27 Nakshatras.
The lunar mansions of Vedic astrology — each governing 13°20′ of sky, ruled by a planet, presided by a deity, carrying its own tree, animal and cosmic nature.
What Are the 27 Nakshatras?
In Vedic astrology (Jyotisha), the ecliptic — the Moon's path across the sky — is divided into 27 equal segments called Nakshatras, each spanning 13°20′. Unlike the 12 Rasis, which track the Sun's yearly path, the Nakshatras map the Moon's roughly 27-day monthly cycle, making them central to Vedic timing, personality analysis, and muhurta (auspicious timing) calculations.
Each Nakshatra carries several traditional classifications still used by astrologers today: a Ruling Planet, a Presiding Deity, a Gana (Deva, Manushya, or Rakshasa temperament), a Yoni (symbolic animal nature, used in marriage compatibility), and a Nadi (constitutional classification used in matrimonial matching). Every Nakshatra also has its own sacred tree (Vriksha), whose worship is considered auspicious for those born under that mansion.
Ashwini
அஸ்வினி
Horse's head
Bharani
பரணி
Yoni
Krittika
கார்த்திகை
Knife / spear / flame
Rohini
ரோகிணி
Cart / chariot; banyan tree
Mrigashira
மிருகசீரிடம்
Deer's head
Ardra
திருவாதிரை
Teardrop / diamond
Punarvasu
புனர்பூசம்
Bow and quiver
Pushya
பூசம்
Cow's udder / lotus / arrow
Ashlesha
ஆயில்யம்
Coiled serpent
Magha
மகம்
Royal throne / palanquin
Purva Phalguni
பூரம்
Hammock / front legs of a bed
Uttara Phalguni
உத்திரம்
Back legs of a bed
Hasta
அத்தம்
Hand / fist
Chitra
சித்திரை
Bright jewel / pearl
Swati
சுவாதி
Young shoot / coral swaying in wind
Vishakha
விசாகம்
Triumphal arch / potter's wheel
Anuradha
அனுஷம்
Lotus / triumphal archway
Jyeshtha
கேட்டை
Circular amulet / umbrella
Mula
மூலம்
Bunch of roots tied together
Purva Ashadha
பூராடம்
Elephant tusk / fan / winnowing basket
Uttara Ashadha
உத்திராடம்
Elephant tusk
Shravana
திருவோணம்
Ear / three footprints
Dhanishtha
அவிட்டம்
Drum / flute
Shatabhisha
சதயம்
Empty circle / 100 physicians / 100 flowers
Purva Bhadrapada
பூரட்டாதி
Sword / two front legs of a funeral cot
Uttara Bhadrapada
உத்திரட்டாதி
Twins / back legs of a funeral cot / serpent in water
Revati
ரேவதி
Fish / drum
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Nakshatra in astrology?
A Nakshatra is one of 27 lunar mansions used in Vedic astrology to mark the Moon's position along the ecliptic at any given moment. The birth Nakshatra — also called Janma Nakshatra — is the mansion in which the Moon was placed at the time of your birth.
How is my birth Nakshatra determined?
Your birth Nakshatra is calculated from the Moon's exact sidereal position at the moment of your birth, based on your birth date, time, and location. It is not based on the Sun's position (which determines your Rasi). Use the SAVF Vedic Birth Chart calculator to find yours.
What is the difference between a Nakshatra and a Rasi?
A Rasi is one of 12 zodiac signs, each spanning 30° of the ecliptic and corresponding roughly to the Sun's month-long transit. A Nakshatra is one of 27 lunar mansions, each spanning only 13°20′ — a much finer division tracked by the Moon's daily motion. Every Rasi contains exactly nine Nakshatra padas (quarters).
What are Gana, Yoni, and Nadi used for?
These are traditional compatibility classifications used primarily in Vedic marriage matching (Ashtakuta or Kuta matching). Gana indicates general temperament, Yoni relates to instinctive compatibility, and Nadi is a constitutional health and compatibility factor. Astrologers weigh all three together with several other Kuta factors.
What is the sacred tree (Nakshatra Vriksha) associated with each Nakshatra?
Classical texts assign a specific tree to each Nakshatra, considered sacred to the presiding deity of that mansion. Devotees born under a Nakshatra may plant, tend, or worship the corresponding tree as a spiritually auspicious practice.
Traditional References: Content on this page draws from classical Vedic astrology texts, including the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (traditionally attributed to Sage Parashara) and the Brihat Samhita of Varahamihira. Interpretations may vary across regional and lineage-based traditions.