Nakshatras are an important element of wider Indian as well as Vedic Astrology. Nakshatra translates to journey with stars and is interpreted within the realms of Vedic astrology as a lunar mansion. Each Nakshatra encompasses a span of 13°20’ and is subdivided into four quarters Padas measuring 3°20’ each, of which one lunar mansion consists ofApproximately one lunar mansion consists of an entire day. As per Hindu lore there are 27 houses within the nakshatras that can be depicted along the ecliptic.

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These Nakshatras or lunar constellations depict complex relations with the natal moon's houses. The moon manifests to each sign of zodiac in a span of 28 days with each house of the zodiac lasting for around 2.3 days. While the lord of all the nakshatras is the moon, all of the other astrological signs are synchronized with the sun. Further specific lords of each Nakshatra are said to control the planetary positions and present the trajectories of human life.

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Even a cursory glance at the life of a person can tell which nakshatras are benefic for individuals. While each nakshatra has its own unique set of characteristics that can be used to determine the personality of a person, it is the powerful deities Kukuthsa, Parjanya, and Varuna that constitute the governing powers of the nakshatras. These deities endow the 27 nakshatras with individual Shakti (energy) which dominate specific planets in a cyclic order. Each sequence is repeated three times to comprise all the 27 nakshatras: Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury.

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The following is the list of these 27 nakshatras:

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1. Ashwini

• Symbol: Horse’s head

• Deity: Ashwini Kumaras (Twin Horsemen, Physicians of the Gods)

 

2. Bharani

• Symbol: Yoni (Female reproductive organ)

• Deity: Yama (God of Death)

 

3. Krittika

• Symbol: Razor, Flame, Knife

• Deity: Agni (God of Fire)

 

4. Rohini

• Symbol: Ox-cart, Chariot

• Deity: Brahma (Creator God)

 

5. Mrigashira

• Symbol: Deer’s head

• Deity: Soma (Moon God)

 

6. Ardra

• Symbol: Teardrop, Diamond

• Deity: Rudra (Fierce form of Shiva)

 

7. Punarvasu

• Symbol: Bow and Quiver of Arrows

• Deity: Aditi (Mother of the Gods)

 

8. Pushya

• Symbol: Cow’s Udder, Lotus, Wheel

• Deity: Brihaspati (Guru of the Gods)

 

9. Ashlesha

• Symbol: Coiled Serpent

• Deity: Nagas (Serpent Gods)

 

10. Magha

• Symbol: Royal Throne

• Deity: Pitris (Ancestors)

 

11. Purva Phalguni

• Symbol: Hammock, Front Legs of a Cot

• Deity: Bhaga (God of Prosperity)

 

12. Uttara Phalguni

• Symbol: Bed, Four Legs of a Cot

• Deity: Aryaman (God of Noble Conduct)

 

13. Hasta

• Symbol: Hand or Fist

• Deity: Savitar (Sun God)

 

14. Chitra

• Symbol: Pearl, Shining Jewel

• Deity: Vishwakarma (Celestial Architect)

 

15. Swati

• Symbol: Young Sprout, Coral

• Deity: Vayu (Wind God)

 

16. Vishakha

• Symbol: Archway, Potter’s Wheel

• Deity: Indragni (Combination of Indra and Agni)

 

17. Anuradha

• Symbol: Lotus, Archway

• Deity: Mitra (God of Friendship)

 

18. Jyeshtha

• Symbol: Circular Amulet, Earring, Umbrella

• Deity: Indra (King of the Gods)

 

19. Moola

• Symbol: Tied Bunch of Roots

• Deity: Nirriti (Goddess of Destruction)

 

20. Purva Ashadha

• Symbol: Elephant Tusk, Fan

• Deity: Apas (Water Goddess)

 

21. Uttara Ashadha

• Symbol: Elephant’s Tusks, Planks of a Bed

• Deity: Vishvadevas (Universal Gods)

 

22. Shravana

• Symbol: Ear, Three Footsteps

• Deity: Vishnu (Preserver God)

 

23. Dhanishta

• Symbol: Drum, Flute

• Deity: Vasus (Gods of Wealth)

 

24. Shatabhisha

• Symbol: Empty Circle

• Deity: Varuna (God of Cosmic Waters)

 

25. Purva Bhadrapada

• Symbol: Sword, Two Front Legs of a Funeral Cot

• Deity: Aja Ekapada (One-footed Serpent God)

 

26. Uttara Bhadrapada

• Symbol: Twin Back Legs of a Cot

• Deity: Ahirbudhnya (Serpent of the Deep)

 

27. Revati

• Symbol: Drum, Fish

• Deity: Pushan (Nourishing God, Protector of Travel)