The 27 Nakshatras: An Introduction to Vedic Lunar Mansions

By Pratibha Editorial Team · Sep 17, 2026 · 2 min read

Discover the 27 nakshatras of Vedic astrology, their ruling planets and deities, and how your birth star shapes personality and timing.

While the twelve zodiac signs are familiar to most people, Vedic astrology goes a level deeper with the nakshatras — 27 lunar mansions that the Moon passes through roughly once a month. Your Janma Nakshatra (birth star) is the nakshatra the Moon occupied when you were born, and it is one of the most personal details in your chart.

How the nakshatras are structured

The 360° zodiac is divided into 27 equal parts of 13°20'. Each nakshatra is further divided into four padas (quarters) of 3°20', which link to the Navamsa chart. Every nakshatra has a ruling planet, a presiding deity, a symbol and a nature (such as gentle, fierce, swift or fixed).

The 27 nakshatras and their rulers

The rulership follows a repeating sequence of nine planets — Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury:

1. Ashwini – Ketu
2. Bharani – Venus
3. Krittika – Sun
4. Rohini – Moon
5. Mrigashira – Mars
6. Ardra – Rahu
7. Punarvasu – Jupiter
8. Pushya – Saturn
9. Ashlesha – Mercury
10. Magha – Ketu
11. Purva Phalguni – Venus
12. Uttara Phalguni – Sun
13. Hasta – Moon
14. Chitra – Mars
15. Swati – Rahu
16. Vishakha – Jupiter
17. Anuradha – Saturn
18. Jyeshtha – Mercury
19. Mula – Ketu
20. Purva Ashadha – Venus
21. Uttara Ashadha – Sun
22. Shravana – Moon
23. Dhanishta – Mars
24. Shatabhisha – Rahu
25. Purva Bhadrapada – Jupiter
26. Uttara Bhadrapada – Saturn
27. Revati – Mercury

Why your birth nakshatra matters

• Personality: Rohini natives are often charming and artistic; Ashwini natives quick and healing; Mula natives investigative and drawn to roots.
• Dasha timing: The ruler of your birth nakshatra decides which Vimshottari dasha you are born into and how much of it remains.
• Naming: Traditionally, each pada has a starting syllable used for choosing a baby's name.
• Compatibility: Nakshatras form the basis of Ashtakoota (Guna Milan) matching for marriage.
• Muhurta: Certain nakshatras are favoured for travel, business launches, weddings or house-warming.

A few examples in detail

Pushya, ruled by Saturn with Jupiter's deity Brihaspati, is considered one of the most auspicious nakshatras — nourishing, protective and excellent for beginnings. Ardra, ruled by Rahu and associated with Rudra, the storm god, brings intensity, transformation and emotional depth. Revati, the final nakshatra, ruled by Mercury and presided over by Pushan, protector of travellers, is gentle, compassionate and spiritual.

How to find yours

Any Vedic (sidereal) chart calculator will list your Moon's nakshatra and pada using your birth date, time and place. Once you know it, read about its deity and symbol — they often reveal surprisingly specific insights into your instincts and life path.

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