According to Hinduism, a Nakshatra is one of the 27 lunar mansions or divisions of the sky that the Moon travels through during its orbit around the Earth. Each Nakshatra is associated with a particular set of characteristics, which are believed to influence the lives and destinies of individuals born under that Nakshatra.
The concept of Nakshatras is believed to have originated in ancient India, and is an integral part of Hindu astrology and mythology. The origins of Nakshatras are not known with certainty, as they have been a part of Hindu tradition for thousands of years, and have evolved and changed over time.
However, it is believed that the earliest references to Nakshatras can be found in the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, which dates back to around 1500 BCE. The Rigveda mentions the 28 Nakshatras, with the 28th Nakshatra being Abhijit, which was later dropped from the list of Nakshatras in Vedic astrology.
The Nakshatras are believed to have been named and classified by ancient sages or Rishis, who were well-versed in astronomy and astrology. Some of the most well-known Rishis associated with the Nakshatras include Vishwamitra, Agastya, and Narada.
Over the centuries, the Nakshatras have been studied and interpreted in various ways by different scholars and astrologers, and continue to hold great significance in Hindu culture and tradition today.
The Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions that form the basis of the Indian astrology system. Each Nakshatra represents a unique energy, personality trait, and potentiality. In this article, we will delve deep into the meaning and significance of each Nakshatra, their astrological implications, and their association with various aspects of life.
Ashwini Nakshatra:
Ashwini Nakshatra is the first lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the head of the horse and signifies movement, speed, and action. The ruling planet of Ashwini Nakshatra is Ketu, which represents spiritual liberation and enlightenment. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be independent, self-motivated, and adventurous. They possess strong leadership qualities and are natural problem solvers. Ashwini Nakshatra is associated with new beginnings, healing, and rejuvenation.
Bharani Nakshatra:
Bharani Nakshatra is the second lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the female reproductive system and signifies creativity, passion, and transformation. The ruling planet of Bharani Nakshatra is Venus, which represents beauty, art, and love. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be confident, ambitious, and emotionally intense. They possess strong willpower and are natural leaders. Bharani Nakshatra is associated with birth, growth, and transformation.
Krittika Nakshatra:
Krittika Nakshatra is the third lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the razor or knife and signifies cutting through obstacles and challenges. The ruling planet of Krittika Nakshatra is the Sun, which represents vitality, power, and strength. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be determined, focused, and passionate. They possess strong leadership qualities and are natural warriors. Krittika Nakshatra is associated with purification, cleansing, and transformation.
Rohini Nakshatra:
Rohini Nakshatra is the fourth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the bull and signifies stability, grounding, and nurturing. The ruling planet of Rohini Nakshatra is the Moon, which represents emotions, intuition, and nurturing. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be stable, reliable, and nurturing. They possess strong maternal instincts and are natural caregivers. Rohini Nakshatra is associated with growth, abundance, and nourishment.
Mrigashira Nakshatra:
Mrigashira Nakshatra is the fifth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the deer and signifies gentleness, beauty, and grace. The ruling planet of Mrigashira Nakshatra is Mars, which represents energy, passion, and courage. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be gentle, sensitive, and artistic. They possess strong creative instincts and are natural storytellers. Mrigashira Nakshatra is associated with beauty, art, and creativity.
Ardra Nakshatra:
Ardra Nakshatra is the sixth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the tear drop and signifies emotional intensity, transformation, and purification. The ruling planet of Ardra Nakshatra is Rahu, which represents illusions, transformation, and change. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be intense, emotional, and transformative. They possess strong analytical skills and are natural problem solvers. Ardra Nakshatra is associated with purification, transformation, and emotional release.
Punarvasu Nakshatra:
Punarvasu Nakshatra is the seventh lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the bow and signifies expansion, growth, and abundance. The ruling planet of Punarvasu Nakshatra is Jupiter, which represents wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be optimistic, generous, and intellectual. They possess strong intuition and are natural teachers. Punarvasu Nakshatra is associated with growth, abundance, and knowledge.
Pushya Nakshatra:
Pushya Nakshatra is the eighth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the udder of a cow and signifies nourishment, sustenance, and growth. The ruling planet of Pushya Nakshatra is Saturn, which represents discipline, hard work, and structure. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be nurturing, protective, and disciplined. They possess strong organizational skills and are natural leaders. Pushya Nakshatra is associated with nourishment, sustenance, and growth.
Ashlesha Nakshatra:
Ashlesha Nakshatra is the ninth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the serpent and signifies transformation, healing, and regeneration. The ruling planet of Ashlesha Nakshatra is Mercury, which represents communication, intelligence, and flexibility. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be intuitive, intelligent, and adaptable. They possess strong analytical skills and are natural healers. Ashlesha Nakshatra is associated with transformation, healing, and regeneration.
Magha Nakshatra:
Magha Nakshatra is the tenth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the throne and signifies power, authority, and leadership. The ruling planet of Magha Nakshatra is Ketu, which represents spiritual liberation and enlightenment. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be powerful, authoritative, and ambitious. They possess strong leadership qualities and are natural visionaries. Magha Nakshatra is associated with power, authority, and leadership.
Purva Phalguni Nakshatra:
Purva Phalguni Nakshatra is the eleventh lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the front legs of a bed and signifies luxury, beauty, and pleasure. The ruling planet of Purva Phalguni Nakshatra is Venus, which represents beauty, art, and love. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be charming, luxurious, and pleasure-seeking. They possess strong creative instincts and are natural artists. Purva Phalguni Nakshatra is associated with luxury, beauty, and pleasure.
Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra:
Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra is the twelfth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the back legs of a bed and signifies responsibility, duty, and service. The ruling planet of Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra is the Sun, which represents vitality, power, and strength. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be responsible, duty-bound, and service-oriented. They possess strong leadership qualities and are natural managers. Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra is associated with responsibility, duty, and service.
Hasta Nakshatra:
Hasta Nakshatra is the thirteenth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the hand and signifies skill, creativity, and dexterity. Emotions, intuition, and nurturing are represented by this lunar mansion. Its ruling planet is Moon. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be skillful, creative, and dexterous. They possess strong problem-solving skills and are natural artisans. It is associated with skill, creativity, and dexterity.
Chitra Nakshatra:
Chitra Nakshatra is the fourteenth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the jewel and signifies beauty, creativity, and craftsmanship. It is ruled by the planet Mars. This lunar mansion represents action, energy, and passion. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be creative, artistic, and passionate. They possess strong aesthetic sense and are natural craftsmen. Beauty, creativity, and craftsmanship are the key associations of Chitra Nakshatra.
Swati Nakshatra:
Swati Nakshatra is the fifteenth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the coral and signifies balance, harmony, and diplomacy. The ruling planet of Swati Nakshatra is Rahu, which represents materialism and desire. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be diplomatic, balanced, and adaptable. They possess strong communication skills and are natural negotiators. Swati Nakshatra is associated with balance, harmony, and diplomacy.

Vishakha Nakshatra:
Vishakha Nakshatra is the sixteenth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the archer’s bow and signifies growth, expansion, and progress. The ruling planet of Vishakha Nakshatra is Jupiter, which represents wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be ambitious, growth-oriented, and progressive. They possess strong leadership qualities and are natural achievers. Vishakha Nakshatra is associated with growth, expansion, and progress.
Anuradha Nakshatra:
Anuradha Nakshatra is the seventeenth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the lotus and signifies devotion, faith, and spirituality. The ruling planet of Anuradha Nakshatra is Saturn, which represents discipline, hard work, and structure. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be devoted, faithful, and disciplined. They possess strong spiritual inclinations and are natural teachers. Anuradha Nakshatra is associated with devotion, faith, and spirituality.
Jyeshtha Nakshatra:
Jyeshtha Nakshatra is the eighteenth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the umbrella and signifies protection, support, and guidance. The ruling planet of Jyeshtha Nakshatra is Mercury, which represents communication, intelligence, and flexibility. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be protective, supportive, and communicative. They possess strong analytical skills and are natural advisors. Jyeshtha Nakshatra is associated with protection, support, and guidance.
Moola Nakshatra:
Moola Nakshatra is the nineteenth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the root and signifies stability, grounding, and foundation. The ruling planet of Moola Nakshatra is Ketu, which represents spiritual liberation and enlightenment. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be stable, grounded, and foundational. They possess strong spiritual inclinations and are natural guides. Moola Nakshatra is associated with stability, grounding, and foundation.
Purva Ashadha Nakshatra:
Purva Ashadha Nakshatra is the twentieth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the elephant tusk and signifies strength, power, and determination. The ruling planet of Purva Ashadha Nakshatra is Venus, which represents beauty, art, and love. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be strong, determined, and ambitious. They possess a strong sense of purpose and are natural leaders. Purva Ashadha Nakshatra is associated with strength, power, and determination.
Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra:
Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra is the twenty-first lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the tusk of an elephant and signifies victory, success, and achievement. The ruling planet of Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra is the Sun, which represents power, energy, and vitality. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be victorious, successful, and ambitious. They possess strong leadership qualities and are natural achievers. Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra is associated with victory, success, and achievement.
Shravana Nakshatra:
Shravana Nakshatra is the twenty-second lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the ear and signifies learning, education, and knowledge. The ruling planet of Shravana Nakshatra is the Moon, which represents the mind, emotions, and intuition. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be knowledgeable, educated, and intuitive. They possess strong communication skills and are natural teachers. Shravana Nakshatra is associated with learning, education, and knowledge.
Dhanishta Nakshatra:
Dhanishta Nakshatra is the twenty-third lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the drum and signifies music, rhythm, and harmony. The ruling planet of Dhanishta Nakshatra is Mars, which represents action, energy, and passion. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be musical, rhythmic, and harmonious. They possess strong creative skills and are natural artists. Dhanishta Nakshatra is associated with music, rhythm, and harmony.
Shatabhisha Nakshatra:
Shatabhisha Nakshatra is the twenty-fourth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the hundred physicians and signifies healing, restoration, and rejuvenation. The ruling planet of Shatabhisha Nakshatra is Rahu, which represents materialism and desire. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be healers, restorers, and rejuvenators. They possess strong intuitive skills and are natural caregivers. Shatabhisha Nakshatra is associated with healing, restoration, and rejuvenation.
Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra:
Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra is the twenty-fifth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the front legs of a cot and signifies stability, support, and protection. The ruling planet of Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra is Jupiter, which represents wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be stable, supportive, and protective. They possess strong analytical skills and are natural advisors. Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra is associated with stability, support, and protection.
Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra:
Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra is the twenty-sixth lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with the back legs of a cot and signifies support, guidance, and protection. The ruling planet of Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra is Saturn, which represents discipline, hard work, and structure. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be supportive, guiding, and protective. They possess strong spiritual inclinations and are natural teachers. Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra is associated with support, guidance, and protection.
Revati Nakshatra:
Revati Nakshatra is the twenty-seventh and final lunar mansion in the Indian astrology system. It is associated with prosperity, abundance, and growth. The ruling planet of Revati Nakshatra is Mercury, which represents communication, intelligence, and flexibility. People born under this Nakshatra are considered to be prosperous, abundant, and growth-oriented. They possess strong communication skills and are natural negotiators. Revati Nakshatra is associated with prosperity, abundance, and growth.

In conclusion, the Nakshatras are a significant part of Indian astrology and provide deep insight into a person’s personality, characteristics, and life path. Each Nakshatra has its unique qualities, symbolism, and ruling planet, which influence a person’s life in different ways. By understanding the Nakshatras and their meanings, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and others, and make informed decisions in our personal and professional lives.
According to some ancient texts and scriptures, there was initially a twenty-eighth Nakshatra known as Abhijit Nakshatra. However, it was later dropped from the traditional list of Nakshatras, and its energy was merged with the adjacent Nakshatras.
The exact reasons behind the exclusion of Abhijit Nakshatra are not clear, and different sources have different theories about it. One theory suggests that Abhijit Nakshatra was dropped because its energy was considered too powerful and intense, and it was believed to create chaos and disturbance. Another theory suggests that it was merged with the adjacent Nakshatras because it was too small in size and could not be easily observed.
Despite its exclusion from the traditional list of Nakshatras, Abhijit Nakshatra still holds some significance in astrology and is used in some advanced calculations and techniques. Some astrologers also consider it as an invisible Nakshatra that influences the energy of the adjacent Nakshatras. However, its exact impact and influence on a person’s life are a matter of debate and interpretation among astrologers.
Leave a Reply