Nakshatra Calculator
Discover your Janma Nakshatra (birth star) - the lunar mansion the Moon occupied at the moment of your birth
Date and time of birth (IST - Indian Standard Time)
More accurate time → more precise Nakshatra pada
What Are Nakshatras? The 27 Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology
In Vedic astrology, the sky is divided into 27 equal segments of 13°20′ each, corresponding to the approximately 27 days the Moon takes to complete one orbit around the Earth. Each segment is a Nakshatra (literally "that which does not perish") - a lunar mansion with its own ruling deity, planetary lord, symbol, and archetypal energy.
The Moon's Path
As the fastest-moving body in Vedic astrology, the Moon transits one Nakshatra approximately every day. The Nakshatra it occupied at the exact moment of your birth is your Janma Nakshatra - your birth star - and it colours the lens through which your entire chart operates.
Vimshottari Dasha
Your birth Nakshatra determines which Vimshottari Dasha period you were born into. This 120-year planetary cycle - the most widely used predictive system in Vedic astrology - begins with the lord of your Janma Nakshatra and governs the timing of life events.
Marriage Matching (Kundali Milan)
Nakshatra compatibility forms the backbone of traditional Hindu marriage matching. The Ashtakoot scoring system compares the Nakshatras of prospective partners across eight categories to assess long-term compatibility, health, prosperity, and temperament alignment.
The Four Padas - Quarters of Each Nakshatra
Each of the 27 Nakshatras is further divided into four equal quarters called Padas (literally "feet"), each spanning 3°20′ of arc. The 108 Padas (27 × 4) correspond exactly to the 108 syllables of the Vedic tradition and the 108 beads of the japa mala. Each Pada aligns with one Navamsa sign, adding another layer of interpretation to the birth star.
| Pada | Navamsa Sign | Quality | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Pada | Aries (Dharma) | Fire - Action | Life purpose, dharmic expression |
| 2nd Pada | Taurus (Artha) | Earth - Stability | Material wealth, security, practical goals |
| 3rd Pada | Gemini (Kama) | Air - Desire | Relationships, communication, creative enjoyment |
| 4th Pada | Cancer (Moksha) | Water - Liberation | Spiritual growth, emotional depth, liberation |
The Three Ganas (Temperament Groups)
Nakshatras are grouped into three Ganas reflecting fundamental temperament - a key factor in marriage compatibility scoring.
Deva (Divine)
Gentle, generous, truthful, and devoted to dharma. Naturally inclination toward spiritual values and harmonious living.
Ashwini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Shravana, Revati
Manushya (Human)
Balanced blend of worldly desires and dharmic values. Motivated by family, achievement, and social belonging.
Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Purva Bhadrapada, Shatabhisha
Rakshasa (Fierce)
Intense, self-determined, and unconventional. Follows personal vision over social norms - powerful when aligned with higher purpose.
Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishakha, Jyeshtha, Mula, Dhanishtha
The Three Nadis (Energy Channels)
Nadi dosha in marriage matching arises when both partners share the same Nadi - indicating possible health challenges or energetic incompatibility.
Aadi (Vata)
Air element energy - quick, mobile, innovative. Associated with the first channel in Ayurvedic energy medicine.
Ashwini, Ardra, Punarvasu, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Jyeshtha, Mula, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada
Madhya (Pitta)
Fire element energy - focused, transformative, precise. The middle channel associated with metabolic power and discernment.
Bharani, Mrigashira, Pushya, Purva Phalguni, Chitra, Anuradha, Purva Ashadha, Dhanishtha, Uttara Bhadrapada
Antya (Kapha)
Earth/water energy - stable, nurturing, enduring. The final channel associated with structural strength and emotional depth.
Krittika, Rohini, Ashlesha, Magha, Swati, Vishakha, Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Revati
All 27 Nakshatras - Complete Lucky Details Reference
| # | Nakshatra | Ruler | Lucky Color | Lucky Day | Lucky Number | Gemstone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashwini | Ketu | Red | Tuesday | 9 | Cat's Eye |
| 2 | Bharani | Venus | Pink | Friday | 6 | Diamond |
| 3 | Krittika | Sun | White | Sunday | 1 | Ruby |
| 4 | Rohini | Moon | White | Monday | 2 | Pearl |
| 5 | Mrigashira | Mars | Silver | Tuesday | 9 | Red Coral |
| 6 | Ardra | Rahu | Black | Saturday | 4 | Hessonite |
| 7 | Punarvasu | Jupiter | Yellow | Thursday | 3 | Yellow Sapphire |
| 8 | Pushya | Saturn | Blue | Saturday | 8 | Blue Sapphire |
| 9 | Ashlesha | Mercury | Green | Wednesday | 5 | Emerald |
| 10 | Magha | Ketu | Ivory | Tuesday | 9 | Cat's Eye |
| 11 | Purva Phalguni | Venus | Pink | Friday | 6 | Diamond |
| 12 | Uttara Phalguni | Sun | Orange | Sunday | 1 | Ruby |
| 13 | Hasta | Moon | Green | Monday | 2 | Pearl |
| 14 | Chitra | Mars | Black | Tuesday | 9 | Red Coral |
| 15 | Swati | Rahu | Blue | Saturday | 4 | Hessonite |
| 16 | Vishakha | Jupiter | Yellow | Thursday | 3 | Yellow Sapphire |
| 17 | Anuradha | Saturn | Brown | Saturday | 8 | Blue Sapphire |
| 18 | Jyeshtha | Mercury | Cream | Wednesday | 5 | Emerald |
| 19 | Mula | Ketu | Brown | Tuesday | 7 | Cat's Eye |
| 20 | Purva Ashadha | Venus | Golden | Friday | 6 | Diamond |
| 21 | Uttara Ashadha | Sun | Copper | Sunday | 1 | Ruby |
| 22 | Shravana | Moon | Blue | Monday | 2 | Pearl |
| 23 | Dhanishtha | Mars | Silver | Tuesday | 8 | Red Coral |
| 24 | Shatabhisha | Rahu | Blue-Green | Saturday | 4 | Hessonite |
| 25 | Purva Bhadrapada | Jupiter | Silver | Thursday | 3 | Yellow Sapphire |
| 26 | Uttara Bhadrapada | Saturn | Purple | Saturday | 8 | Blue Sapphire |
| 27 | Revati | Mercury | Yellow | Wednesday | 5 | Emerald |
Best Career Paths by Birth Nakshatra
Each nakshatra carries inherent gifts that align with certain professional paths. These are tendencies, not limitations.
Ashwini
Medicine, surgery, equestrian sports, military, first-response
Bharani
Art, entertainment, hospitality, midwifery, death care
Krittika
Leadership, fire/metal work, cooking, criticism, publishing
Rohini
Agriculture, arts, finance, beauty, real estate, luxury goods
Mrigashira
Research, travel, writing, perfumery, exploration
Ardra
Science, technology, meteorology, psychology, demolition
Punarvasu
Teaching, philosophy, trade, healing, real estate
Pushya
Government, food industry, social work, banking, priesthood
Ashlesha
Psychology, occult, law, pharmaceuticals, snakes/reptiles
Magha
Politics, royalty, history, archaeology, ancestral work
Purva Phalguni
Music, dance, design, contracts, luxury, weddings
Uttara Phalguni
Public service, teaching, social work, government, unions
Hasta
Craft, surgery, writing, accounting, weaving, healing arts
Chitra
Architecture, jewellery, design, art, manufacturing
Swati
Business, trade, diplomacy, aviation, social media
Vishakha
Politics, religion, sports, law, advocacy
Anuradha
Management, astrology, occult, social work, international work
Jyeshtha
Intelligence, law enforcement, security, leadership, magic
Mula
Philosophy, research, medicine, mining, spirituality
Purva Ashadha
Navy, water industry, publishing, debate, advocacy
Uttara Ashadha
Law, military, education, international relations, ethics
Shravana
Music, counselling, media, knowledge preservation, deity service
Dhanishtha
Music, real estate, financial management, military
Shatabhisha
Medicine, research, astronomy, mysticism, chemical industry
Purva Bhadrapada
Occult, asceticism, funeral rites, cremation, mortuary
Uttara Bhadrapada
Spirituality, astrology, deep sea, philosophy, old age care
Revati
Travel, shipping, music, arts, social work, gemstone trade
Frequently Asked Questions About Nakshatras
What is a Janma Nakshatra and why does it matter?
Your Janma Nakshatra (birth star) is the lunar mansion occupied by the Moon at the moment of your birth. It is the most personal point in Vedic astrology - governing your emotional nature, instinctive responses, and the Vimshottari Dasha cycle that predicts the timing of major life events. Unlike the Sun sign used in Western astrology, the Nakshatra reflects the fast-moving, emotionally responsive Moon, making it a more intimate and specific indicator of character.
How is a Nakshatra calculated?
The Moon's sidereal longitude (position corrected for the Lahiri ayanamsa, the official Vedic standard) is divided by 13°20′ (the span of each Nakshatra). The result, rounded down, gives the Nakshatra index from 0 (Ashwini) to 26 (Revati). The Pada (quarter) is calculated by dividing the Moon's position through 108 equal segments. This calculator uses Jean Meeus's precise 15-term Moon formula and the Chitrapaksha Lahiri ayanamsa.
What is the difference between Nakshatra and Rashi (Moon Sign)?
Rashi is the zodiac sign the Moon occupies - one of 12 signs, each spanning 30°. Nakshatra is a finer subdivision - one of 27 mansions, each spanning 13°20′. Every Rashi contains 2 to 2.5 Nakshatras. Your Rashi gives broad emotional and mental tendencies, while your Nakshatra provides a much more specific and nuanced portrait of your inner nature. Both are essential in Vedic astrology; for daily and predictive work, the Nakshatra is often considered more precise.
How do Nakshatras determine my Vimshottari Dasha start?
The Vimshottari Dasha is a 120-year planetary cycle assigned to each person based on the Nakshatra lord at birth. The system divides life into major periods (Mahadashas) ruled by each of nine planets: Ketu (6 years), Venus (20), Sun (6), Moon (10), Mars (7), Rahu (18), Jupiter (16), Saturn (19), Mercury (17). The portion of the Nakshatra already elapsed at birth determines how far into the first Dasha you are born. This system is the primary predictive tool in Vedic astrology.
What is Nakshatra compatibility in marriage matching?
Traditional Vedic marriage matching (Ashtakoot Milan) compares the Nakshatras of two people across eight compatibility categories, each worth a set number of points out of a total of 36. The categories include Varna (temperament class), Vashya (dominance), Tara (birth star compatibility), Yoni (animal nature/sexual compatibility), Graha Maitri (planetary friendship), Gana (temperament group), Bhakoot (emotional compatibility and prosperity), and Nadi (physiological/health compatibility). A score of 18 or above is generally considered acceptable; 27+ is considered good.
What is Abhijit Nakshatra - the 28th nakshatra?
Abhijit is a special nakshatra not included in the standard 27-nakshatra system. It spans approximately 6°40' to 10°53' in Capricorn (sidereal) and corresponds to the star Vega. It is considered extremely auspicious - the word Abhijit means 'victorious'. Any work begun during Abhijit nakshatra (around midday, when the Sun is at its peak) is said to be crowned with success.
What is Janma Tara and why does it matter?
From your birth nakshatra, the 27 nakshatras are divided into 9 groups of 3 called Tara chakra. The Janma Tara (birth star) is 1st, Sampat (wealth) is 2nd, Vipat (danger) is 3rd, Kshema (comfort) is 4th, Pratyak (obstacle) is 5th, Sadhana (achievement) is 6th, Naidhana (danger/death) is 7th, Mitra (friend) is 8th, and Paramamitra (best friend) is 9th. Transiting planets through your Naidhana and Vipat tara require caution.
How does my birth nakshatra affect marriage compatibility?
Traditional Vedic marriage matching uses the Ashtakoot (8-factor) system where nakshatra compatibility accounts for 36 points. Key factors include Varna (spiritual compatibility), Vashya (dominance), Tara (health/longevity compatibility), Yoni (sexual compatibility), Gana (temperament - Deva/Manava/Rakshasa), Graha Maitri (planetary friendship), Bhakoot (sign compatibility), and Nadi (genetic/physiological compatibility). Nadi alone accounts for 8 points - the highest weight.