27 Nakshatras
Meaning, ruling planets, padas and characteristics of the 27 lunar mansions.
What are Nakshatras?
Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions of Vedic astrology - the finer division of the zodiac that predates the 12 signs. From Ashwini to Revati, each nakshatra carries a deity, a ruling planet, a shakti (power) and a distinct personality signature. Your birth nakshatra is the root of your Vimshottari dasha.
Why Your Nakshatra Matters
While your rashi describes your Moon sign, your nakshatra adds soul-level nuance. Two people with the same Moon sign can feel very different because they were born in different nakshatras. It is also the single input that determines your dasha sequence.
Nakshatra vs Rashi vs Pada
A rashi is 30 degrees. A nakshatra is 13°20′. Each nakshatra has 4 padas of 3°20′, each pada ruled by a planet and linked to a navamsa sign. This four-layer system is what makes Vedic timing so precise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nakshatras are there?
There are 27 nakshatras, each spanning 13 degrees 20 minutes of the zodiac. They are further divided into 4 padas of 3 degrees 20 minutes each.
What is the difference between nakshatra and rashi?
A rashi (sign) is a 30-degree section of the zodiac; a nakshatra is a finer 13-degree-20-minute lunar mansion. Each rashi contains about 2.25 nakshatras.
Which nakshatra matters most?
Your birth (Moon) nakshatra is the most important - it governs personality and is the root of your Vimshottari dasha timeline.
What is a nakshatra pada?
Each nakshatra is split into 4 padas, each ruled by a planet and linked to a navamsa sign. The pada fine-tunes the nakshatra meaning.