The 27 Nakshatras: A Complete List with Degrees, Lords and Deities

Long before the twelve zodiac signs became the usual way to describe a chart, Vedic astronomers tracked the Moon through 27 star groups called nakshatras, or lunar mansions. The Moon takes about 27.3 days to circle the zodiac, so it spends roughly one day in each. Your birth nakshatra (the one the Moon occupied when you were born) remains one of the most personal details in a Vedic chart.

This guide lists all 27 with their exact degree ranges, ruling planets, deities and symbols, followed by a short explanation of how they are used.

How the nakshatras are measured

The sidereal zodiac is 360°. Divided into 27 equal parts, each nakshatra spans 13°20' (thirteen degrees, twenty minutes). The first, Ashwini, begins at 0° Aries, and the sequence runs continuously to the end of Pisces.

Each nakshatra is further split into four padas (quarters) of 3°20' each, giving 108 padas in total. Padas are used for naming syllables and for the navamsha (D9) divisional chart.

Ruling planets follow a repeating pattern

Every nakshatra has a ruling planet, and these rulers are the backbone of the Vimshottari dasha system. The nine lords repeat three times in the same order:

Ketu → Venus → Sun → Moon → Mars → Rahu → Jupiter → Saturn → Mercury

So Ashwini, Magha and Mula are all ruled by Ketu; Bharani, Purva Phalguni and Purva Ashadha by Venus; and so on.

The 27 nakshatras at a glance

Degrees are sidereal (Lahiri ayanamsha). The "absolute" column counts from 0° Aries.

Symbols and deity names vary a little between texts and translations; the ones above are the most widely cited.

The nature of each nakshatra in one line

These are traditional themes, meant as starting points for reflection rather than fixed descriptions of anyone.

1. Ashwini – quick, fresh starts and a healing, helpful energy.
2. Bharani – carrying responsibility, transformation and strong will.
3. Krittika – sharp, purifying and direct, with a protective streak.
4. Rohini – growth, beauty, comfort and creativity.
5. Mrigashira – curious and searching, always following the next question.
6. Ardra – intense, stormy change that clears the air.
7. Punarvasu – renewal and returning to what is good; optimism.
8. Pushya – nourishing, steady and supportive, often called very auspicious.
9. Ashlesha – perceptive, strategic and deeply intuitive.
10. Magha – honour, lineage, dignity and leadership.
11. Purva Phalguni – rest, pleasure, romance and creative enjoyment.
12. Uttara Phalguni – loyalty, commitment and generous partnership.
13. Hasta – skill with the hands, cleverness and practical craft.
14. Chitra – design, brilliance and making things beautiful.
15. Swati – independence, flexibility and trade; bending without breaking.
16. Vishakha – determination and focus on a chosen goal.
17. Anuradha – friendship, devotion and cooperation.
18. Jyeshtha – seniority, protectiveness and responsibility.
19. Mula – getting to the root of things; research and letting go.
20. Purva Ashadha – conviction, enthusiasm and the power to persuade.
21. Uttara Ashadha – lasting victory, principles and patient effort.
22. Shravana – listening, learning and connecting people.
23. Dhanishta – rhythm, music, abundance and group spirit.
24. Shatabhisha – healing, secrecy and independent thinking.
25. Purva Bhadrapada – idealism, intensity and inner fire.
26. Uttara Bhadrapada – depth, calm wisdom and self-restraint.
27. Revati – gentleness, care and safe journeys; completion of the cycle.

How nakshatras are used in a chart

Your birth nakshatra (Janma nakshatra)

The nakshatra of your natal Moon colours how many astrologers read temperament and emotional needs. It is also the starting point for your Vimshottari dasha: the lord of your birth nakshatra rules the first planetary period of your life.

Compatibility

In Kundli matching, several of the eight kootas (including Tara, Yoni, Gana and Nadi) are worked out from the two people's birth nakshatras. You can explore this further through Kundli matching, which is a paid feature.

Daily timing

The nakshatra the Moon occupies today is one of the five limbs of the daily Panchang, used when choosing favourable times for events.

Names

Each pada is linked to a syllable, and in some families a child's name begins with the syllable of their birth pada.

Abhijit: the "28th" nakshatra

Some older lists include a 28th nakshatra, Abhijit, overlapping the end of Uttara Ashadha and the start of Shravana. It is used in certain muhurta (timing) traditions but is not part of the standard 27-fold division or the Vimshottari dasha.

Astrology is offered for guidance and reflection, not as a substitute for professional advice.

Frequently asked questions

How many degrees is each nakshatra?

Each nakshatra spans 13°20' of the sidereal zodiac, and each of its four padas spans 3°20'. Twenty-seven nakshatras together cover the full 360°.

Which planet rules my nakshatra?

The rulers repeat in the order Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, starting with Ashwini. Find your nakshatra in the table above to see its lord.

How do I find my birth nakshatra?

Your birth nakshatra is the one your Moon occupied at birth. You need your birth date, time and place to calculate it, and a free Kundli will show it directly.

Is any nakshatra "bad"?

No nakshatra is simply good or bad. Each has its own themes, and traditional texts describe both strengths and challenges for every one of them.

Curious which lunar mansion is yours? Make your free Kundli to see your birth nakshatra, Moon sign and ascendant.