Insights - Nakshatra
Explore all 27 Nakshatras (lunar mansions) of Vedic astrology
Ashwini
Bharani
Krittika
Rohini
Mrigashira
Ardra
Punarvasu
Pushya
Ashlesha
Magha
Purva Phalguni
Uttara Phalguni
Hasta
Chitra
Swati
Vishakha
Anuradha
Jyeshtha
Mool
Purvashadha
Uttarashadha
Shravana
Dhanishta
Shatataraka
Purva Bhadrapada
Uttara Bhadrapada
Revati
Vimshottari Dashas and Nakshatras: The Universal Alignment
The Vimshottari Dasha system is a 120-year planetary cycle that determines the influence of different planets at different times in your life. At the time of your birth, the beginning of each Dasha is marked by the Nakshatra in which the Moon is transiting — for instance, being born in Revati opens your life under Mercury's Mahadasha.
The Myth Behind Nakshatra
Chandra (the Moon) married the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati, and promised to spend his time and love with all of them equally. Despite this, he favoured Rohini — the other 26 wives complained, and Daksha cursed him to lose his brightness. Only after worshipping Lord Shiva, and renewing his vow to divide his light equally, was Chandra restored. That vow is why the Moon still transits all 27 Nakshatras every Vedic month.
Nakshatra: Career and Relationship
Every Nakshatra holds a specific set of traits and skills that influence an individual's life path, strengths and weaknesses. Matching Nakshatras during Guna Milan is an important part of matchmaking during prospective marriage evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Nakshatra?
A Nakshatra is one of 27 lunar mansions in Vedic astrology. The Moon transits through each of these divisions during a Vedic month, and the Nakshatra occupied by the Moon at the time of your birth defines your birth star.
How does Vimshottari Dasha relate to Nakshatras?
The Vimshottari Dasha is a 120-year planetary cycle. Your birth Nakshatra determines which planet's Mahadasha (major period) you are born into, setting the sequence of planetary influences throughout your life.
What is Guna Milan and why do Nakshatras matter?
Guna Milan is the traditional method of matching horoscopes before marriage. Nakshatra compatibility is a central pillar of this process — the relative position of the bride's and groom's Nakshatras determines harmony, health, and prosperity in the union.
Can my Nakshatra influence my career?
Yes. Each Nakshatra carries a distinct energy, deity, and set of qualities that naturally inclines a person toward certain professions and life paths.
Why does the Moon transit 27 Nakshatras?
According to Vedic mythology, Chandra was cursed by Daksha for favouring Rohini over the other 26 wives. After worshipping Lord Shiva and receiving partial relief, Moon vowed to visit all 27 wives equally — giving us the Moon's 27-Nakshatra monthly cycle.
