What are the 27 nakshatras? The 27 parts of the Moon’s path, each 13°20′ wide: 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, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada and Revati.
All 27 nakshatras
| Nakshatra | Ruling planet | Rashi | Name letters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashwini | Ketu | Mesha | Chu, Che, Cho, La |
| Bharani | Venus | Mesha | Li, Lu, Le, Lo |
| Krittika | Sun | Mesha (pada 1), Vrishabha (padas 2, 3, 4) | A, I, U, E |
| Rohini | Moon | Vrishabha | O, Va, Vi, Vu |
| Mrigashira | Mars | Vrishabha (padas 1, 2), Mithuna (padas 3, 4) | Ve, Vo, Ka, Ki |
| Ardra | Rahu | Mithuna | Ku, Gha, Na, Chha |
| Punarvasu | Jupiter | Mithuna (padas 1, 2, 3), Karka (pada 4) | Ke, Ko, Ha, Hi |
| Pushya | Saturn | Karka | Hu, He, Ho, Da |
| Ashlesha | Mercury | Karka | Di, Du, De, Do |
| Magha | Ketu | Simha | Ma, Mi, Mu, Me |
| Purva Phalguni | Venus | Simha | Mo, Ta, Ti, Tu |
| Uttara Phalguni | Sun | Simha (pada 1), Kanya (padas 2, 3, 4) | Te, To, Pa, Pi |
| Hasta | Moon | Kanya | Pu, Sha, Na, Tha |
| Chitra | Mars | Kanya (padas 1, 2), Tula (padas 3, 4) | Pe, Po, Ra, Ri |
| Swati | Rahu | Tula | Ru, Re, Ro, Ta |
| Vishakha | Jupiter | Tula (padas 1, 2, 3), Vrishchika (pada 4) | Ti, Tu, Te, To |
| Anuradha | Saturn | Vrishchika | Na, Ni, Nu, Ne |
| Jyeshtha | Mercury | Vrishchika | No, Ya, Yi, Yu |
| Mula | Ketu | Dhanu | Ye, Yo, Bha, Bhi |
| Purva Ashadha | Venus | Dhanu | Bhu, Dha, Pha, Dha |
| Uttara Ashadha | Sun | Dhanu (pada 1), Makara (padas 2, 3, 4) | Bhe, Bho, Ja, Ji |
| Shravana | Moon | Makara | Ju, Je, Jo, Gha |
| Dhanishta | Mars | Makara (padas 1, 2), Kumbha (padas 3, 4) | Ga, Gi, Gu, Ge |
| Shatabhisha | Rahu | Kumbha | Go, Sa, Si, Su |
| Purva Bhadrapada | Jupiter | Kumbha (padas 1, 2, 3), Meena (pada 4) | Se, So, Da, Di |
| Uttara Bhadrapada | Saturn | Meena | Du, Tha, Jha, Na |
| Revati | Mercury | Meena | De, Do, Cha, Chi |
The wheel of nakshatras and rashis
What these terms mean
The seven classes
Dhruva (fixed)
Traditionally chosen for what is meant to last: foundations, griha pravesh, planting and long commitments.
Chara (movable)
Traditionally chosen for journeys, buying a vehicle and anything that involves movement.
Ugra (fierce)
Traditionally kept away from gentle beginnings such as weddings, and used for difficult or competitive work.
Mishra (mixed)
Mixed in nature. Traditionally used for routine work and for rites with fire.
Kshipra (swift)
Traditionally chosen for trade, starting a course of study, medicine and short journeys.
Mridu (soft)
Traditionally chosen for gentle beginnings: friendship, music, new clothes and many wedding muhurats.
Tikshna (sharp)
Traditionally kept for strong measures, and avoided for gentle beginnings such as weddings.
Sources
- Muhurta Chintamani, for the classes of nakshatra.
- Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, for the ruling planets in the Vimshottari system.
- Name letters follow the Avakahada chart used in Indian panchangs.
Pujas for your nakshatra
Questions devotees ask us
What is a nakshatra?
The Moon’s path is divided into 27 parts of 13°20′, each named after a star group. The one the Moon was in when you were born is your birth nakshatra.
How do I find my nakshatra?
You need your date, time and place of birth. Our free tool works it out, with your pada and name letter.
What are gandamool nakshatras?
Ashwini, Ashlesha, Magha, Jyeshtha, Mula and Revati. Families traditionally hold a shanti for a child born under one of them.