nakshatras

Nakshatras, or lunar mansions, are a traditional system in Indian astronomy and Hindu astrology that divide the sky along the Moon’s path. The ecliptic is partitioned into 27 equal segments, each spanning about 13 degrees and 20 minutes. As the Moon travels through the zodiac, it passes through one nakshatra roughly each day, making the system a key timing device in Hindu calendrics and horoscopes. In some enumerations a 28th segment, Abhijit, is added, but it is not treated as a standard nakshatra in most traditional astrology.

The 27 nakshatras are named in order as: Ashwini (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, Revati.

In Hindu astrology (jyotisha), each nakshatra is associated with a presiding deity and a ruling planet, and they are used to characterize personality tendencies, auspicious timings, and life events. Nakshatra analysis complements the broader zodiac sign (rashis) interpretation by focusing on lunar mansions and their symbolic meanings. The concept has historical roots in Vedic astronomy and has remained influential in religious ceremonies, muhurta (electional astrology), and personal astrology in the Indian tradition.