In Vedic astrology, the 27 Nakshatras (or lunar mansions) are essential components of the
zodiac that provide deeper insight into an individual's character, destiny, and overall life path.
Each Nakshatra occupies 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the ecliptic and is associated with
specific characteristics, ruling deities, symbols, and planets. The Nakshatras play a crucial role
in determining the "birth star" or Janma Nakshatra, which is the Nakshatra in which the moon is
positioned at the time of one's birth.
Here is a list of the 27 Nakshatras, their ruling planets, and symbols:
1. Ashwini
○ Ruling Planet: Ketu
○ Symbol: Horse head
○ Deity: Ashwini Kumaras (twin horsemen, physicians of the gods)
2. Bharani
○ Ruling Planet: Venus
○ Symbol: Yoni (female reproductive organ)
○ Deity: Yama (god of death)
3. Krittika
○ Ruling Planet: Sun
○ Symbol: Razor or knife
○ Deity: Agni (god of fire)
4. Rohini
○ Ruling Planet: Moon
○ Symbol: Chariot
○ Deity: Brahma (creator god)
5. Mrigashira
○ Ruling Planet: Mars
○ Symbol: Deer’s head
○ Deity: Soma (Moon god)
6. Ardra
○ Ruling Planet: Rahu
○ Symbol: Tear
○ Deity: Rudra (storm god, form of Shiva)
7. Punarvasu
○ Ruling Planet: Jupiter
○ Symbol: Bow and quiver
○ Deity: Aditi (mother of the gods)
8. Pushya
○ Ruling Planet: Saturn
○ Symbol: Cow's udder
○ Deity: Brihaspati (guru of the gods)
9. Ashlesha
○ Ruling Planet: Mercury
○ Symbol: Coiled snake
○ Deity: Nagas (serpent deities)
10. Magha
○ Ruling Planet: Ketu
○ Symbol: Royal throne
○ Deity: Pitris (ancestors)
11. Purva Phalguni
○ Ruling Planet: Venus
○ Symbol: Swinging hammock
○ Deity: Bhaga (god of fortune)
12. Uttara Phalguni
○ Ruling Planet: Sun
○ Symbol: Two bedposts
○ Deity: Aryaman (god of contracts and friendships)
13. Hasta
○ Ruling Planet: Moon
○ Symbol: Hand
○ Deity: Savitar (a form of the Sun god)
14. Chitra
○ Ruling Planet: Mars
○ Symbol: Pearl or bright jewel
○ Deity: Vishvakarma (divine architect)
15. Swati
○ Ruling Planet: Rahu
○ Symbol: Coral
○ Deity: Vayu (god of wind)
16. Vishakha
○ Ruling Planet: Jupiter
○ Symbol: Triumphal arch
○ Deity: Indra (king of gods) and Agni (god of fire)
17. Anuradha
○ Ruling Planet: Saturn
○ Symbol: Lotus flower
○ Deity: Mitra (god of friendship and compassion)
18. Jyeshtha
○ Ruling Planet: Mercury
○ Symbol: Umbrella or talisman
○ Deity: Indra (king of the gods)
19. Mula
○ Ruling Planet: Ketu
○ Symbol: Tied bunch of roots
○ Deity: Nirriti (goddess of destruction)
20. Purva Ashadha
○ Ruling Planet: Venus
○ Symbol: Elephant tusk
○ Deity: Apas (god of water)
21. Uttara Ashadha
○ Ruling Planet: Sun
○ Symbol: Planks of a bed
○ Deity: Vishvadevas (universal gods)
22. Shravana
○ Ruling Planet: Moon
○ Symbol: Ear
○ Deity: Vishnu (the preserver)
23. Dhanishta
○ Ruling Planet: Mars
○ Symbol: Drum
○ Deity: Eight Vasus (solar deities)
24. Shatabhisha
○ Ruling Planet: Rahu
○ Symbol: Circle
○ Deity: Varuna (god of cosmic waters)
25. Purva Bhadrapada
○ Ruling Planet: Jupiter
○ Symbol: Sword
○ Deity: Aja Ekapada (serpent god)
26. Uttara Bhadrapada
○ Ruling Planet: Saturn
○ Symbol: Twins or back legs of a funeral cot
○ Deity: Ahir Budhnya (serpent of the deep seas)
27. Revati
○ Ruling Planet: Mercury
○ Symbol: Fish
○ Deity: Pushan (protector of travelers and herds)
These Nakshatras are used in various calculations in astrology, including determining
compatibility, career path, spiritual inclination, and more. Each Nakshatra carries unique
qualities, and their interpretation depends on various factors such as their placement in a
person’s chart, the position of planets, and their lords.
