - पुष्य "the nourisher", also known as sidhya or tiṣya

  • Lord: Shani (Saturn)
  • Symbol : Cow’s udder, lotus, arrow and circle
  • Deity : Bṛhaspati, priest of the gods
  • Indian zodiac: 3°20′ -16°40′ Karka
  • Western zodiac 27°06′ Cancer – 10°26′ Leo
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9. Āshleshā - आश्ळेषा/आश्लेषा "the embrace"

  • Lord: Budh (Mercury)
  • Symbol: Serpent
  • Deity : Sarpas or Nagas, deified snakes
  • Indian zodiac: 16°40′ – 30° Karka
  • Western zodiac 10°26′ – 23°46 Leo
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10. Maghā - मघा "the bountiful"

  • Lord: Ketu (south lunar node)
  • Symbol : Royal Throne
  • Deity : Pitrs, ‘The Fathers’, family ancestors
  • Indian zodiac: 0° – 13°20′ Simha
  • Western zodiac 23°46 Leo – 7°06′ Virgo
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11. Pūrva Phalgunī - पूर्व फाल्गुनी "first reddish one"

  • Lord: Shukra (Venus)
  • Symbol : Front legs of bed, hammock, fig tree
  • Deity : Bhaga, god of marital bliss and prosperity
  • Indian zodiac: 13°20′ – 26°40′ Simha
  • Western zodiac 7°06′ – 20°26′ Virgo
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12. Uttara Phalgunī - उत्तर फाल्गुनी "second reddish one"

  • Lord: Surya (Sun)
  • Symbol: Four legs of bed, hammock
  • Deity: Aryaman, god of patronage and favors
  • Indian zodiac: 26°40′ Simha- 10° Kanya
  • Western zodiac 20°26′ Virgo – 3°46 Libra
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13. Hasta - हस्त "the hand"

  • Lord: Chandra (Moon)
  • Symbol: Hand or fist
  • Deity : Savitri or Surya, the Sun god
  • Indian zodiac: 10° – 23°20′ Kanya
  • Western zodiac 3°46 – 17°06′ Libra
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14. Chitra - चित्रा "the bright one", a name of Spica

  • Lord: Mangala (Mars)
  • Symbol: Bright jewel or pearl
  • Deity : Tvastar or Vishvakarman, the celestial architect
  • Indian zodiac: 23°20′ Kanya – 6°40′ Tula
  • Western zodiac: 17°06′ Libra – 0°26′ Scorpio
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15. Svati - स्वाति "Su-Ati (Sanskrit) Very good" name of Arcturus

  • Lord: Rahu (north lunar node)
  • Symbol: Shoot of plant, coral
  • Deity : Vayu, the Wind god
  • Indian zodiac: 6°40′ – 20° Tula
  • Western zodiac 0°26′ – 13°46 Scorpio
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16. Vishakha - विशाखा "forked, having branches"; also known as rādhā "the gift"

  • Lord: Guru (Jupiter)
  • Symbol : Triumphal arch, potter’s wheel
  • Deity : Indra, chief of the gods; Agni, god of Fire
  • Indian zodiac: 20° Tula – 3°20′ Vrishchika
  • Western zodiac 13°46 – 27°06′ Scorpio
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17. Anuradha - अनुराधा "following rādhā"

  • Lord: Shani (Saturn)
  • Symbol : Triumphal archway, lotus
  • Deity: Mitra, one of Adityas’s friendship and partnership
  • Indian zodiac: 3°20′ – 16°40′ Vrishchika
  • Western zodiac 27°06′ Scorpio – 10°26′ Sagittarius
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18. Jyeshtha - ज्येष्ठा "the eldest, most excellent"

  • Lord: Budh (Mercury)
  • Symbol : circular amulet, umbrella, earring
  • Deity: Indra, chief of the gods
  • Indian zodiac: 16°40′ – 30° Vrishchika
  • Western zodiac 10°26′ – 23°46 Sagittarius
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19. Mula - मूल "the root"

  • Lord: Ketu (south lunar node)
  • Symbol : Bunch of roots tied together, elephant goad
  • Deity: Nirrti, goddess of dissolution and destruction
  • Indian zodiac: 0° – 13°20′ Dhanus
  • Western zodiac 23°46 Sagittarius – 7°06′ Capricorn
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20. Purva Ashadha - पूर्व आषाढा "first of the āṣāḍhā", āṣāḍhā "the invincible one" being the name of a constellation

  • Lord: Shukra (Venus)
  • Symbol: Elephant tusk, fan, winnowing basket
  • Deity: Apah, god of Water
  • Indian zodiac: 13°20′ – 26°40′ Dhanus
  • Western zodiac 7°06′ – 20°26′ Capricorn
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21. Uttara Ashadha - उत्तर आषाढा "Later invincible"

  • Lord: Surya (Sun)
  • Symbol: Elephant tusk, small bed
  • Deity: Visvedevas, universal gods
  • Indian zodiac: 26°40′ Dhanus – 10° Makara
  • Western zodiac 20°26′ Capricorn – 3°46 Aquarius
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22. Shravana - श्रवण

  • Lord: Chandra (Moon)
  • Symbol: Ear or Three Footprints
  • Deity: Vishnu, preserver of universe
  • Indian zodiac: 10° – 23°20′ Makara
  • Western zodiac 3°46 – 17°06′ Aquarius
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23. Dhanishta - श्रविष्ठा/धनिष्ठा "most famous", also Shravishthā "swiftest"

  • Lord: Mangala (Mars)
  • Symbol : Drum or flute
  • Deity: Eight vasus, deities of earthly abundance
  • Indian zodiac: 23°20′ Makara – 6°40′ Kumbha
  • Western zodiac 17°06′ Aquarius – 0°26′ Pisces
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24. Shatabhisha - शतभिष/शततारका "requiring a hundred physicians"

  • Lord: Rahu (north lunar node)
  • Symbol: Empty circle, 1,000 flowers or stars
  • Deity: Varuna, god of cosmic waters, sky and earth
  • Indian zodiac: 6°40′ – 20° Kumbha ; Western zodiac 0°26′ – 13°46 Pisces
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25. Purva Bhadrapada - पूर्व भाद्रपदा/पूर्व प्रोष्ठपदा "the first of the blessed feet"

  • Lord: Guru (Jupiter)
  • Symbol: Swords or two front legs of funeral cot, man with two faces
  • Deity: Ajaikapada, one-footed aspect of Shiva
  • Indian zodiac: 20° Kumbha – 3°20′ Meena ; Western zodiac 13°46 – 27°06′ Pisces
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26. Uttara Bhādrapadā - उत्तर भाद्रपदा/उत्तर प्रोष्ठपदा "the second of the blessed feet"

  • Lord: Shani (Saturn)
  • Symbol : Twins, back legs of funeral cot, snake in the water
  • Deity: Ahirbudhnya, serpent or dragon of the deep
  • Indian zodiac: 3°20′ – 16°40′ Meena ; Western zodiac 27°06′ Pisces – 10°26′ Aries
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27. Revati - रेवती "prosperous"

  • Lord: Budh (Mercury)
  • Symbol : Fish or a pair of fish, drum
  • Deity : Pushan, nourisher, the protective deity
  • Indian zodiac: 16°40′ – 30° Meena
  • Western zodiac 10°26′ – 23°46 Aries

Nakshatras and Life’s Cosmic Lessons

Each nakshatra is much more than its astrological influence. They reflect profound lessons and present a blueprint for spiritual growth. For example, Ashlesha introduces the harsh realities of life, teaching resilience, while Vishakha fosters longing that leads to more profound self-discovery.

The nakshatras also have unique energies tied to elements (fire, water, air, or earth), Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas), and ruling planets, which add another layer of depth to their study.

 

A Practical Approach to Understanding Nakshatras

If you’re intrigued by nakshatras and wish to incorporate their wisdom into your life, here’s how you can begin your exploration:

Discover Your Janma Nakshatra
Use your birth details to identify your natal nakshatra. Many free online tools and Vedic astrologers can assist in this process.
Dive into Their Symbolism
Learn the qualities, symbols, and deities associated with your nakshatra to self-reflect on your natural tendencies.
Align Life Decisions
Utilize nakshatra insights for guidance in career, relationships, and spiritual goals.

Live in Harmony with Lunar Energy
Track the Moon’s transits through nakshatras daily and plan activities in sync with their energy.

Seek Expert Guidance
Vedic astrologers can provide deeper insights into nakshatras, including remedies tailored to your chart.

Embark on Your Journey of Self-Discovery

The nakshatras offer a celestial map of life, guiding us from birth to spiritual enlightenment. Whether you’re curious about your karmic blueprint, searching for purpose, or deepening your spiritual practice, the nakshatras serve as wise and powerful guides.

If you’re ready to discover your nakshatra and unlock its wisdom, consider connecting with a Vedic astrologer or exploring in-depth resources like “Nakshatras: A Comprehensive Treatise on the 27 Constellations” by P.V.R. Rayudu and L.R. Chawdhri.

Live by the stars and align with your cosmic purpose.