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Nakshatra

27 Nakshatras in Vedic Astrology

What is Nakshatra?

According to Vedic astrology, Nakshatras are constellations or groups of stars that are classified into 27 sectors, each spanning 13.20 degrees long. Known as the lunar mansion due to their close association with the Moon, Nakshatras play a crucial role in the Vedic Hindu astrology system. As per the ancient Hindu scriptures, the word Nakshatra is based on the words Naksha, meaning map and Tara, meaning star. Thus, the meaning of Nakshatra is the map of stars. The earliest mention of Nakshatra is found in the Rig Veda, the oldest text in the world. However, you will also find mention of all the 27 Nakshatras in both the Yajurveda and the Atharva Veda. 

According to Vedic astrology and ancient Hindu beliefs, all 27 Nakshatras are daughters of Raja Daksh and all of them are married to the planet Moon. So, in a way, the Moon has a massive influence on Nakshatras and hence is known as their ruler. The Moon spends nearly a day or a little more, in each constellation. The Moon takes approximately 27 days to complete its transition from one Nakshatra to another, which is equal to the number of Nakshatras. Thus, a lunar month, which is based on the total number of days in the transition of the Moon in different nakshatras, has about 27 days in a month. 

In addition to that, every Nakshatra is divided into four quarters called pada and each pada is approximately 3.20 degrees long, known as Navamsa. Every Navamsa is the ninth division of a zodiac (Rashi) and is ruled by its own ruling planet, and this influence of planets in every Navamsa has an impact on the life of every individual. The positioning of different planets in these subdivisions, known as Pada, gives more insights into an individual’s life while making predictions. 

According to Vedic astrology, nakshatras are associated with the natal symbols of the moon. Therefore, the Moon takes about 28 days to travel through the zodiacs, with 2.3 days spent in each of the 12 zodiac signs. So, all ‌planetary movements, conjunctions, positions and transitions play a significant role in deeply predicting the lives of individuals.

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How can you determine your Nakshatra?

To determine your Nakshatra, you will require your accurate birth details, that is, your exact date of birth, place of birth and exact time of birth. An astrologer can calculate your birth details and find out the position of the moon during your birth. In whichever Nakshatra the moon is found seated during your time of birth, it is known as your birth star or Janam Nakshatra. Also, as mentioned above, every Nakshatra is divided into 4 padas. These different Padas in a Nakshatra further enhance the accuracy of an individual’s life predictions and reveal their characteristics. 

Your janam nakshatra is used in determining the beginning of the planetary period, which is your graha dasha, according to Vedic astrology. In an individual’s life Mahadasha or major planetary period, is determined by the placement of the Moon in a particular Nakshatra at the time of their birth. It is the Lord of the same Nakshatra that decides the first Graha Mahadasha or major planetary period, in an individual’s life after birth. Furthermore, based on every Mahadasha period, other graha dashas are determined. 

The graha dashas again divide the life span of an individual into major periods, sub periods, sub-sub periods and so on, namely Mahadasha, Antardasha, Pratyantar dasha, Sookshma Dasha and Pranantar dasha, in which Mahadasha is the largest period and Pran is the smallest period. This time division is also used to choose an auspicious time for any auspicious activity in an individual’s life and also on other auspicious occasions.

What is the Role of a Janam Nakshatra in an Individual’s Life?

Vedic astrologers have very well understood the significance of Nakshatras and how good or bad they can be in predicting an individual’s life. Nakshatras are very impactful in influencing planets in the birth chart of a native. So much so that a favourable planet often starts behaving unfavourably due to its position in an unfavourable Nakshatra 

Each of the 27 Nakshatra is represented by a symbol that is associated with a ruling deity, representing distinct attributes and traits. Apart from ruling planets, zodiacs and ruling deities, Nakshatras are also associated with different – linga (gender), guna (quality), gana (tribe), dosha (biological energies), tatva (element), yoni (animal symbol/procreative power), pakshi (bird symbol), vriksha (tree), ratna (gemstone), rang (colour) and many other attributes. These attributes are vital in determining the characteristics and personality traits of a native. 

Therefore, knowing your Janam Nakshatra is very important, as it is responsible for shaping the person you are and the personality you have. Nakshatra study in Vedic astrology provides the deepest level of birth chart analysis to come up with the most accurate predictions in astrology. It is crucial to know and understand the Nakshatras and their influence on planets to correctly assess future events in a native’s life.