# Nakshatra

Nakshatra (Sanskrit: नक्षत्रम्, romanized: Nakṣatram) is the term for Lunar mansion in Hindu astrology and Buddhist astrology. A nakshatra is one of 27 (sometimes also 28) sectors along the ecliptic. Their names are related to a prominent star or asterisms in or near the respective sectors. In essence (in Western astronomical terms), a nakshatra simply is a constellation. Every nakshatra is divided into four padas (lit. "steps").
The starting point for the nakshatras according to the Vedas is "Krittika" (it has been argued because the Pleiades may have started the year at the time the Vedas were compiled, presumably at the vernal equinox), but, in more recent compilations, the start of the nakshatras list is the point on the ecliptic directly opposite to the star Spica, called Chitrā in Sanskrit. This translates to Ashwinī, a part of the modern constellation of Aries. These compilations, therefore may have been compiled during the centuries when the sun was passing through Aries at the time of the vernal equinox. This version may have been called Meshādi or the "start of Aries".
The first astronomical text that lists them is the Vedanga Jyotisha.
In classical Hindu scriptures (Mahabharata, Harivamsa), the creation of the asterisms is attributed to Daksha. The Nakshatras are personified as daughters of Daksha and as wives of Chandra, the god of the Moon. When Chandra neglected his 26 other wives in favour of Rohini, his father-in-law cursed him with leprosy and proclaimed that the Moon would wax and wane each month. The Nakshatras are also alternatively described as the daughters of Kashyapa.

## In the Atharvaveda

In the Atharvaveda (Shaunakiya recension, hymn 19.7) a list of 27 stars or asterisms is given, many of them corresponding to the later nakshatras:
* Ashwini
* Bharani
* Kṛttikā (the Pleiades)
* Rohinī (Aldebaran)
* Mrigashīrsha
* Ārdrā (Betelgeuse)
* Punarvasu (Castor and Pollux)
* Pushya
* Asleshā
* Maghā (Regulus)
* Purva Phalguni
* Uttara Phalguni (Denebola)
* Hasta
* Chitrā (Spica)
* Svāti (Arcturus)
* Vishākhā
* Anurādhā
* Jyeshthā
* Mūla
* Purva Ashadha
* Uttara Ashadha
* Shravana
* Dhanishta
* Satabhishak (Sadachbia)
* Purva Bhadrapada
* Uttara Bhadrapada
* Revati
This 27-day cycle has been taken to mean a particular group of stars. This has to do with the periodicity with which the Moon travels past the specific star fields called nakshatras. Hence, the stars are more like numbers on a clock, through which the hands of time (the moon) pass. This concept is described by J. Mercay (2012) in connection with Surya Siddhanta.

## List of Nakshatras

In Hindu astronomy, there was an older tradition of 28 Nakshatras which were used as celestial markers in the heavens. When these were mapped into equal divisions of the ecliptic, a division of 27 portions was adopted since that resulted in a clearer definition of each portion (i.e. segment) subtending 13° 20′ (as opposed to 12° 51+3⁄7′ in the case of 28 segments). In the process, the Nakshatra Abhijit was left out without a portion.$^{:179}$ However, the Abhijit nakshatra becomes important while deciding on the timing of an auspicious event. The Surya Siddhantha concisely specifies the coordinates of the twenty-seven Nakshatras.$^{:211}$
It is noted above that with the older tradition of 28 Nakshatras each equal segment would subtend 12.85 degrees or 12° 51′. But the 28 Nakshatra were chosen at a time when the Vedic month was recognised as having exactly 30 days. In India and China the original 28 lunar mansions were not equal. Weixing Nui provides a list of the extent of the original 28 Nakshatras expressed in Muhurtas (with one Muhurta = 48 minutes of arc). Hindu texts note there were 16 Nakshatras of 30 Muhurtas, 6 of 45 Muhurtas, 5 of 15 Muhurtas and one of 6 Muhurtas.
The 28 mansions of the 360° lunar zodiac total 831 Muhurtas or 27.7 days. This is sometimes described as an inaccurate estimate of our modern sidereal period of 27.3 days, but using the ancient Indian calendar with Vedic months of 30 days and a daily movement of the Moon of 13 degrees, this early designation of a sidereal month of 831 Muhurtas or 27.7 days is very precise. Later some Indian savants dropped the Nakshatra named Abhijit to reduce the number of divisions to 27, but the Chinese retained all of their original 28 lunar mansions. These were grouped into four equal quarters which would have been fundamentally disrupted if it had been decided to reduce the number of divisions to 27.
Irrespective of the reason why ancient early Indian astronomers followed a Vedic calendar of exactly 12 months of 30 days it was this calendar and not a modern calendar of 365 days that they used for the astronomical calculations for the number of days taken for the Moon to complete one sidereal cycle of 360°. This is why initially they named 28 Nakshatras on their lunar zodiac.
The following list of nakshatras gives the corresponding regions of sky, per Basham (1954).
| No. | Name | Associated stars | Description |
| 1 | Aświni "The Horsemen" | β and γ Arietis | Astrological leader: Ketu (South lunar node) Symbol: Horse's head Deity: Ashvins, the horse-headed twins who are physicians to the gods Indian zodiac: 0° – 13°20′ Aries Tropical zodiac: 26° Aries – 9°20′ Taurus |
| 2 | Bharani "The Bearer" | 35, 39, and 41 Arietis | Astrological leader: Shukra (Venus) Symbol: Yoni, the female organ of reproduction Deity: Yama, god of death and Dharma Indian zodiac: 13° 20′ – 26°40′ Aries Tropical zodiac: 9° 20′ – 22° 40′ Taurus |
| 3 | Kṛttikā "To Cut" | Pleiades | Astrological leader: Surya (Sun) Symbol: Knife or spear Deity: Agni, god of fire Indian zodiac: 26°40′ Aries – 10° Taurus Tropical zodiac: 22° 40′ Taurus – 6° Gemini |
| 4 | Rohiṇi "Radiant Maiden" | Aldebaran | Astrological leader: Chandra (Moon) Symbol: Cart or chariot, temple, banyan tree Deity: Prajapati, rigvedic form of Brahma - the Creator Indian zodiac: 10° – 23°20′ Taurus Tropical zodiac: 6° – 19°20′ Gemini |
| 5 | Mṛgaśīrā "The Deer's Head" | λ, φ Orionis | Astrological leader: Mangala (Mars) Symbol: Deer's head Deity: Soma, the moon god Indian zodiac: 23° 20′ Taurus – 6° 40′ Gemini Tropical zodiac: 19° 20′ Gemini – 2° 40′ Cancer |
| 6 | Ārdrā "The Moist One" | Betelgeuse | Astrological leader: Rahu (North lunar node) Symbol: Teardrop, diamond, a human head Deity: Rudra, rigvedic fierce form of Shiva Indian zodiac: 6° 40′ – 20° Gemini Tropical zodiac: 2° 40′ – 16° Cancer |
| 7 | Punarvasu "Return Of The Light" | Castor and Pollux | Astrological leader: Guru (Jupiter) Symbol : Bow and quiver Deity: Aditi, goddess representing the infinity and the mother of Adityas Indian zodiac: 20° Gemini – 3°20′ Cancer Tropical zodiac: 16° – 29°20′ Cancer |
| 8 | Puṣya "The Nourisher" | γ, δ and θ Cancri | Astrological leader: Shani (Saturn) Symbol: Cow's udder, lotus, arrow and circle Deity: Bṛhaspati, counsellor of the gods Indian zodiac: 3° 20′ – 16° 40′ Cancer Tropical zodiac: 29° 20′ Cancer – 12° 40′ Leo |
| 9 | Āśleṣā "The Embrace" | δ, ε, η, ρ, and σ Hydrae | Astrological leader: Budha (Mercury) Symbol: Serpent Deity: Nagas, divine race of half-human, half-serpent beings that reside in the Patala Indian zodiac: 16° 40′ – 30° Cancer Tropical zodiac: 12° 40′ – 26° Leo |
| 10 | Maghā "The Mighty" | Regulus | Astrological leader: Ketu (South lunar node) Symbol: Royal Throne Deity: Pitrs, 'The Fathers', family ancestors Indian zodiac: 0° – 13° 20′ Leo Tropical zodiac: 26° Leo – 9° 20′ Virgo |
| 11 | Pūrva Phalgunī "The Former Reddish One" | δ and θ Leonis | Astrological leader: Shukra (Venus) Symbol: Front legs of bed, hammock, fig tree Deity: Bhaga, god of marital bliss and prosperity. NOTE: Ancient texts interchange the deities of the Phalguni nakshatras. In some, such as Taittiriya Brahmana, Aryaman rules Purva Phalgunī. Indian zodiac: 13° 20′ – 26°40′ Leo Tropical zodiac: 9° 20′ – 22°40′ Virgo |
| 12 | Uttara Phalgunī "The Latter Reddish One" | Denebola | Astrological leader: Surya (Sun) Symbol: Four legs of bed, hammock Deity: Aryaman, god of patronage and favours. NOTE: Ancient texts interchange the deities of the Phalguni nakshatras. In some, such as Taittiriya Brahmana, Bhaga rules Uttara Phalgunī. Indian zodiac: 26° 40′ Leo - 10° Virgo Tropical zodiac: 22° 40′ Virgo – 6° Libra |
| 13 | Hasta "The Hand" | α, β, γ, δ and ε Corvi | Astrological leader: Chandra (Moon) Symbol: Hand or fist Deity: Savitr, the sun god Indian zodiac: 10° – 23° 20′ Virgo Tropical zodiac: 6° – 19° 20′ Libra |
| 14 | Chitrā "The Bright One" | Spica | Astrological leader: Mangala (Mars) Symbol: Bright jewel or pearl Deity: Tvastar/Vishwakarma, artisan god Indian zodiac: 23° 20′ Virgo – 6° 40′ Libra Tropical zodiac: 19° 20′ Libra – 2° 40′ Scorpio |
| 15 | Svātī "The Independent One" | Arcturus | Astrological leader: Rahu (North lunar node) Symbol: Shoot of plant, coral Deity: Vayu, the wind god Indian zodiac: 6° 40′ – 20° Libra Tropical zodiac: 2° 40′ – 16° Scorpio |
| 16 | Viśākhā "Branching Out" | α, β, γ and ι Librae | Astrological leader: Guru (Jupiter) Symbol: Triumphal arch, potter's wheel Deity: Indra, king of the devas and god of thunder, storms, and lightning, and Agni, god of Fire - representing the duality of water and fire Indian zodiac: 20° Libra – 3° 20′ Scorpio Tropical zodiac: 16° – 29° 20′ Scorpio |
| 17 | Anurādhā "Following Radha" | β, δ and π Scorpionis | Astrological leader: Shani (Saturn) Symbol: Triumphal archway, lotus, bamboo Deity: Mitra, one of Adityas of friendship and partnership Indian zodiac: 3° 20′ – 16° 40′ Scorpio Tropical zodiac: 29° 20′ Scorpio – 12° 40′ Sagittarius |
| 18 | Jyeṣṭha "The Eldest" | α, σ, and τ Scorpionis | Astrological leader: Budha (Mercury) Symbol: circular amulet, umbrella, earring Deity: Indra, king of the devas Indian zodiac: 16° 40′ – 30° Scorpio Tropical zodiac: 12° 40′ – 26° Sagittarius |
| 19 | Mūlā "The Root" | ε, ζ, η, θ, ι, κ, λ, μ and ν Scorpionis | Astrological leader: Ketu (South lunar node) Symbol: Bunch of roots tied together, elephant goad Deity: Nirrti, goddess personifying death, decay, sorrow, as well as the peak of material achievement and the beginning of the spiritual impulse Indian zodiac: 0° – 13° 20′ Sagittarius Tropical zodiac: 26° Sagittarius – 9° 20′ Capricorn |
| 20 | Pūrva Āṣāḍhā "The Former Unconquered" | δ and ε Sagittarii | Astrological leader: Shukra (Venus) Symbol: Elephant tusk, fan, winnowing basket Deity: Apah, god of Water Indian zodiac: 13° 20′ – 26° 40′ Sagittarius Tropical zodiac: 9° 20′ – 22° 40′ Capricorn |
| 21 | Uttara Āṣāḍhā "The Latter Unconquered" | ζ and σ Sagittarii | Astrological leader: Surya (Sun) Symbol: Elephant tusk, small bed Deity: Visvedevas, the most comprehensive gathering of the gods, a classification in which no deity is stated to be omitted Indian zodiac: 26° 40′ Sagittarius– 10° Capricorn Tropical zodiac: 22° 40′ Capricorn – 6° Aquarius |
| * | Abhijit "The Invincible" | ζ and σ Lyrae | Astrological leader and Deity: Brahma Indian zodiac: 6° 40′ – 10° 53′ Capricorn Tropical zodiac: 2° 40′ – 6° 53′ Aquarius |
| 22 | Śravaṇa "To Hear" | α, β and γ Aquilae | Astrological leader: Chandra (Moon) Symbol: Ear or Three Footprints Deity: Vishnu, preserver of universe Indian zodiac: 10° – 23° 20′ Capricorn Tropical zodiac: 6° – 19° 20′ Aquarius |
| 23 | Dhaniṣṭhā "Wealthiest" | α, β, γ and δ Delphini | Astrological leader: Mangala (Mars) Symbol: Drum or flute Deity: Vasus, group of eight deities associated with fire and light signifying earthly abundance Indian zodiac: 23° 20′ Capricorn – 6° 40′ Aquarius Tropical zodiac 19° 20′ Aquarius – 2° 40′ Pisces |
| 24 | Śatabhiṣa "A Hundred Physicians" | Sadachbia | Astrological leader: Rahu (North lunar node) Symbol: Empty circle, 1,000 flowers or stars Deity: Varuna, god of celestial waters Indian zodiac: 6° 40′ – 20° Aquarius Tropical zodiac: 2° 40′ – 16° Pisces |
| 25 | Pūrva Bhādrapada "The Former Blessed Feet" | α and β Pegasi | Astrological leader: Guru (Jupiter) Symbol: Swords or two front legs of funeral cot, man with two faces Deity: Ajaikapada, one-footed aspect of Shiva Indian zodiac: 20° Aquarius – 3° 20′ Pisces Tropical zodiac: 16° – 29° 20′ Pisces |
| 26 | Uttara Bhādrapada "The Latter Blessed Feet" | γ Pegasi and α Andromedae | Astrological leader: Shani (Saturn) Symbol: Twins, back legs of funeral cot, snake in the water Deity: Ahirbudhnya, serpent or dragon of the deep Indian zodiac: 3° 20′ – 16° 40′ Pisces Tropical zodiac: 29° 20′ Pisces – 12° 40′ Aries |
| 27 | Revatī "Prosperous" | ζ Piscium | Astrological leader: Budha (Mercury) Symbol: Fish or a pair of fish, drum Deity: Pushan, nourisher, and the psychopomp deity Indian zodiac: 16° 40′ – 30° Pisces Tropical zodiac: 12° 40′ – 26° Aries |

## Padas (quarters)

Each of the 27 Nakshatras cover 13° 20’ of the ecliptic each. Each Nakshatra is also divided into quarters or padas of 3° 20’, and the below table lists the appropriate starting sound to name the child. The 27 nakshatras, each with 4 padas, give 108, which is the number of beads in a japa mala, representing all the elements (ansh) of Vishnu:
| # | Name | Pada 1 | Pada 2 | Pada 3 | Pada 4 | Vimsottari Lord | Ruling Deity |
| 1 | Aśvini (अश्विनी) | चु Chu | चे Che | चो Cho | ला La | Ketu | Aswini Kumara |
| 2 | Bharaṇī (भरणी) | ली Li | लू Lu | ले Le | लो Lo | Venus | Yama |
| 3 | Kṛttikā (कृत्तिका) | अ A | ई I | उ U | ए E | Sun | Agni |
| 4 | Rohiṇī (रोहिणी) | ओ O | वा Va/Ba | वी Vi/Bi | वु Vu/Bu | Moon | Brahma |
| 5 | Mṛgaśīrṣā (मृगशीर्षा) | वे Ve/Be | वो Vo/Bo | का Ka | की Ke | Mars | Moon |
| 6 | Ārdrā (आर्द्रा) | कु Ku | घ Gha | ङ Ng/Na | छ Chha | Rahu | Shiva |
| 7 | Punarvasu (पुनर्वसु) | के Ke | को Ko | हा Ha | ही Hi | Jupiter | Aditi |
| 8 | Puṣya (पुष्य) | हु Hu | हे He | हो Ho | ड Da | Saturn | Brihaspati |
| 9 | Āśleṣā (आश्लेषा) | डी Di | डू Du | डे De | डो Do | Mercury | Rahu |
| 10 | Maghā (मघा) | मा Ma | मी Mi | मू Mu | मे Me | Ketu | Pitr |
| 11 | Pūrva or Pūrva Phālgunī (पूर्व फाल्गुनी) | नो Mo | टा Ta | टी Ti | टू Tu | Venus | Bhaga |
| 12 | Uttara or Uttara Phālgunī (उत्तर फाल्गुनी) | टे Te | टो To | पा Pa | पी Pi | Sun | Sun |
| 13 | Hasta (हस्त) | पू Pu | ष Sha | ण Na | ठ Tha | Moon | Savitr |
| 14 | Chitrā (चित्रा) | पे Pe | पो Po | रा Ra | री Ri | Mars | Vishwakarma |
| 15 | Svāti (स्वाति) | रू Ru | रे Re | रो Ro | ता Ta | Rahu | Vaayu |
| 16 | Vishākhā (विशाखा) | ती Ti | तू Tu | ते Te | तो To | Jupiter | Indra Agni |
| 17 | Anurādhā (अनुराधा) | ना Na | नी Ni | नू Nu | ने Ne | Saturn | Mitra |
| 18 | Jyeṣṭhā (ज्येष्ठा) | नो No | या Ya | यी Yi | यू Yu | Mercury | Indra |
| 19 | Mūla (मूल) | ये Ye | यो Yo | भा Bha | भी Bhi | Ketu | Varuna, Nirriti |
| 20 | Pūrva Aṣāḍhā (पूर्वाषाढ़ा) | भू Bhu | धा Dha | फा Bha/Pha | ढा Dha | Venus | Apah |
| 21 | Uttara Aṣāḍhā (उत्तराषाढ़ा) | भे Bhe | भो Bho | जा Ja | जी Ji | Sun | Brahma |
| 22 | Śrāvaṇa (श्रवण) | खी Ju/Khi | खू Je/Khu | खे Jo/Khe | खो Gha/Kho | Moon | Vishnu |
| 23 | Śrāviṣṭhā (श्रविष्ठा) or Dhaniṣṭhā (धनिष्ठा) | गा Ga | गी Gi | गु Gu | गे Ge | Mars | Vasu |
| 24 | Śatabhiṣā (शतभिषा) | गो Go | सा Sa | सी Si | सू Su | Rahu | Varuna |
| 25 | Pūrva Bhādrapadā (पूर्वभाद्रपदा) | से Se | सो So | दा Da | दी Di | Jupiter | Aja Ek Pada |
| 26 | Uttara Bhādrapadā (उत्तरभाद्रपदा) | दू Du | थ Tha | झ Jha | ञ Da/Tra | Saturn | Ahirbudhnya |
| 27 | Revati (रेवती) | दे De | दो Do | च Cha | ची Chi | Mercury | Pooshan |