Jyotish Term
Nakshatra — नक्षत्र
Short answer. A nakshatra is one of 27 lunar mansions — sub-divisions of the zodiac, each 13°20' wide, used in Vedic astrology to read finer-grained character, compatibility, and timing. The Moon occupies one nakshatra at any moment.
The 27 nakshatras — Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashira, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Vishakha, Anuradha, Jyeshtha, Mula, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Dhanishtha, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati — divide the 360° zodiac into equal 13°20' arcs. Each has a presiding deity, a planetary ruler, and a symbolic image that informs interpretation. Your janma nakshatra (the nakshatra the Moon was in at birth) is the foundation of Vimshottari Dasha — its lord determines which planetary period you were born under. Nakshatras are also the basis of Ashtakoot Gun Milan, the classical Vedic marriage compatibility method. Each nakshatra is further sub-divided into four padas (quarters of 3°20'), which fine-tune the placement and connect to the Navamsha chart.
Related terms
- Rashi — Rashi is the Vedic term for a zodiac sign — one of twelve 30° divisions of the sidereal zodiac. Each rashi has a ruling planet, an element, and a quality that shapes how planets in that sign behave.
- Vimshottari Dasha — Vimshottari Dasha is the most widely used Vedic planetary period system, totaling 120 years across nine grahas. It is referenced by Sage Parashara as the dasha system suited to the current cosmic age and is calculated from the Moon's nakshatra at birth.
- Navamsha — Navamsha (D9) is the most important divisional chart in Vedic astrology — each rashi is divided into nine equal parts, and the position of every planet in this finer grid produces a second chart used to read marriage, dharma, and the inner strength of natal placements.
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