A Nakshatra (नक्षत्र) is a lunar mansion — a 13°20' segment of the ecliptic. The Moon passes through all 27 Nakshatras in approximately 27.3 days. Each Nakshatra is associated with a ruling planet, presiding deity, symbol, element, and set of personality qualities.

How do I find my birth Nakshatra?

Your Janma Nakshatra (birth star) is determined by the Moon's position at your exact birth time. You need your birth date, birth time, and birth city. Generate your Vedic birth chart and look at the Moon's degree — each Nakshatra spans 13°20' of the zodiac.

Which Nakshatra is the best?

Every Nakshatra has its own unique strengths and no Nakshatra is inherently better than another. Each of the 27 represents a distinct cosmic archetype with its own gifts and challenges. The 'best' Nakshatra is the one you were born in — because it is uniquely suited to your soul's purpose.

What is Janma Nakshatra used for in astrology?

Janma Nakshatra is used to determine your Vimshottari Dasha (planetary period cycle), your gotra for marriage matching (Kundali Milan), auspicious name syllables, compatibility with partners, and as the primary reference point for timing events in your life.

How many Nakshatras are there?

There are 27 Nakshatras in classical Vedic astrology. Some traditions add a 28th (Abhijit), which occupies the last 4° of Capricorn and first 4° of Aquarius and is considered highly auspicious.

✦ Vedic Astrology

27 Nakshatras

The 27 lunar mansions of Vedic astrology — each a unique cosmic energy that shapes personality, destiny, and spiritual path.

The Moon travels through all 27 Nakshatras in a single lunar month — spending roughly one day in each. The Nakshatra the Moon occupied at the moment of your birth is your Janma Nakshatra (birth star), the most personal and significant indicator in your entire birth chart. Each Nakshatra has its own ruling planet, presiding deity, symbol, element, and set of qualities that colour your entire life.

Find Your Birth Chart Today's Nakshatra

How to Find Your Janma Nakshatra

You need your birth date, birth time (as accurate as possible), and birth city.
Your Janma Nakshatra is determined by the Moon's position at the moment of your birth.
Use your birth chart (below) to find your Moon's degree in the zodiac.
Each nakshatra spans 13°20' — match your Moon's degree to the range shown on each nakshatra page.

Calculate My Birth Chart →

SunMoonMarsMercuryJupiterVenusSaturnRahuKetu

All 27 Nakshatras

1.Ashwiniअश्विनी

Horse's head · Ashwini Kumaras

Ketu0°–20' Aries

2.Bharaniभरणी

Yoni (female reproductive organ) · Yama

Venus13°–40' Aries

3.Krittikaकृत्तिका

Razor / flame / sharp edge · Agni

Sun26°–00' Taurus

4.Rohiniरोहिणी

Ox-cart / chariot / banyan tree · Brahma

Deer's head · Soma

Teardrop / diamond / human head · Rudra

Rahu6°–00' Gemini

7.Punarvasuपुनर्वसु

Quiver of arrows / bow · Aditi

Jupiter20°–20' Cancer

8.Pushyaपुष्य

Lotus / flower / udder of a cow · Brihaspati

Saturn3°–40' Cancer

9.Ashleshaआश्लेषा

Coiled serpent / entwining snake · Nagas

Mercury16°–00' Cancer

10.Maghaमघा

Royal throne / palanquin · Pitrs

Ketu0°–20' Leo

11.Purva Phalguniपूर्व फाल्गुनी

Front legs of a bed / hammock / fig tree · Bhaga

Venus13°–40' Leo

12.Uttara Phalguniउत्तर फाल्गुनी

Back legs of a bed / couch · Aryaman

Sun26°–00' Virgo

13.Hastaहस्त

Hand / fist / clenched fist · Savitar

Moon10°–20' Virgo

14.Chitraचित्रा

Bright jewel / pearl / bright light · Vishwakarma

Mars23°–40' Libra

15.Swatiस्वाती

Young plant shoot / coral / sword · Vayu

Rahu6°–00' Libra

16.Vishakhaविशाखा

Triumphal archway / potter's wheel · Indra and Agni

Jupiter20°–20' Scorpio

17.Anuradhaअनुराधा

Lotus flower / staff / row of offerings · Mitra

Saturn3°–40' Scorpio

18.Jyeshthaज्येष्ठा

Circular amulet / earring / umbrella · Indra

Mercury16°–00' Scorpio

19.Moolaमूल

Tied roots / bunch of roots · Nirriti

Ketu0°–20' Sagittarius

20.Purva Ashadhaपूर्वाषाढ़ा

Winnowing fan / elephant tusk / fan · Apas

Venus13°–40' Sagittarius

21.Uttara Ashadhaउत्तराषाढ़ा

Elephant tusk / small cot / plank · Vishwadevas

Sun26°–00' Capricorn

22.Shravanaश्रवण

Three footsteps / trident / ear · Vishnu

Moon10°–20' Capricorn

23.Dhanishthaधनिष्ठा

Drum / flute / vacant house · Ashta Vasus

Mars23°–40' Aquarius

24.Shatabhishaशतभिषा

Empty circle / thousand healers / 100 physicians · Varuna

Rahu6°–00' Aquarius

25.Purva Bhadrapadaपूर्व भाद्रपद

Sword / two-faced man / front legs of a funeral cot · Aja Ekapada

Jupiter20°–20' Pisces

26.Uttara Bhadrapadaउत्तर भाद्रपद

Back legs of a funeral cot / twins / serpent of the deep · Ahir Budhanya

Saturn3°–40' Pisces

27.Revatiरेवती

Fish / drum / pair of fish · Pushan

Mercury16°–00' Pisces

Understanding Nakshatras

What is a Nakshatra?

A Nakshatra (Sanskrit: नक्षत्र) is a lunar mansion — a 13°20' segment of the ecliptic. The Moon passes through all 27 Nakshatras in approximately 27.3 days (a sidereal lunar month). Each Nakshatra is associated with a specific star or star cluster that acts as its anchor in the sky.

Why does the Nakshatra matter?

In Vedic astrology, the Nakshatra is often considered more significant than the Sun sign because it reflects the Moon — the mind, emotions, and unconscious patterns that govern daily life. Your Janma Nakshatra describes your deepest psychological nature, your instinctual responses, and your soul's karmic blueprint.

The 9 ruling planets (Navgrahas)

The 27 Nakshatras are ruled by 9 planets (each ruling 3 Nakshatras): Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury. The sequence follows the Vimshottari dasha system — the Nakshatra you were born in determines which planetary period (dasha) you begin life in.

Pada: the four quarters

Each Nakshatra is divided into 4 padas (quarters) of 3°20' each, corresponding to the 4 signs of a triplicity (fire, earth, air, water). The pada adds a secondary sign quality to the Nakshatra's main qualities, giving 108 total Nakshatra padas — corresponding to the 108 beads of a Japa mala.

✦ Tara Koota

Nakshatra Compatibility Table

Select your birth nakshatra to see its Tara (star) compatibility with all 27 nakshatras. Used in Kundali matching to assess the fundamental harmony between two people's lunar energies.

Select Your Birth Nakshatra (Person A)

Showing Tara compatibility from Ashwini (lord: Ketu) to all 27 nakshatras

Bharani

Venus

Excellent

3/2 pts

Krittika

Sun

Good

1.5/2 pts

Rohini

Moon

Good

1.5/2 pts

Mrigashira

Mars

Good

1.5/2 pts

Ardra

Rahu

Good

1.5/2 pts

Punarvasu

Jupiter

Good

1.5/2 pts

Pushya

Saturn

Good

1.5/2 pts

Ashlesha

Mercury

Excellent

3/2 pts

Magha

Ketu

Challenging

0/2 pts

Purva Phalguni

Venus

Excellent

3/2 pts

Uttara Phalguni

Sun

Good

1.5/2 pts

Hasta

Moon

Good

1.5/2 pts

Chitra

Mars

Good

1.5/2 pts

Swati

Rahu

Good

1.5/2 pts

Vishakha

Jupiter

Good

1.5/2 pts

Anuradha

Saturn

Good

1.5/2 pts

Jyeshtha

Mercury

Excellent

3/2 pts

Mula

Ketu

Challenging

0/2 pts

Purva Ashadha

Venus

Excellent

3/2 pts

Uttara Ashadha

Sun

Good

1.5/2 pts

Shravana

Moon

Good

1.5/2 pts

Dhanishtha

Mars

Good

1.5/2 pts

Shatabhisha

Rahu

Good

1.5/2 pts

Purva Bhadrapada

Jupiter

Good

1.5/2 pts

Uttara Bhadrapada

Saturn

Good

1.5/2 pts

Revati

Mercury

Excellent

3/2 pts

Excellent

Good

Neutral

Challenging

Tara compatibility is based on the 9-fold Tara Bala system — both people's birth nakshatras are checked from each other's perspective. "Excellent" means both directions are favorable; "Challenging" means one or both nakshatras fall in an unfavorable Tara from the other. This is one of the 8 Ashtakoota kootas used in Kundali Matching.

✦ Transit Calendar

Moon Nakshatra — Next 30 Days

The Moon transits one nakshatra per day, carrying its ruling planet's energy. Use this calendar to plan auspicious activities, observe Chandrashtama (avoid important decisions when the Moon is 8th from your birth nakshatra), and align with daily lunar rhythms.

Filter by lord:

Date	Nakshatra	Pada	Lord	Moon in
Sun May 24Today	Purva Phalguni#11	Pada 3	Venus	Leo
Mon May 25	Uttara Phalguni#12	Pada 3	Sun	Virgo
Tue May 26	Hasta#13	Pada 3	Moon	Virgo
Wed May 27	Chitra#14	Pada 3	Mars	Libra
Thu May 28	Swati#15	Pada 3	Rahu	Libra
Fri May 29	Vishakha#16	Pada 3	Jupiter	Libra
Sat May 30	Anuradha#17	Pada 3	Saturn	Scorpio
Sun May 31	Jyeshtha#18	Pada 3	Mercury	Scorpio
Mon Jun 1	Mula#19	Pada 3	Ketu	Sagittarius
Tue Jun 2	Purva Ashadha#20	Pada 3	Venus	Sagittarius
Wed Jun 3	Uttara Ashadha#21	Pada 3	Sun	Capricorn
Thu Jun 4	Shravana#22	Pada 3	Moon	Capricorn
Fri Jun 5	Dhanishtha#23	Pada 3	Mars	Aquarius
Sat Jun 6	Shatabhisha#24	Pada 3	Rahu	Aquarius
Sun Jun 7	Purva Bhadrapada#25	Pada 3	Jupiter	Aquarius
Mon Jun 8	Uttara Bhadrapada#26	Pada 3	Saturn	Pisces
Tue Jun 9	Revati#27	Pada 3	Mercury	Pisces
Wed Jun 10	Ashwini#1	Pada 3	Ketu	Aries
Thu Jun 11	Bharani#2	Pada 2	Venus	Aries
Fri Jun 12	Krittika#3	Pada 2	Sun	Taurus
Sat Jun 13	Rohini#4	Pada 2	Moon	Taurus
Sun Jun 14	Mrigashira#5	Pada 2	Mars	Taurus
Mon Jun 15	Ardra#6	Pada 2	Rahu	Gemini
Tue Jun 16	Punarvasu#7	Pada 2	Jupiter	Gemini
Wed Jun 17	Pushya#8	Pada 2	Saturn	Cancer
Thu Jun 18	Ashlesha#9	Pada 2	Mercury	Cancer
Fri Jun 19	Magha#10	Pada 2	Ketu	Leo
Sat Jun 20	Purva Phalguni#11	Pada 2	Venus	Leo
Sun Jun 21	Uttara Phalguni#12	Pada 2	Sun	Virgo
Mon Jun 22	Hasta#13	Pada 2	Moon	Virgo

Approximate — based on mean Moon motion (13.18°/day). For precise muhurat timing, consult an almanac or Panchang.