Nakshatras, also known as lunar mansions, are a vital part of Vedic astrology. The word Nakshatra is derived from Sanskrit, where Naksha means “map” and Tra means “guardianship.” In Hindu astrology, the zodiac is divided into 27 equal segments, each ruled by a specific star or constellation. These Nakshatras influence personality traits, destiny, and compatibility in a horoscope.
Unlike the 12 zodiac signs that divide the celestial belt into larger sections, the Nakshatras offer more precise insight into traits, compatibility, and life path. Let’s explore the full 27 Nakshatra names, their lords, characteristics, and their connection with zodiac signs (Rashis).
27 Nakshatras and Their Lords
Every Nakshatra is ruled by a planetary deity known as its Nakshatra Lord. This ruling planet influences the qualities and tendencies of people born under that star. For instance, Ashwini ruled by Ketu signifies quick action and healing, while Rohini ruled by the Moon represents charm and creativity.
| Nakshatra | Ruling Planet (Lord) |
|---|---|
| Ashwini | Ketu |
| Bharani | Venus |
| Krittika | Sun |
| Rohini | Moon |
| Mrigashira | Mars |
| Ardra | Rahu |
| Punarvasu | Jupiter |
| Pushya | Saturn |
| Ashlesha | Mercury |
| Magha | Ketu |
| Purva Phalguni | Venus |
| Uttara Phalguni | Sun |
| Hasta | Moon |
| Chitra | Mars |
| Swati | Rahu |
| Vishakha | Jupiter |
| Anuradha | Saturn |
| Jyeshtha | Mercury |
| Moola | Ketu |
| Purva Ashadha | Venus |
| Uttara Ashadha | Sun |
| Shravana | Moon |
| Dhanishta | Mars |
| Shatabhisha | Rahu |
| Purva Bhadrapada | Jupiter |
| Uttara Bhadrapada | Saturn |
| Revati | Mercury |
Characteristics of the 27 Nakshatras
Each Nakshatra has its own unique nature that influences personality and destiny. These characteristics are used in horoscope readings, matchmaking, and even in selecting auspicious times (muhurat).
- Ashwini – Fast, energetic, natural healers
- Bharani – Strong, creative, disciplined
- Krittika – Fierce, ambitious, sharp-minded
- Rohini – Attractive, nurturing, artistic
- Mrigashira – Curious, searching, restless
- Ardra – Emotional, transformative, deep thinkers
- Punarvasu – Optimistic, resourceful, generous
- Pushya – Caring, wise, leadership qualities
- Ashlesha – Strategic, mysterious, intelligent
- Magha – Royal, traditional, authoritative
- Purva Phalguni – Romantic, artistic, pleasure-loving
- Uttara Phalguni – Loyal, balanced, responsible
- Hasta – Skilled, dexterous, creative hands
- Chitra – Beautiful, stylish, charming
- Swati – Independent, free-spirited, adaptable
- Vishakha – Ambitious, determined, goal-seeking
- Anuradha – Loyal, disciplined, spiritual
- Jyeshtha – Protective, wise, commanding
- Moola – Philosophical, deep, truth-seeking
- Purva Ashadha – Courageous, enthusiastic, competitive
- Uttara Ashadha – Righteous, patient, authoritative
- Shravana – Knowledge-seekers, good listeners
- Dhanishta – Musical, prosperous, generous
- Shatabhisha – Healing, secretive, independent
- Purva Bhadrapada – Idealistic, spiritual, mysterious
- Uttara Bhadrapada – Wise, disciplined, stable
- Revati – Compassionate, charitable, creative
Nakshatras and Their Associated Rashi (Zodiac Signs)
Every zodiac sign (Rashi) is connected with certain Nakshatras. This association is key in preparing birth charts and predicting life events.
| Rashi (Zodiac) | Nakshatras Belonging to It |
|---|---|
| Aries (Mesha) | Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika (1) |
| Taurus (Vrishabha) | Krittika (2–4), Rohini, Mrigashira (1–2) |
| Gemini (Mithuna) | Mrigashira (3–4), Ardra, Punarvasu (1–3) |
| Cancer (Karka) | Punarvasu (4), Pushya, Ashlesha |
| Leo (Simha) | Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni (1) |
| Virgo (Kanya) | Uttara Phalguni (2–4), Hasta, Chitra (1–2) |
| Libra (Tula) | Chitra (3–4), Swati, Vishakha (1–3) |
| Scorpio (Vrischika) | Vishakha (4), Anuradha, Jyeshtha |
| Sagittarius (Dhanu) | Moola, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha (1) |
| Capricorn (Makara) | Uttara Ashadha (2–4), Shravana, Dhanishta (1–2) |
| Aquarius (Kumbha) | Dhanishta (3–4), Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada (1–3) |
| Pisces (Meena) | Purva Bhadrapada (4), Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati |
This mapping helps astrologers identify not only personality traits but also auspicious timings for rituals and life events.
27 Nakshatra Names in Telugu
For Telugu readers and astrology enthusiasts, here is the complete list of Nakshatras in Telugu language:
- అశ్విని (Ashwini)
- భరణి (Bharani)
- కృత్తిక (Krittika)
- రోహిణి (Rohini)
- మృగశిర (Mrigashira)
- ఆర్ద్ర (Ardra)
- పునర్వసు (Punarvasu)
- పుష్యమి (Pushya)
- ఆశ్లేష (Ashlesha)
- మఖ (Magha)
- పూర్వ ఫల్గుణి (Purva Phalguni)
- ఉత్తర ఫల్గుణి (Uttara Phalguni)
- హస్త (Hasta)
- చిత్ర (Chitra)
- స్వాతి (Swati)
- విశాఖ (Vishakha)
- అనూరాధ (Anuradha)
- జ్యేష్ఠ (Jyeshtha)
- మూల (Moola)
- పూర్వాషాఢ (Purva Ashadha)
- ఉత్తరాషాఢ (Uttara Ashadha)
- శ్రవణం (Shravana)
- ధనిష్ఠ (Dhanishta)
- శతభిషం (Shatabhisha)
- పూర్వ భాద్రపద (Purva Bhadrapada)
- ఉత్తర భాద్రపద (Uttara Bhadrapada)
- రేవతి (Revati)
Wrap UP
The 27 Nakshatras are the building blocks of Vedic astrology, offering a detailed understanding of human personality, life path, and compatibility. From their ruling planets to their connection with Rashis, every Nakshatra carries unique wisdom that guides astrological predictions.
Whether studied in Sanskrit, Hindi, or Telugu, these stars continue to shape the spiritual and astrological traditions of India.
If you are curious about how your Nakshatra impacts your destiny, contact an expert astrologer for a personalised reading. Discover your Nakshatra today and explore the cosmic blueprint of your life!
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