Lunar Mansions
27 equal sectors along the ecliptic, each spanning 13°20′. The Moon transits one mansion per day — shaping daily energy.
🌙 Nakshatra Astronomy · The 27 Lunar Mansions
Discover the 27 celestial divisions that map the Moon's journey across the sky. Rooted in ancient Vedic science, Nakshatras are more than astrology — they are a precise astronomical framework for understanding cosmic timing, emotional rhythms, and daily decision-making.
Astronomical Guide
27 Mansions
~23h 37m per mansion
Cosmic Timing Insight
How to use Nakshatra knowledge today: The Moon transits one Nakshatra each day, subtly influencing collective mood, mental clarity, and the energetic quality of time. By knowing which Nakshatra the Moon occupies, you can align your activities with the prevailing cosmic rhythm — choosing optimal moments for important decisions, creative work, rest, or social connection.
Check the daily Panchanga to see today's Nakshatra and receive personalized timing guidance.
27 × 13°20′
= 360° zodiac
Core Concepts
Understand the four pillars of Nakshatra astronomy — each essential for grasping how lunar mansions work.
Real Stars & Asterisms
Each Nakshatra corresponds to a real celestial body — such as Aldebaran (Rohini), Spica (Chitra), or the Pleiades (Krittika).
Vedic Timekeeping
Nakshatras form the backbone of Panchanga, Muhurat election, and festival calculations — a living astronomical calendar.
Cosmic Personality
Each mansion carries a unique deity, symbol, and planetary lord — shaping its energetic signature and practical influence.
The Astronomy Behind Nakshatras
The ecliptic — the Sun's apparent yearly path across the sky — is divided into 27 equal arcs of 13°20′ each. The Moon, moving approximately 13° per day, spends roughly one day in each Nakshatra. Ancient Indian astronomers identified the "yogataras" — the principal stars marking each mansion.
Many Nakshatra names directly reference these real stars: Rohini = Aldebaran (α Tauri), Chitra = Spica (α Virginis), Ardra = Betelgeuse (α Orionis).
The starting point is traditionally fixed at the vernal equinox point (Ashwini), though some systems reference the fixed star Spica (Chitra) as the anchor. This dual-reference system highlights the sophistication of Vedic astronomical thinking.
27 × 13°20′
= 360° zodiac
The 27 Lunar Mansions
includes Abhijit (intercalary)Each Nakshatra spans 13°20′ of the zodiac. The table shows the Vedic name, presiding deity, ruling planet (lord), astronomical range measured from 0° Aries, and the key star or asterism that marks each mansion. Tap any row to highlight it.
| # | Nakshatra | Deity | Lord | Range (Aries = 0°) | Key Star / Asterism |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashwini | Ashwini Kumaras | Ketu | 0° – 13°20′ | β & γ Arietis |
| 2 | Bharani | Yama | Venus | 13°20′ – 26°40′ | 41 Arietis |
| 3 | Krittika | Agni | Sun | 26°40′ – 40°00′ | Pleiades (Alcyone) |
| 4 | Rohini | Brahma / Prajapati | Moon | 40°00′ – 53°20′ | Aldebaran (α Tauri) |
| 5 | Mrigashira | Soma | Mars | 53°20′ – 66°40′ | λ, φ Orionis |
| 6 | Ardra | Rudra | Rahu | 66°40′ – 80°00′ | Betelgeuse (α Orionis) |
| 7 | Punarvasu | Aditi | Jupiter | 80°00′ – 93°20′ | Castor & Pollux |
| 8 | Pushya | Brihaspati | Saturn | 93°20′ – 106°40′ | γ, δ, θ Cancri |
| 9 | Ashlesha | Naga / Serpent | Mercury | 106°40′ – 120°00′ | α, ε Hydrae |
| 10 | Magha | Pitrs (Ancestors) | Ketu | 120°00′ – 133°20′ | Regulus (α Leonis) |
| 11 | Purva Phalguni | Bhaga | Venus | 133°20′ – 146°40′ | δ & θ Leonis |
| 12 | Uttara Phalguni | Aryaman | Sun | 146°40′ – 160°00′ | Denebola (β Leonis) |
| 13 | Hasta | Savitar | Moon | 160°00′ – 173°20′ | α, β, γ, δ, ε Corvi |
| 14 | Chitra | Tvashtar / Vishvakarma | Mars | 173°20′ – 186°40′ | Spica (α Virginis) |
| 15 | Swati | Vayu | Rahu | 186°40′ – 200°00′ | Arcturus (α Boötis) |
| 16 | Vishakha | Indra-Agni | Jupiter | 200°00′ – 213°20′ | α, β, γ, ι Librae |
| 17 | Anuradha | Mitra | Saturn | 213°20′ – 226°40′ | β, δ, π Scorpii |
| 18 | Jyeshtha | Indra | Mercury | 226°40′ – 240°00′ | Antares (α Scorpii) |
| 19 | Mula | Nirriti | Ketu | 240°00′ – 253°20′ | ε, ζ, η, θ, ι, κ, λ, μ, ν Scorpii |
| 20 | Purva Ashadha | Apas (Water) | Venus | 253°20′ – 266°40′ | δ & ε Sagittarii |
| 21 | Uttara Ashadha | Vishvedevas | Sun | 266°40′ – 280°00′ | ζ & σ Sagittarii |
| 22 | Shravana | Vishnu | Moon | 280°00′ – 293°20′ | Altair (α Aquilae) |
| 23 | Dhanishta | Vasus | Mars | 293°20′ – 306°40′ | α, β, γ, δ Delphini |
| 24 | Shatabhisha | Varuna | Rahu | 306°40′ – 320°00′ | γ Aquarii |
| 25 | Purva Bhadrapada | Aja Ekapada | Jupiter | 320°00′ – 333°20′ | α & β Pegasi |
| 26 | Uttara Bhadrapada | Ahir Budhnya | Saturn | 333°20′ – 346°40′ | γ Pegasi & α Andromedae |
| 27 | Revati | Pushan | Mercury | 346°40′ – 360°00′ | ζ Piscium |
| * | Abhijit | Brahma | — | 276°40′ – 280°53′ (intercalary) | Vega (α Lyrae) |
* Abhijit is the 28th intercalary Nakshatra, used specifically in Muhurat (electional astrology).
Practical Interpretation Guide
Each Nakshatra carries a distinct energetic quality. Use this quick-reference guide to understand what each mansion's energy supports — and what to approach with awareness.
Dynamic & Initiating
Fast-moving, pioneering energy.
Nakshatras: Ashwini, Magha, Mula, Purva Ashadha, Dhanishta
Best for: Starting projects, travel, bold decisions, physical activity, breaking inertia.
Watch for: Impulsiveness, overlooking details, burnout.
Creative & Expressive
Artistic, communicative, pleasure-oriented.
Nakshatras: Rohini, Purva Phalguni, Chitra, Swati, Revati
Best for: Creative work, socializing, romance, beauty routines, artistic expression, celebration.
Watch for: Overindulgence, distraction, attachment to comfort.
Mental & Analytical
Intellectual, curious, detail-focused.
Nakshatras: Mrigashira, Hasta, Vishakha, Shravana, Shatabhisha
Best for: Study, research, strategic planning, communication, skill-building, writing.
Watch for: Overthinking, analysis paralysis, restlessness.
Transformative & Deep
Intense, penetrating, spiritually charged.
Nakshatras: Bharani, Ardra, Ashlesha, Jyeshtha, Purva Bhadrapada
Best for: Inner work, therapy, detox, ending cycles, deep research, spiritual practice.
Watch for: Emotional overwhelm, confrontation, obsessive thinking.
Nurturing & Stable
Grounding, protective, community-oriented.
Nakshatras: Krittika, Pushya, Uttara Phalguni, Anuradha, Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada
Best for: Family time, home projects, financial planning, team building, long-term commitments, healing.
Watch for: Stubbornness, resistance to change, over-cautiousness.
Spiritual & Expansive
Philosophical, generous, wisdom-seeking.
Nakshatras: Punarvasu, Swati (also in Creative), Shravana, Revati
Best for: Meditation, teaching, mentoring, travel, philanthropy, spiritual study, forgiveness.
Watch for: Escapism, impracticality, neglecting material responsibilities.
Moon and Nakshatra Relationship
Moon & Your Birth Star
The Moon's Nakshatra at your birth is called Janma Nakshatra — your most personal cosmic imprint. Because the Moon changes Nakshatra every day, it directly influences mood, mind, and daily auspiciousness (Tithi-Nakshatra yoga).
Vedic calendars list today's Nakshatra — essential for planning travel, ceremonies, and understanding the emotional tone of the day.
Find your birth starNakshatra Timing
A Nakshatra day (Nakshatra Dina) is the time the Moon resides in a particular mansion. Average duration: ~23 hours 37 minutes. Start and end times are used in Panchanga for precise Muhurat calculations.
27mansions
13°20′each
9planetary lords
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about Nakshatras — astronomy, timing, and practical use.
The 27 Nakshatras are lunar mansions — 27 equal slices of the sky, each 13°20′ wide, that the Moon passes through during its monthly orbit. Think of them as the Moon's "nightly resting places." Each Nakshatra is linked to a real star (like Aldebaran or Spica), a deity, and a planetary energy that colors that day's emotional and practical quality. They form the foundation of the Vedic calendar (Panchanga) and are used to choose auspicious timing for important activities.
The Moon spends approximately 23 hours and 37 minutes in each Nakshatra. This period is called a Nakshatra Dina. Because the lunar orbit is elliptical, the actual duration varies slightly — some transits are shorter, some longer. This precise timing is critical for Panchanga calculations and Muhurat (electional astrology).
Your Janma Nakshatra is the Nakshatra the Moon was transiting at the moment of your birth. In Vedic tradition, it is considered your most personal cosmic fingerprint — revealing your emotional nature, mental patterns, innate strengths, and life themes. It is more specific than your Sun sign and is used for compatibility matching, naming ceremonies, and understanding your core psychological makeup.
Today's Nakshatra changes daily as the Moon moves ~13° through the zodiac. You can check the daily Panchanga on Nakshatralink to see which Nakshatra is active today, along with practical guidance. Use this knowledge to align your activities: start important projects during dynamic Nakshatras (like Ashwini or Magha), plan creative work during expressive ones (like Rohini or Chitra), and reserve reflective Nakshatras (like Ardra or Jyeshtha) for inner work and letting go.
Align Your Activities with Cosmic Timing
Use this decision-support framework to match your daily activities with the prevailing Nakshatra energy. This is guidance — not a rigid rule. Listen to your intuition first.
Activities Best Supported
- Starting new ventures — during Ashwini, Magha, Dhanishta
- Creative projects & art — during Rohini, Chitra, Purva Phalguni
- Study & learning — during Mrigashira, Hasta, Shravana
- Spiritual practice & meditation — during Punarvasu, Revati, Uttara Bhadrapada
- Family gatherings & nurturing — during Pushya, Uttara Phalguni, Anuradha
Approach with Awareness
- Confrontation & heated debates — during Ardra, Jyeshtha, Mula
- Major financial commitments — during Ashlesha, Shatabhisha (research first)
- Impulsive travel — during Bharani (check details twice)
- Signing contracts — avoid during transitional Nakshatra sandhi (junction points)
- Overexertion — during Ketu-ruled Nakshatras (listen to your body)
This guidance is based on traditional Vedic wisdom about Nakshatra qualities. It is not predictive or fear-based — use it as a gentle compass, not an absolute rule.
Explore More Nakshatra Topics
"The Nakshatras are the 27 wives of the Moon — each night he dwells with a different consort, reflecting her nature in the hearts of all beings."