Understanding Your Nakshatra: The 27 Lunar Mansions Explained
What are Nakshatras?
Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions or star constellations used in Vedic astrology. The Moon travels through all 27 Nakshatras in approximately 27.3 days, spending about one day in each Nakshatra.
Your birth Nakshatra (Janma Nakshatra) is determined by the Moon's position at the time of your birth and plays a crucial role in Vedic astrology predictions and compatibility matching.
The 27 Nakshatras
1. Ashwini
- Symbol: Horse's head
- Ruling Planet: Ketu
- Characteristics: Quick, energetic, pioneering spirit
2. Bharani
- Symbol: Yoni (female reproductive organ)
- Ruling Planet: Venus
- Characteristics: Creative, nurturing, transformative
3. Krittika
- Symbol: Razor or flame
- Ruling Planet: Sun
- Characteristics: Sharp, determined, purifying
4. Rohini
- Symbol: Chariot or ox cart
- Ruling Planet: Moon
- Characteristics: Beautiful, creative, materialistic
5. Mrigashira
- Symbol: Deer's head
- Ruling Planet: Mars
- Characteristics: Curious, searching, gentle
6. Ardra
- Symbol: Teardrop
- Ruling Planet: Rahu
- Characteristics: Emotional, intense, transformative
7. Punarvasu
- Symbol: Bow and quiver
- Ruling Planet: Jupiter
- Characteristics: Renewing, optimistic, philosophical
8. Pushya
- Symbol: Cow's udder
- Ruling Planet: Saturn
- Characteristics: Nourishing, caring, traditional
9. Ashlesha
- Symbol: Coiled serpent
- Ruling Planet: Mercury
- Characteristics: Mystical, intense, hypnotic
10-27. Remaining Nakshatras
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 complete the 27 Nakshatras.
Nakshatra Compatibility
In marriage matching, Nakshatra compatibility is assessed through:
1. Tara Koota: Relationship between birth stars
2. Yoni Koota: Animal symbols of Nakshatras
3. Nadi Koota: Health and genetic compatibility
How to Find Your Nakshatra
Your Nakshatra is determined by:
Use our [Nakshatra Compatibility Checker](/nakshatra-compatibility) to find your birth star and check compatibility with your partner.
Conclusion
Understanding your Nakshatra provides deep insights into your personality, strengths, and compatibility factors. While it's one piece of the astrological puzzle, it offers valuable guidance for personal growth and relationships.
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