Nakshatras: The 27 Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology

While Western astrology divides the sky into 12 zodiac signs, Vedic astrology adds a much finer layer of detail through the Nakshatra system — 27 lunar mansions, each spanning 13°20' of the zodiac. These Nakshatras are star groups through which the Moon travels during its monthly cycle, and they have been central to Indian astronomical and astrological tradition for over 5,000 years.

Your Moon Nakshatra — the Nakshatra occupied by the Moon at your birth — is considered even more revealing than your Sun sign. It reflects your emotional temperament, instinctive reactions, relationship patterns, and inner psychology with remarkable precision.

The 27 Nakshatras are grouped into three categories based on their ruling deity and cosmic function:

• Deva (Divine) Nakshatras: Ashwini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Shravana, Revati — Associated with benevolent, spiritual, and protective qualities.

• Manushya (Human) Nakshatras: Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada — Associated with worldly ambition, relationships, and practical intelligence.

• Rakshasa (Demonic) Nakshatras: Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishakha, Jyeshtha, Moola, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha — Associated with intensity, transformation, and powerful energy.

No category is inherently good or bad — they describe different expressions of cosmic energy.

One of the most practical applications of Nakshatra knowledge is in relationship compatibility. The traditional system of Ashtakoot Milan (eight-factor compatibility matching) used in Indian marriages is primarily based on the Moon Nakshatras of both individuals.

This system evaluates compatibility across eight dimensions — mental compatibility (Nadi), control dynamics (Vashya), friendship (Maitri), temperament (Gana), sexual compatibility (Yoni), nature (Bhakoot), stability (Tara), and magnetic attraction (Varna). AstroSaathi AI provides detailed compatibility analysis using this classical framework with clear, modern explanations.

AstroSaathi AI calculates your Moon Nakshatra with astronomical precision and provides a comprehensive personality profile based on your Nakshatra's mythology, ruling deity, planetary lord, and associated symbolism.

Beyond your Moon Nakshatra, the platform also analyzes the Nakshatras of your ascendant and other key planets, revealing layers of personality and destiny that the zodiac signs alone cannot capture. This deeper analysis is one of the unique strengths of Vedic astrology — and AstroSaathi makes it accessible to everyone.