Nakshatra List – 27 Nakshatra Names, Meaning and importance

Nakshatras are an extremely important part of Vedic Astrology. Infact Nakshatras and not the star-signs are at the core of our ancient astrology system. In Western astrology system, Nakshatras are referred to as Constellations or Asterisms.

The word Nakshatra perhaps comes from  a combination of the word Nabh (नभ meaning Sky ) & Kshetra ( क्षेत्र meaning Area). There is also another explanation of the word Nakshatra being  a combination of Naksha (नक्शा meaning Map) & Tara ( तारा meaning Stars ). It thus denotes a map of stars.

Nakshatras have been given significant inportance by all our books of knowledge in Astrology. They are said to represent the journey from our birth to the moment of death. Nakshatras are 27 in number and each nakshatra has a planetary lord. All the nine planets in our birth chart sit in a particular nakshatra and the condition of the planetary lord of that nakshatra is also an important metric to observe while trying to do predictions.

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Story behind Nakshatras

In ancient tales, Chandra Devta (The Moon God) is known to have twenty seven wives. The 27 Nakshatras are representative of those divine energies.

The Nakshatra names are the names of these 27 Goddesses.

Importance of Nakshatras

Nakshatras play a very important role in multiple ways in predicting outcomes or guaging strengths or weakness of the planets in any horoscope.

Nakshatras play an extremely significant role in match making and the Asht Koot Guna Milap before marriage. They are also useful for daily predictions as the Moon resides in one nakshatra for 1 day.

List of  27 Nakshatras

The Nakshatras are listed below in the sequence of their being. Ashwin Nakshatra is the first and Revati is the last.

Doing Predictions based on Nakshatras

Knowledgable astrologers definitely look at the Planetary ruler of the Nakshatra in which a particular planet is associated.

For example, if Moon is in Purva Phalguni Nakshatra, then the ruling lord of Purva Phalguni Nakshatra Venus will be evaluated in terms of its placement and strength. The predictions that related to the Moon or the house it lords over in the horoscope will need to be made in context of placement or strengths or weakness of Venus, the lord of Purva Phalguni Nakshatra.

 

What are Nakshatras in Vedic astrology?

Nakshatras are the 27 lunar constellations in Vedic astrology. Each Nakshatra represents a specific segment of the sky and influences personality, behavior, and life patterns based on the moon’s position at the time of birth.

How many Nakshatras are there in total?

There are 27 Nakshatras in Vedic astrology. Each spans 13°20′ of the zodiac, covering the entire 360° circle. Together, they form the lunar zodiac used in birth charts and predictive astrology.

What does my Nakshatra say about me?

Your Nakshatra reveals core personality traits, emotional needs, strengths, challenges, and life tendencies. It is determined by the position of the moon in your birth chart and is a key factor in matchmaking, career guidance, and spiritual tendencies.

How is a person’s Nakshatra calculated?

A person’s Nakshatra is calculated based on the exact position of the moon at the time and place of birth. Astrological software or a Vedic astrologer can compute this from your birth details (date, time, and location).

Do Nakshatras affect compatibility in relationships?

Yes. In Vedic match-making (Kundli matching), Nakshatra compatibility is considered important. It helps assess emotional harmony, temperament alignment, and long-term stability between partners.

What is the ruling deity of a Nakshatra?

Each Nakshatra has a ruling deity associated with specific qualities and symbolism. The deity influences the nature, character, and deep psychological traits of individuals born under that Nakshatra.

Do Nakshatras influence career and success?

Yes. The characteristics and strengths associated with a person’s Nakshatra can influence suitable career paths, work style, and areas where they may naturally excel.

What is the difference between Nakshatra and Rashi?

A Rashi (zodiac sign) is a larger segment of 30°, while a Nakshatra is a smaller segment of 13°20′. There are 12 Rashis but 27 Nakshatras, and each Rashi contains 2 to 3 Nakshatras.

How does a Nakshatra influence personality traits?

A Nakshatra reflects emotional patterns, instinctive responses, and broad life themes. It influences how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and approaches life’s challenges.

Can Nakshatras predict future events?

Nakshatras are used in timing events (Muhurta), progressions, and planetary transits. Along with the full birth chart, they help astrologers make predictions about life phases, opportunities, and challenges.

What are Nakshatra characteristics?

Nakshatra characteristics include emotional nature, thinking style, behavior under stress, strengths, weaknesses, and sometimes physical traits. Each of the 27 Nakshatras has a unique set of characteristics.

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About Author

Alok Bhatnagar

Alok Bhatnagar, founder of Astropatri got initiated in the field of Astrology in 1998. He was working with the Internet department of The Times of India Group at that time. Alok helped set up the Astrology portal for Times Group – Astrospeak.

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