What is a nakshatra?
The zodiac is divided into 27 nakshatras, or lunar mansions, each 13°20′ wide. Your birth nakshatra (janma nakshatra) is the one the Moon was in when you were born. It is one of the most personal parts of a Vedic chart: it sets your first dasha, your gana and nadi for kundli matching, and in many families the first letter of your name.
Padas
Each nakshatra has four padas (quarters) of 3°20′. Each pada falls in one navamsa sign, which is why the pada is shown with its navamsa. The 27 nakshatras × 4 padas make the 108 padas of the zodiac.
What each nakshatra has
- A ruling planet: the nine planets rule three nakshatras each, in the order of the Vimshottari dasha.
- A deity and a symbol, which give each nakshatra its traditional character.
- A gana (temperament): Deva, Manushya or Rakshasa.
The Moon spends about a day in each nakshatra, so the birth time matters on the day it changes. Read our chapter on the 27 nakshatras, or find your gana.
Questions people ask
How do I find my nakshatra?
Your birth nakshatra is the one the Moon was in when you were born. Enter your date, time and place of birth above and the calculator finds it, with its pada.
What is a nakshatra pada?
Each nakshatra is divided into four padas, or quarters, of 3°20′. The pada narrows down the Moon's position and links it to a navamsa sign.
Is nakshatra the same as rashi?
No. A rashi is one of 12 signs of 30°, while a nakshatra is one of 27 lunar mansions of 13°20′. Your nakshatra sits inside your Moon sign or across two signs.