In Vedic astronomy and astrology, a Nakshatra (नक्षत्र) is a lunar mansion or stellar constellation. While Western astrology divides the sky into 12 solar signs (Rashis) of 30 degrees each, Vedic seers divided the 360-degree zodiac belt into 27 equal stellar segments of 13° 20' (13 degrees and 20 minutes) each, anchored by prominent fixed stars.
The Lunar Journey Through 27 Mansions
The Moon orbits the Earth in approximately 27.3 days, spending slightly more than one day in each Nakshatra. The 27 constellations begin with Ashwini (in Aries) and conclude with Revati (in Pisces):
• 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
The Concept of Four Padas (Quarters)
Each Nakshatra is subdivided into four equal quarters called Padas (चरण), each measuring 3° 20':
• Since each Zodiac Sign (Rashi) spans 30 degrees, exactly 9 Padas make up one Rashi ($9 \times 3°20' = 30°$).
• For example, Aries contains all 4 Padas of Ashwini, all 4 Padas of Bharani, and the 1st Pada of Krittika.
• The exact Pada occupied by the Moon at birth determines the child's Janam Rashi (Moon Sign) and the initial Vimshottari Dasha balance.
Nakshatra in Daily Life: Namkaran and Muhurat
- 1Namkaran (Naming Ritual): Each of the 108 Padas ($27 \times 4$) is traditionally mapped to a specific Sanskrit sound (Akshar). In classical Indian tradition, an infant's first name begins with the syllable corresponding to the Moon's birth Pada.
- 2Panchaka Nakshatras: The last five nakshatras (Dhanishta, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, and Revati) are collectively known as Panchak. Certain domestic activities, such as building roof structures or collecting wood, are traditionally approached with caution during this window.
- 3Gandanta Nakshatras: The transitional boundaries between water signs and fire signs (Ashlesha-Magha, Jyeshtha-Mula, Revati-Ashwini) are known as Gandanta, where special remedial prayers (Shanti) are traditionally conducted.
Apna Panchang shows both the Nakshatra active at sunrise and its exact transition time for your selected city.
