What is Nakshatra?
A nakshatra is one of the 27 divisions of the sky that the Moon passes through during its monthly orbit around the Earth. Each nakshatra spans 13°20' of the zodiac, and the Moon spends roughly one day in each.
The word comes from Sanskrit: naksha (map) + tra (guard) — the nakshatras are the guardians of the celestial map.
The 27 Nakshatras
The nakshatras begin with Ashwini and end with Revati, forming a complete circle of the sky:
- Ashwini — Swift, healing, new beginnings
- Bharani — Transformation, restraint
- Krittika — Sharpness, purification
- Rohini — Growth, fertility, beauty
- Mrigashira — Searching, curiosity
- Ardra — Storm, effort, transformation
- Punarvasu — Renewal, return of light
- Pushya — Nourishment, most auspicious
- Ashlesha — Intensity, mystical energy
- Magha — Royal power, ancestors
- Purva Phalguni — Enjoyment, creativity
- Uttara Phalguni — Friendship, patronage
- Hasta — Skill, craftsmanship
- Chitra — Brilliance, artistry
- Swati — Independence, movement
- Vishakha — Purpose, determination
- Anuradha — Devotion, friendship
- Jyeshtha — Seniority, protective power
- Moola — Roots, investigation
- Purva Ashadha — Invincibility, conviction
- Uttara Ashadha — Final victory
- Shravana — Listening, learning
- Dhanishta — Wealth, musical rhythm
- Shatabhisha — Healing, solitude
- Purva Bhadrapada — Intensity, fire
- Uttara Bhadrapada — Depth, wisdom
- Revati — Nourishment, completion
Why Nakshatras Matter
Nakshatras influence daily life in several ways:
- Daily quality: Each nakshatra carries a distinct energy that colors the day. Pushya is considered the most auspicious for starting ventures, while Moola calls for caution.
- Birth nakshatra: The nakshatra the Moon occupied at your birth is your janma nakshatra — a key element of Vedic astrology that shapes personality and life patterns.
- Muhurta selection: When choosing auspicious timing for important events (weddings, travel, business), the ruling nakshatra is a primary consideration.
- Festival timing: Many festivals are tied to specific nakshatras. Buddha Purnima falls on Vaishakha Purnima in Vishakha nakshatra.
How the Moon Moves Through Nakshatras
The Moon completes its circuit of all 27 nakshatras in approximately 27.3 days — one sidereal month. It spends about 1 day in each nakshatra, though the exact duration varies slightly.
The nakshatra at sunrise determines the ruling nakshatra for the day, similar to how the sunrise tithi determines the day's tithi.
Nakshatra in KAAL
KAAL displays the current nakshatra on the Daily screen alongside the tithi, yoga, and karana. The nakshatra transitions are shown with exact timing so you know when the energy shifts.
Track today's nakshatra and all panchang elements with KAAL — the modern Hindu calendar app with precise timings for your location.
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