Nakshatra

What is Nakshatra

Nakshatra

Nakshatra | Vedic Astrology

Nakshatra in Vedic Astrology

In Vedic astrology, a Nakshatra (or lunar mansion) refers to one of the 27 or 28 divisions of the sky that the Moon passes through during its monthly cycle. These nakshatras are critical to Vedic astrology, as they help provide a deeper insight into the cosmic influences on an individual based on the position of the Moon at the time of their birth.

Detailed Explanation:

  • Division of the Zodiac: The entire zodiac (360°) is divided into 27 equal parts, with each nakshatra occupying 13°20′. These nakshatras serve as sub-divisions of the 12 zodiac signs, providing a more nuanced understanding of astrological influences.
  • Moon’s Importance: The Moon is considered a key indicator of the mind, emotions, and psychological makeup in Vedic astrology. Since the Moon travels quickly through the zodiac, changing its position every 2.25 days, the nakshatra it occupies at birth is important for determining a person’s emotional nature, thinking process, and even destiny.
  • Planetary Rulership: Each nakshatra is ruled by one of the nine planets in Vedic astrology (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu). The planetary ruler of the nakshatra influences how its characteristics manifest in a person’s life.
  • Deities and Symbols: Each nakshatra is associated with a specific deity and has symbolic meanings. These deities influence the qualities, strengths, and challenges of a person born under a specific nakshatra.
  • Nakshatra and Personality Traits: Nakshatras are often used to describe an individual’s character, behavior, skills, and career prospects.
  • Nakshatra and Marriage: In Vedic astrology, nakshatras are critical for compatibility analysis (Kundali matching). Certain nakshatras are believed to be more compatible with one another, and this is often used to determine marital harmony.
  • Dashas and Nakshatra: Nakshatras are also involved in the calculation of the Vimshottari Dasha system, a predictive technique in Vedic astrology that divides an individual’s life into planetary periods (dashas). The nakshatra of the Moon at birth determines the starting point of this dasha system.

List of 27 Nakshatras:

1.   Ashwini

10.   Magha

19.   Moola

Ruled by Ketu

2.   Bharani

20.   Purva Ashadha

Ruled by Venus

3.   Krittika

Ruled by Sun

4.   Rohini

13.   Hasta

22.   Shravana

Ruled by Moon

14.   Chitra

23.   Dhanishta

Ruled by Mars

6.   Ardra

15.   Swati

24.   Shatabhisha

Ruled by Rahu

7.   Punarvasu

16.   Vishakha

Ruled by Jupiter

8.   Pushya

17.   Anuradha

Ruled by Saturn

9.   Ashlesha

18.   Jyeshta

27.   Revati

Ruled by Mercury

Ruled by Sun