In Vedic astrology, Nakshatras are known as lunar mansions. This is because the Moon stays in one Nakshatra for about one day. Each Nakshatra covers about 13°20’ of the sky and is divided into four parts called "Padas," each covering 3°20’ of space.

According to Vedic astrology, Nakshatras are connected to the Moon's position. Since the Moon takes about 28 days to travel through all the zodiac signs, it spends about 2.3 days in each sign. The Moon is considered the ruler of the Nakshatras, and it influences the positions of the planets. This helps astrologers make predictions about a person's life.

The word "Nakshatra" comes from two parts: "Naksha" means map, and "Tara" means star, so Nakshatra means "map of stars." Nakshatras were first mentioned in the Rig Veda, and a full list of the 27 Nakshatras can be found in the Yajurveda and Atharva Veda.

How to Find Your Nakshatra

To know your Nakshatra, you need your birth details—your date, place, and exact time of birth. With this information, an astrologer can check the Moon's position at the time of your birth and tell you which Nakshatra you belong to.

Your Nakshatra is determined by the Moon's position when you were born. The astrologer also looks at the Sun and Moon's positions in your horoscope, which provides more information about your personality, health, and life events.

Mythological Story of the Nakshatras

In Hindu mythology, there was a king named Daksha who had 27 daughters. The Moon married all 27 of them, who represent the Nakshatras. However, the Moon favored one of his wives, Rohini, more than the others. Rohini is also astrologically important because it's known as the Moon's "exalted" point, where it is strongest.

The other 26 wives complained to their father, King Daksha, about the Moon’s favoritism. Despite Daksha's requests for the Moon to treat all his wives equally, the Moon didn’t listen. This angered Daksha, who cursed the Moon, causing it to shrink and wane.

As the Moon started to lose its brightness, other gods pleaded with King Daksha to lift the curse. Although he couldn’t remove the curse completely, Daksha offered a solution. He said the Moon would regain its strength for half of each month, leading to the waxing and waning phases of the Moon.

Padas in Nakshatras

Nakshatras are divided into four parts called Padas. These Padas are connected to the zodiac signs, starting with Aries, and each Nakshatra has four Padas. Each Pada takes on traits from the zodiac signs.

In every three Nakshatras, there are 12 Padas. Each Pada covers 3°20' of the zodiac and represents a specific quality of the zodiac sign. Overall, Padas give detailed information about a person’s inner self, just like zodiac signs do.

Key Characteristics of Nakshatras

Nakshatras are deeply connected to different aspects of life such as planets, deities, the purpose of life (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha), and other factors like sex, temperament, and animals. When interpreting Nakshatras, these factors are important to consider.

1. Sex: Nakshatras are divided into male and female. Male Nakshatras are generally more active, while female Nakshatras are more passive.
   • Male Nakshatras: Ashwini, Bharani, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Uttara Phalguni, Swati, Jyeshta, Mula, Purvashadha, Uttarashadha, Shravana, Purva Bhadrapada.
   • Female Nakshatras: Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashira, Ardra, Punarvasu, Purva Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Vishakha, Anuradha, Dhanistha, Shatabhishak, Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati.
2. Temperament: Nakshatras are also classified into three temperaments— Deva (godly), Manushya (human), and Rakshasa (demon).
   • Deva Nakshatras: Ashwini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Revati.
   • Manushya Nakshatras: Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Shravana, Purva and Uttara Phalguni, Purva and Uttarashadha.
   • Rakshasa Nakshatras: Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishakha, Jyeshta, Mula, Dhanistha, Shatabhishak.
3. Animal Connection: Each Nakshatra is associated with a totem animal, symbolizing qualities that a person may share. Knowing your Nakshatra's animal can help you understand yourself better.
4. Guna (Energy): Nakshatras are linked to three gunas or energies: Rajas, Tamas, and Sattva.
   • Rajas: Represents action and desire, covering Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer.
   • Tamas: Represents materialism, covering Leo, Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio.
   • Sattva: Represents spirituality and liberation, covering Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.

Difference Between Nakshatras and Zodiac Signs

Zodiac signs divide the sky into 12 parts, each covering 30°. Nakshatras divide the sky into 27 parts, each covering 13.33°. So, each zodiac sign contains parts of 2.25 Nakshatras. While zodiac signs give a broader view, Nakshatras provide more detailed insights into personality and destiny.

Four Aims of Life and Nakshatras

According to Vedic astrology, there are four main aims of life: Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth), Kama (desires), and Moksha (liberation). Each Nakshatra helps understand which of these aims a person will focus on based on their planetary positions.

• Dharma: Related to duty and purpose, connected with the fire element.
• Artha: Related to wealth and stability, connected with the earth element.
• Kama: Related to fulfilling desires, connected with water.
• Moksha: Related to spiritual liberation, also connected with water.

Importance of Nakshatras in Astrology

Nakshatras play a crucial role in Vedic astrology because they offer more precise information about a person’s character, destiny, and major life phases (Dasha). Astrologers use Nakshatras to make accurate predictions and assess personal qualities. Some key reasons Nakshatras are important include:

• Astrological Predictions: Nakshatras help astrologers analyze a person’s nature and predict their future.
• Karma: Nakshatras hold information about a person’s karma, which is believed to influence their life events.
• Marriage Compatibility: When matching Kundlis (birth charts) for marriage, Nakshatras are essential in determining compatibility and future harmony.

In summary, Nakshatras provide a detailed and insightful understanding of a person’s life, helping astrologers make more accurate predictions and assessments.