What is Nakshatra? Complete Guide to the 27 Lunar Mansions

What is a Nakshatra?

A Nakshatra (Sanskrit: नक्षत्र) literally means "that which never decays" — from "na" (not) and "kshatra" (decay). In Vedic astrology, Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions that divide the zodiac into 27 equal segments of 13°20' each.

The Moon takes approximately 27.3 days to complete one orbit around Earth, spending roughly one day in each Nakshatra. Your birth Nakshatra is determined by which mansion the Moon occupied at the moment of your birth.

Why Are Nakshatras Important?

Nakshatras are central to Vedic astrology (Jyotish) for several reasons:

They determine auspicious **naming syllables** for babies

They govern personality traits, life themes, and spiritual paths

They guide **Muhurta** (timing of auspicious activities)

They are essential for **marriage compatibility** (Nakshatra matching)

They determine the **Vimshottari Dasha** (planetary period system)

The 27 Nakshatras at a Glance

**Ashwini** (Aries) – Chu, Che, Cho, La — Healing, speed, pioneering

**Bharani** (Aries) – Li, Lu, Le, Lo — Creativity, transformation

**Krittika** (Aries/Taurus) – A, I, U, E — Courage, purity

**Rohini** (Taurus) – O, Va, Vi, Vu — Beauty, fertility, prosperity

**Mrigashira** (Taurus/Gemini) – Ve, Vo, Ka, Ki — Curiosity, sensitivity

**Ardra** (Gemini) – Ku, Gha, Na, Cha — Transformation, intellect

**Punarvasu** (Gemini/Cancer) – Ke, Ko, Ha, Hi — Renewal, abundance

**Pushya** (Cancer) – Hu, He, Ho, Da — Nourishment, dharma

**Ashlesha** (Cancer) – Di, Du, De, Do — Wisdom, mysticism

**Magha** (Leo) – Ma, Mi, Mu, Me — Royalty, authority

**Purva Phalguni** (Leo) – Mo, Ta, Ti, Tu — Pleasure, creativity

**Uttara Phalguni** (Leo/Virgo) – Te, To, Pa, Pi — Service, wisdom

**Hasta** (Virgo) – Pu, Sha, Na, Tha – Skill, craftsmanship

**Chitra** (Virgo/Libra) – Pe, Po, Ra, Ri — Brilliance, beauty

**Swati** (Libra) – Ru, Re, Ro, Ta — Independence, commerce

**Vishakha** (Libra/Scorpio) – Ti, Tu, Te, To — Achievement, purpose

**Anuradha** (Scorpio) – Na, Ni, Nu, Ne — Friendship, devotion

**Jyeshtha** (Scorpio) – No, Ya, Yi, Yu — Leadership, wisdom

**Mula** (Sagittarius) – Ye, Yo, Ba, Bi — Investigation, liberation

**Purva Ashadha** (Sagittarius) – Bu, Dha, Bha, Dha — Invincibility

**Uttara Ashadha** (Sagittarius/Capricorn) – Be, Bo, Ja, Ji — Victory

**Shravana** (Capricorn) – Ju, Je, Jo, Gha — Learning, wisdom

**Dhanishtha** (Capricorn/Aquarius) – Ga, Gi, Gu, Ge — Wealth, music

**Shatabhisha** (Aquarius) – Go, Sa, Si, Su — Healing, mysticism

**Purva Bhadrapada** (Aquarius/Pisces) – Se, So, Da, Di — Intensity

**Uttara Bhadrapada** (Pisces) – Du, Tha, Jha, Na — Wisdom, rain

**Revati** (Pisces) – De, Do, Cha, Chi — Compassion, completion

How to Calculate Your Baby's Nakshatra

Use our [free Nakshatra Calculator](/calculate-nakshatra) — simply enter the birth date, time, and place. We use high-precision astronomical calculations to give you the exact Nakshatra, Pada, and auspicious naming syllable.

What is Nakshatra? Complete Guide to the 27 Lunar Mansions

What is a Nakshatra?

Why Are Nakshatras Important?

The 27 Nakshatras at a Glance

How to Calculate Your Baby's Nakshatra

Get Your Free Nakshatra Name Report

Find the Perfect Name for Your Baby

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