In astrology, the 27 Nakshatras (or constellations) are like special stars that add extra detail and depth to our understanding of the zodiac signs. While the 12 zodiac signs (like Aries, Taurus, Gemini, etc.) are broader in their characteristics, Nakshatras help us pinpoint specific traits in our personality, behavior, and destiny. They bring a layer of precision to astrology that makes it easier to understand ourselves and others.
In this blog, we’ll dive into what Nakshatras are, how they are distributed across the zodiac signs, and how they are divided into padas (quarters), which influence the zodiac signs even further. We’ll also provide plenty of real-life examples to make everything easier to understand.
What Are Nakshatras?
Nakshatras are essentially 27 divisions of the sky, each covering about 13 degrees and 20 minutes. These 27 Nakshatras are spread across the 12 zodiac signs (Rasis). Think of Nakshatras as “mini-constellations” within the zodiac signs.
Here’s an example to make it clearer: Imagine each zodiac sign as a country, and each Nakshatra is like a city within that country. Just as each city in a country has its own flavor and culture, each Nakshatra in a zodiac sign has its own unique qualities. This is why not all people born under the same zodiac sign are the same—Nakshatras add more detail!
The 27 Nakshatras and How They Are Distributed
Each zodiac sign contains a part of 2 or 3 Nakshatras, depending on its position. Here’s how the Nakshatras are distributed across the zodiac:
1. Aries (Mesha) – Nakshatras: Ashwini, Bharani, and part of Krittika
- Ashwini (0°-13° 20’ Aries): Quick, energetic, and adventurous.
- Bharani (13° 20’ – 26° 40’ Aries): Powerful, strong-willed, and transformative.
- Krittika (26° 40’ Aries – 10° Taurus): Sharp, determined, and ambitious.
Example: Imagine Aries is like a city known for its boldness and confidence. If you’re born in Ashwini, you’re like a race car driver—fast, daring, and always on the go. But if you’re born in Bharani, you’re like a determined warrior who never gives up, even in tough situations.
2. Taurus (Vrishabha) – Nakshatras: Part of Krittika, Rohini, and part of Mrigashira
- Krittika (26° 40’ Aries – 10° Taurus): Ambitious and determined.
- Rohini (10° – 23° 20’ Taurus): Creative, nurturing, and focused on beauty.
- Mrigashira (23° 20’ Taurus – 6° 40’ Gemini): Curious, adventurous, and quick to explore.
Example: Taurus is a sign known for stability and love for comfort. If your Moon is in Rohini, you might be like an artist who loves creating beautiful things and enjoys the finer things in life, like a chef who carefully selects the best ingredients to make a delicious meal.
3. Gemini (Mithuna) – Nakshatras: Part of Mrigashira, Ardra, and part of Punarvasu
- Mrigashira (23° 20’ Taurus – 6° 40’ Gemini): Curious, intellectual, and adventurous.
- Ardra (6° 40’ – 20° Gemini): Intense, emotional, and transformative.
- Punarvasu (20° Gemini – 3° 20’ Cancer): Nurturing, optimistic, and reflective.
Example: Gemini is all about communication and quick thinking. If your Moon is in Ardra, you’re like an intense thinker who questions everything and seeks deep understanding, like a philosopher searching for the truth.
4. Cancer (Karkataka) – Nakshatras: Part of Punarvasu, Pushya, and Ashlesha
- Punarvasu (20° Gemini – 3° 20’ Cancer): Optimistic and nurturing.
- Pushya (3° 20’ – 16° 40’ Cancer): Caring, protective, and focused on helping others.
- Ashlesha (16° 40’ – 30° Cancer): Strategic, introspective, and secretive.
Example: Cancer is an emotional sign that values family and home. If your Moon is in Pushya, you might be the kind of person who’s always making sure everyone around you is comfortable and cared for, like a mother hen watching over her chicks.
5. Leo (Simha) – Nakshatras: Magha, Purva Phalguni, and part of Uttara Phalguni
- Magha (0° – 13° 20’ Leo): Royal, proud, and focused on leadership.
- Purva Phalguni (13° 20’ – 26° 40’ Leo): Fun-loving, creative, and romantic.
- Uttara Phalguni (26° 40’ Leo – 10° Virgo): Generous, helpful, and dedicated to duty.
Example: Leo is all about confidence and being in the spotlight. If you’re born under Magha, you might be like a king or queen who enjoys taking charge and leading others, while Purva Phalguni makes you more laid-back and focused on enjoying life.
6. Virgo (Kanya) – Nakshatras: Part of Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, and part of Chitra
- Uttara Phalguni (26° 40’ Leo – 10° Virgo): Practical and hardworking.
- Hasta (10° – 23° 20’ Virgo): Skillful, detail-oriented, and precise.
- Chitra (23° 20’ Virgo – 6° 40’ Libra): Artistic, creative, and focused on beauty.
Example: Virgo is practical and organized. If you have Hasta Nakshatra, you’re like a craftsman who is always working on perfecting your skills, whether that’s making art, cooking, or organizing your workspace.
7. Libra (Tula) – Nakshatras: Part of Chitra, Swati, and part of Vishakha
- Chitra (23° 20’ Virgo – 6° 40’ Libra): Creative and artistic.
- Swati (6° 40’ – 20° Libra): Independent, adaptable, and flexible.
- Vishakha (20° Libra – 3° 20’ Scorpio): Ambitious and determined.
Example: Libra loves harmony and balance. If your Moon is in Swati, you might be the type of person who values independence and freedom, like a leaf that moves with the wind, always adaptable and changing course when needed.
8. Scorpio (Vrischika) – Nakshatras: Part of Vishakha, Anuradha, and Jyeshtha
- Vishakha (20° Libra – 3° 20’ Scorpio): Ambitious and determined.
- Anuradha (3° 20’ – 16° 40’ Scorpio): Loyal, disciplined, and spiritual.
- Jyeshtha (16° 40’ – 30° Scorpio): Protective, powerful, and authoritative.
Example: Scorpio is intense and secretive. If your Moon is in Jyeshtha, you might be the type of person who takes on leadership roles and protects those around you, like a fierce bodyguard watching over those they care about.
9. Sagittarius (Dhanus) – Nakshatras: Mula, Purva Ashadha, and part of Uttara Ashadha
- Mula (0° – 13° 20’ Sagittarius): Rooted, philosophical, and focused on seeking truth.
- Purva Ashadha (13° 20’ – 26° 40’ Sagittarius): Optimistic, confident, and ambitious.
- Uttara Ashadha (26° 40’ Sagittarius – 10° Capricorn): Noble, disciplined, and focused on duty.
Example: Sagittarius is adventurous and loves to seek knowledge. If you have Mula Nakshatra, you might be like a deep philosopher always searching for life’s deeper meaning, someone who asks “Why?” about everything.
10. Capricorn (Makara) – Nakshatras: Part of Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, and part of Dhanishta
- Uttara Ashadha (26° 40’ Sagittarius – 10° Capricorn): Noble and disciplined.
- Shravana (10° – 23° 20’ Capricorn): Wise, attentive, and good at listening.
- Dhanishta (23° 20’ Capricorn – 6° 40’ Aquarius): Musical, social, and resourceful.
Example: Capricorn is responsible and hardworking. If you have Shravana Nakshatra, you’re the type of person who loves learning and listening to others, like a wise elder who everyone comes to for advice.
11. Aquarius (Kumbha) – Nakshatras: Part of Dhanishta, Shatabhisha, and part of Purva Bhadrapada
- Dhanishta (23° 20’ Capricorn – 6° 40’ Aquarius): Musical and resourceful.
- Shatabhisha (6° 40’ – 20° Aquarius): Mysterious, healing, and focused on spirituality.
- Purva Bhadrapada (20° Aquarius – 3° 20’ Pisces): Passionate, spiritual, and intense.
Example: Aquarius is innovative and humanitarian. If your Moon is in Shatabhisha, you might be drawn to healing professions or spiritual practices, like a doctor who is also interested in meditation and alternative healing methods.
12. Pisces (Meena) – Nakshatras: Part of Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, and Revati
- Purva Bhadrapada (20° Aquarius – 3° 20’ Pisces): Intense and passionate.
- Uttara Bhadrapada (3° 20’ – 16° 40’ Pisces): Wise, spiritual, and peaceful.
- Revati (16° 40’ – 30° Pisces): Caring, sensitive, and focused on service.
Example: Pisces is compassionate and dreamy. If your Moon is in Revati, you might be the type of person who loves helping others and finds joy in being of service, like a kind-hearted nurse who always puts others first.
Understanding Padas (Quarters) and Their Influence
Each Nakshatra is further divided into four quarters, called padas. These padas add another layer of detail to your birth chart. Think of padas as different “flavors” of the same Nakshatra, giving even more specific traits.
Here’s an example of how the padas work:
Ashwini Nakshatra (Aries):
- First Pada (0° – 3° 20’ Aries): Energetic and action-oriented, like a sprinter who races ahead with great speed.
- Second Pada (3° 20’ – 6° 40’ Aries): More focused on creativity and art, like a painter who channels their energy into making beautiful things.
- Third Pada (6° 40’ – 10° Aries): Adventurous and bold, like an explorer who loves taking risks and discovering new things.
- Fourth Pada (10° – 13° 20’ Aries): Healing energy, like a doctor or healer who uses their energy to help others.
The padas give us even more specific information about how a Nakshatra influences us. For example, someone with Ashwini Nakshatra in the third pada might love extreme sports or outdoor adventures, while someone in the fourth pada could be more focused on healing professions.
Conclusion
The 27 Nakshatras and their padas provide a detailed and specific way to understand your personality, behavior, and destiny in astrology. While the zodiac signs offer a broad understanding, the Nakshatras dive deeper into who you are, making astrology more personal and tailored.
By knowing your Nakshatra and its pada, you can understand yourself better and align your choices with your natural strengths. Whether you’re an adventurous Ashwini or a nurturing Pushya, these Nakshatras offer guidance on how to live your best life and make decisions that resonate with your true self.