It is in this vast system of Vedic astrology that the Nakshatras form one of the most important constituents. Nakshatras are the constellations or lunar mansions that define the personality, fate, and life pathways of an individual. Every individual's birth chart or Kundli is influenced by their moon positioned in one of these Nakshatras at birth.
This blog is for anyone who has ever wondered what Nakshatra is, how many nakshatras are there, how it influences them, or wanted to know about the 27 Nakshatra names.
What is Nakshatra?
In simple words, a Nakshatra is a division of the zodiac through which the Moon travels in its cycle of 27 days around the Earth. The word "Nakshatra" originates from two Sanskrit words: Naksha means map, and Tra means guard or ruler. Therefore, it literally means a map of the sky.
There are 27 Nakshatras-sometimes 28, with the inclusion of Abhijit Nakshatra-falling within each 13°20′ of the zodiac. These star constellations form the very basis of Vedic astrology and play a leading role in understanding human nature, compatibility, and destiny.
So, if you ever wondered how many Nakshatras are there, there are 27 main ones, each with unique meanings and deities guiding them.
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Importance of Nakshatras in Astrology
Each Nakshatra reflects certain traits, tendencies, and karmic patterns. If the Moon is placed in a particular Nakshatra at birth, it deeply influences your mind, emotions, and behavior.
Astrologers use the Nakshatra list to interpret:
Personality traits and strengths
Emotional and mental tendencies
Compatibility in marriage (Nakshatra Milan)
Muhurat (Auspicious timings)
Professional preferences and career success factors
In short, the Nakshatras form the DNA of astrology: they decode who you are and where you're headed.
Complete 27 Nakshatra Names with Meanings and Characteristics
Let us look at the 27 Nakshatra names, their meanings, ruling deities, planetary lords, and associated Rashis or zodiac signs.
This comprehensive Nakshatra list will help you understand the significance of each lunar mansion.
1. Ashwini Nakshatra
Symbol: Horse’s head
Godhead: Ashwini Kumaras - divine physicians
Planet: Ketu
Rashi: Aries
Traits: energetic, enthusiastic, quick healers, natural leaders.
2. Bharani Nakshatra
Symbol: Yoni (womb)
Deity : Yama - God of death
Planet: Venus
Rashi: Aries
Traits: strong-willed, creative, disciplined, and passionate.
3. Krittika Nakshatra
Symbol: Flame or knife
God: Agni (Fire God)
Planet: Sun
Rashi: Aries & Taurus
Traits: Sharp, powerful, ambitious, and protective.
4. Rohini Nakshatra
Symbol: Ox cart or chariot
Brahma: The Creator
Planet: Moon
Rashi: Vrishabha
Traits: beautiful, charming, creative, and materialistic.
People born under Rohini Nakshatra are usually magnetic and artistic.
5. Mrigashira Nakshatra
Symbol: Deer’s head
God: Soma (Moon God)
Planet: Mars
Rashi: Vrishabha & Mithuna Traits: Curious, romantic, restless and imaginative.
6. Ardra Nakshatra
Symbol: Teardrop
God: Rudra, Lord Shiva
Planet: Rahu
Rashi: Mithuna
Traits include: emotional, intense, transformative, spiritual.
7. Punarvasu Nakshatra
Symbol: Bow and quiver
Deity: Aditi (Mother of gods)
Planet: Jupiter
Rashi: Mithuna & Karkata
Traits: Optimistic, warm-hearted, forgiving, and well-balanced.
8. Pushya Nakshatra
Symbol: Cow's udder or lotus
Deity: Brihaspati: Guru of Gods
Planet: Saturn
Rashi: Cancer
Traits: caring, responsible, religiously inclined.
Pushya Nakshatra is one of the most auspicious Nakshatras for spiritual growth and success.
9. Ashlesha Nakshatra
Symbol: Snake
Deity: Naga, serpent deity
Planet: Mercury
Rashi: Cancer
Traits: Intelligent, mysterious, persuasive, intense.
10. Magha Nakshatra
Symbol: Thrones
Deity: Pitris (Ancestors)
Planet: Ketu
Rashi: Simha Traits: Regal, ambitious, authoritative, and respectful toward tradition.
Also read this article : Vasant Panchami & Saraswati Puja: Why It Is Celebrated
11. Purva Phalguni Nakshatra
Symbol: Hammock
Deity: Bhaga - god of pleasure
Planet: Venus
Rashi: Leo
Traits: Charismatic, artistic, fun-loving, and social.
12. Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra
Symbol: Bed or back legs of a cot
God: Aryaman (Noble one)
Planet: Sun
Rashi: Leo & Virgo
Traits: supportive, loyal, responsible, and strong leaders.
13. Hasta Nakshatra
Symbol: Hand or fist
Deity: Savitar- Sun God
Planet: Moon
Rashi: Virgo
Characteristics: Resourceful, helpful, hardworking, and humorous.
14. Chitra Nakshatra
Symbol: Pearl or jewel
God: Vishwakarma (Celestial architect)
Planet: Mars
Rashi: Virgo & Libra
Traits: artistic, stylish, intelligent, and visionary.
15. Swati Nakshatra
Symbol: Coral or young plant
Vayu: Wind God
Planet: Rahu
Rashi: Libra
Traits include independent, adaptive, social, and flexible thinking.
16. Vishakha Nakshatra
Symbol: Triumph arch or tree branch
Deity: Indra & Agni
Planet: Jupiter
Rashi: Tula & Vrishchika
Traits: Goal-oriented, determined, and ambitious achievers.
17. Anuradha Nakshatra
Symbol: Lotus
Deity: Mitra - God of friendship
Planet: Saturn
Rashi: Scorpio
Characteristics/traits: Loyal, friendly, disciplined, and cooperative.
18. Jyeshtha Nakshatra
Symbol: Earring or umbrella
Deity: Indra - King of Gods
Planet: Mercury
Rashi: Scorpio
Traits: wise, protective, responsible, and proud.
19. Mula Nakshatra
Symbol: Tied roots
Deity: Nirriti (Goddess of destruction)
Planet: Ketu
Rashi: Sagittarius
Qualities: Deep, fearless, and transformative.
The natives of MulaNakshatra often undergo deep changes for spiritual awakening and rebirth.
20. Purva Ashadha Nakshatra
Symbol: Fan or tusk
Deity: Apas (Aquatic divinities)
Planet: Venus
Rashi: Sagittarius
Traits: energetic, optimistic, persuasive, and courageous.
21. Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra
Symbol: Elephant tusk
Deity: Vishwadevas (Universal gods)
Planet: Sun
Rashi: Sagittarius & Capricorn
Traits: Relentless, principled, reliable, and diligent.
22. Shravana Nakshatra
Symbol: Ear
Deity: Vishnu
Planet: Moon
Rashi: Capricorn Traits: Wise, disciplined, excellent listeners and communicators.
23. Dhanishta Nakshatra
Symbol: Drum
Deity: Eight Vasus (Elemental gods)
Planet: Mars
Rashi: Makar & Kumbh
Qualities: Generous, rhythmic, musical, and successful.
24. Shatabhisha Nakshatra
Symbol: Open circle
Deity: Varuna-God of cosmic waters
Planet: Rahu
Rashi: Aquarius
Traits: Secretive, healing, mysterious, visionary.
25. Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra
Symbol: Front legs of a funeral cot
Deity: Aja Ekapada (One-footed goat)
Planet: Jupiter
Rashi: Aquarius & Pisces
Characteristics: Deep thinkers, idealists, intense personalities.
26. Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra
Symbol: Hind legs of a cot
Deity : Ahir Budhnya (Serpent of the deep)
Planet: Saturn
Rashi: Pisces
Traits: The compassionate, stable, wise, and spiritually mature.
27. Revati Nakshatra
Symbol: Fish
Deity: Pushan (Protector of travelers)
Planet: Mercury
Rashi: Pisces
Qualities: Gentle, artistic, sympathetic, and fortunate.
Nakshatra Names with Rashi
Here's a list of Nakshatra names with Rashi to help you identify the zodiac sign each Nakshatra belongs to:
| Rashi (Zodiac Sign) | Nakshatras |
| Aries | Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika |
| Taurus | Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashira |
| Gemini | Mrigashira, Ardra, Punarvasu |
| Cancer | Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha |
| Leo | Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni |
| Virgo | Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra |
| Libra | Chitra, Swati, Vishakha |
| Scorpio | Vishakha, Anuradha, Jyeshtha |
| Sagittarius | Mula, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha |
| Capricorn | Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Dhanishta |
| Aquarius | Dhanishta, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada |
| Pisces | Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati |
Why Understanding Nakshatras Matters
Knowing your birth Nakshatra helps you to:
Decode emotional patterns
Find compatible partners
Choosing the right career path
Time important life decisions using the Nakshatra-based Muhurta.
Understand your karmic lessons
Astrology is more than fortune-telling; it's a roadmap of energies that helps you align with your purpose.
Discover What Your Nakshatra Says About Your Life, Get a Personalized Astrology Reading Today! Know Your Nakshatra
Conclusion
The 27 nakshatras form the backbone of Vedic astrology. Each constellation tells a different cosmic story that influences every aspect of human life-from personality to destiny.
Understanding what is Nakshatra, going through the Nakshatra list, and learning how they align with your Rashi will provide deep insight into who you are and what you are supposed to become.
From the nourishing grace of Pushya Nakshatra to the profoundly transformative Mula Nakshatra, each of the stars has its wisdom to share, just waiting to be decoded.
At Pandits Near Me, we help you understand your Nakshatra, its meaning, and how it shapes your destiny. Be it Mula Nakshatra, Pushya Nakshatra, or Rohini Nakshatra, our expert astrologers guide you with personalized insight and remedies.
