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Nakshatras: The 27 Lunar Mansions

Learn how the 27 nakshatras divide the sidereal zodiac, how four padas fit each sector, and why a birth star is different from a Moon sign.

Names and related terms
Lunar mansions · Nakshatra list · Birth stars · 27 stars

Editorially reviewed: · Reviewed by OpenFate · Editorial Methodology

Overview

In the equal-sector convention used here, a nakshatra is one of 27 divisions of the sidereal zodiac, each measuring 13°20′. Every sector has four 3°20′ padas. A birth nakshatra usually means the sector occupied by the Moon at birth; a Moon rashi is a separate 30° sign label.

At a glance

Complete circle
27 × 13°20′ = 360°
Subdivisions
Four padas per nakshatra; 108 in total
Coordinate basis
Sidereal longitude with an explicit ayanamsa
Birth-star reference
Moon, unless another point is specifically named

Explore concepts

What is a nakshatra, and is it a zodiac sign?

Nakshatras and rashis divide the same circle at different intervals. A rashi spans 30°; a nakshatra spans 800 arcminutes. Consequently, some nakshatras cross sign boundaries. They are not 27 extra planets, and the equal sectors should not be confused with the irregular outlines of astronomical constellations.

This hub helps you choose the next task: identify a Moon-based birth star, calculate its pada, or inspect a named sector. It does not provide a birthday-only calculator. An uncertain birth timestamp can leave more than one valid candidate even when a short result appears precise.

The 27 names in zodiac order

The sequence begins at 0° sidereal Aries and returns there after Revati. Spelling varies across transliterations: Aswini/Ashwini and Satabhishak/Shatabhisha are examples. Match a name using its coordinate interval, not the spelling alone.

The named pages give ranges and original boundary exercises. Their “lord” field refers specifically to the Vimshottari period association. It does not say where that graha is physically placed, which sign it owns, or which deity a different tradition associates with the name.

  • 1–9: Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashira, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha.
  • 10–18: Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Vishakha, Anuradha, Jyeshtha.
  • 19–27: Mula, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati.

One Moon, three coordinate labels

For an invented Moon longitude of 61°, the rashi is Gemini at 1°. Mrigashira spans 53°20′–66°40′, so this same Moon is in Mrigashira. Its offset within the sector is 7°40′, or 460 arcminutes; dividing by 200 gives two complete padas, placing it in pada 3.

These are nested coordinate labels, not competing personalities. If an app instead reports Taurus, compare sidereal settings and the underlying unrounded Moon longitude. A real chart calculation also needs a reliable timestamp; today’s lunar position cannot substitute for the birth position.

Why do some lists contain 28 stars?

Some named techniques include Abhijit in a 28-member scheme. That is not permission to divide 360° by 28 and retain this table. Identify the technique and its own interval rules before comparing outputs. The guides here consistently use the equal 27-sector framework.

A correct sector label does not establish a person’s character, marriage prospects or health. Traditional timing and compatibility methods need additional rules and context, and their interpretations are not scientifically validated outcomes. Use the degree calculation first; keep symbolic claims separate.

Sources and editorial basis

  1. P. V. R. Narasimha Rao: Vedic Astrology — An Integrated Approach
    Rao, §1.3.6 and Table 2, printed pp. 10–11: equal 27-sector convention, four 3°20′ padas and named boundaries. §1.3.2 and Table 1, p. 6: rashi intervals. §3.3 and Table 6, pp. 34–35: seven-planet sign rulers, distinct from period lords. Original coordinates and boundary examples are editorial arithmetic, not observed birth charts. The 28-star exception is acknowledged without adopting or inventing Abhijit boundaries; no deity column or life-outcome claim is used.A named practitioner’s introduction to Jyotish. Used for terminology and a stated method, not universal school agreement or scientific validation. The added March 18, 2010 note describes changed views; it does not establish a fully revised 2010 edition.
  2. OpenFate Editorial Methodology
    OpenFate Editorial Methodology, stable sections #editorial-principles, #editorial-workflow, #editorial-ai, and #editorial-context. Used for the calculation/interpretation and evidence-boundary policy.OpenFate separates deterministic chart calculation, traditional interpretation, and modern editorial explanation.
  3. Swiss Ephemeris Programmer’s Manual: Time, Sidereal Modes and Houses
    Swiss Ephemeris Programmer’s Manual, §3: geocentric planetary positions; §9.1–9.2: date, UTC and Julian-day conversion; §11: topocentric setting is distinct; §12.1–12.2: explicitly selected sidereal mode and ayanamsa. These sections support coordinate settings only, not nakshatra symbolism, personality, compatibility or event predictions.Primary software documentation for numerical time and position calculations. Sidereal modes, including named Lahiri variants, are explicit settings. The manual does not validate astrological interpretations.

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